One of the basic principles of Universal Design, also called ageless design, is that it makes homes more practical and safer for everyone. Not just the elderly or people with limited mobility. Universal design features are an everyday fact of life for many households. You don’t have to be a pro designer to incorporate this smart thinking into your own home. Keep these universal design features in mind:
- Switch out doorknobs for lever-style handles. Doorknobs require lots of dexterity and torque to open; with levers, you simply press and go. Makes sense for folks with arthritis, of course, but think about an emergency situation when everyone—including small kids—needs to exit fast: a lever handle is a safe, foolproof way to open a door.
- Anti-scald devices for your bathroom prevent water from reaching unsafe temps. An anti-scald shower head reduces water flow to a trickle if the water gets too hot. An anti-scald faucet device replaces your faucet aerator and also reduces hot water flow.
- Motion sensor light controls add light when you need it. They come in a variety of styles and simple technologies. You simply stick them into existing receptacles; then, plug your table or floor lamps into them. When the sensor detects motion, it turns on the light. They’re great for 2 a.m. snacking, or if your young kids are at the age when they migrate into your bed in the middle of the night. The lights turn off after about 10 minutes if no more motion is detected.
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