It is common to see people picking out their forever homes instead of just a home for a short time as people want to feel a little more financially stable in this uncertain economic time. By owning their forever home, they feel safe and calm because they have a place to grow old and watch their family grow. Yes, this has always been a trend for older people, but now younger people are following this trend and buying their forever homes.
Accommodations
There are some accommodations that people take into consideration for their forever homes that they might not usually think. These things would be seen in a home for an elderly couple to spend the rest of their days. Younger people are thinking of these things, though, because they have elderly family members over for a visit. It is also because many people know that anything can happen, such as a broken leg. These things mean they have to be able to get around in their own home.
Universal Design
These ideas are what universal design is all about, which has become so popular for more and more people. It is all about making sure people can use the space and elements within the scope of every step of their lives. Initially, this universal design started for people who live with disabilities their whole life or are elderly. This style focuses on the fact that everyone passes through their life and battle injuries and illnesses. This means they should have the right kind of home in case these situations come up.
Selwyn Goldsmith
Selwyn Goldsmith was the one that came up with the idea of this style of design. He started Designing for the Disabled to help those live their lives comfortably. He started this concept in 1963. His most significant achievement was his creation fo the dropped curbs, which now has become the standard for building all over the world. It was Ronald Mace that got accredited for the name of the design in 1991. Since this, people have been designing unique products to be included in this design to make it more suitable for a forever home.
Inventions
Many appliance manufacturers are offering different Universal Design features over the years for installation to these forever homes. Each of these features is designed to make life easier for people as they grow old or injured. Each of the things is easy to install into a home and last for a while. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common ones seen and what exactly they are.
Grab Bars
Attractive grab bars for use in homes were once difficult to find. However, manufacturers have slowly come up with many better-looking bars, making this feature a lot easier to have in people’s homes. Grab bars can be installed in a shower to make it easier to bathe, a bathtub to make it easier to get out, and beside the toilet to make it easier to stand up.
Task Lighting
This additional lighting makes it easier to do small and difficult things. Having the proper overhead lighting is essential, no matter what. Still, people are looking for additional lighting that makes it easy for them to focus on certain things as they grow old. Examples of these are moveable wall scones next to a bed or under cabinet lighting.
Threshold-Free Shower
This is where there is no lip around the edge of the shower, allowing someone to walk right into their shower without taking a step. As a Universal Design feature, this helps prevent the shower area from being a tripping hazard. Now some things have to be taken into consideration for this type of shower, such as proper draining.
Wide Doorways
Wide doorways are a must for anyone who might have to use a wheelchair at any point in their home. These doorways are measured to fit a wheelchair through them comfortably without any problems.
Easier Appliances
Some appliance companies create appliances that are easier for people with disabilities, whether they are permanent or temporary, to use. One of these is induction stoves because they prevent burns from happening and fires from starting. Another one of these is appliances that open sideways instead of down, making it easier to open for people in a wheelchair.
Cupboard Handles
Having handles instead of knobs on cabinets is something that is becoming more and more common and popular for people. One reason is that cupboard handles make it easier for people to open their cabinets. Some people end up developing problems with their hands, such as arthritis, which makes it hard for people to grasp a small knob to pull open the door.
Lever Handles
Lever handles are just like having handles instead of knobs. These are for all doors, both indoors and outdoors. They are for people who can not curl their hand to grasp a doorknob.
Threshold-Free Doorways
This one is for the same reason as the showers and made the same way. One of the benefits that this feature offers is preventing anyone from tripping. It also makes it easier for someone who has to use a wheelchair to get around.
Metal Buildings
Metal buildings are an excellent option for a forever home under this design because of their sturdy design and ability to stand up to much abuse. Some people question if they are good at keeping out the elements, but they are. Although made of metal from the outside, but these buildings are sometimes covered with other things. The interior of the building can also be made just like an ordinary house. Several different types of metals can be used, and certain metals can only be used in certain areas.
Steel Buildings
Steel buildings are one of the most common options for buildings made out of metal. This is so because of how durable this metal can be: sturdy enough to stand against harsh elements in a stormy location, or thin and breezy when you are in the hottest of spots. This does not mean people have to pick out a steel building design when they want to build their forever home. There are options though from companies where people can get a predesigned structure that just has to be assembled after it has been purchased. Special facades can also be considered in the design of your steel building.
Article originally published by Forbes Magazine.
