Ensuring comfort and independence in environments for aging.
Ensuring accessibility and compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in senior living facilities is not just about keeping in line with the law; it’s an opportunity within the design community to provide equitable and inclusive care for older adults. Consideration of hardware, fabrics, and furniture can significantly enhance the living experience for seniors, while addressing their unique needs and challenges. It also provides areas to add personality and vibrancy.
Hardware, such as door handles and faucets, is a great starting point to ensure the space is accessible and functional. Opting for lever-style handles, like this Rocky Mountain Hardware Edge Entry Set, can greatly assist seniors with limited hand mobility. Levers require less grip strength and are easier to operate, reducing strain and potential accidents. Incorporating touchless faucets not only promotes hygiene but also aids those with dexterity issues. Check out Delta Leland: Touch20 Kitchen Faucet with Touchless Technology, great for assisted living apartments.
Fabric selection plays a crucial role in ensuring comfort and safety in senior living environments. Durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to allergens and pathogens are considerations when choosing the right materials. Antimicrobial fabrics like Wishes by Anzea can help mitigate the risk of infection spread, while stain repellent materials such as Pallas Textiles’ Axis simplify maintenance tasks. Moreover, textiles with contrasting colors and patterns can aid visually impaired residents in distinguishing between different surfaces and furniture pieces.
Furniture should prioritize ergonomics and accessibility. Pieces with adjustable features such as height enable customization to individual preferences and requirements. Smooth, rounded edges like Expormim’s Grada Square Coffee Table, minimize the risk of injuries caused by accidental bumps or falls. Soft seating like the Blaire 3 Seater Sofa by StyleNations, provides place for respite, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Layouts need to provide enough spacing to accommodate maneuverability and easy navigation of wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Designing senior living facilities while keeping accessibility and ADA compliance in mind ensures that residents can feel at home. Empowering individuals with hardware, fabric choices, and furniture that not only keep them safe, but also allows them independence, creates meaningful connections with their environment.
Read more about the types of facilities available to seniors in Design Empowered Environments for Aging.
