Universal Design for Multi-generational Living and Aging in Place

One of the growing trends in the remodeling industry is multi-generational living, accelerated by the pandemic. Young adults have moved back in with their parents in many cases, while grandparents have joined the households of their adult children to help with child-care while those parents work from home.  The practice of designing spaces that are free of barriers and accommodate a range of ages and abilities has become known as Universal Design (in Europe known as DFA - Design for All).

After the 1990 ADA Act, businesses had to retrofit buildings and rest rooms to accommodate employees with disabilities. This grew to include the residential market with an eye toward building and remodeling homes to serve a range of needs. Although not a new phenomenon, the impact of the pandemic and multi-generational living has increased demand for Universal Design certified kitchen and bath professionals who specialize in aging in place and accessibility design skills.

Understanding the Needs of Our Clients

When developing and designing our clients’ projects, we go through a thorough interview process to understand your unique wants and needs. Do you have young children at home? Do you care for your aging parents? Are you approaching retirement and want to make sure your home suits your needs in the coming years?  Based on these discussions, we often recommend incorporating universal design features in our projects, mindful of current family members, aging in place, and resale.

Some of the most common Universal Design features used today in residential design are:

1)    Curbless or no threshold showers (See image below)

2)    Surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant

3)    Wide interior doors (3'0"), hallways, and alcoves with 60" × 60" turning space at doors and dead-ends

4)    Door handles that are easier to use such as lever handles or automatic door opening devices

5)    Flatter light switches

6)    Grip handles in showers and tubs

7)    Pullout shelving in kitchens (and microwave drawers)

8)    Good light sources especially task lighting

9)    No thresholds between rooms

10)  Shallower depth of counters when necessary; lower height of counters when necessary

An example of a “curbless” shower which means there is no threshold or barrier for entering the shower. A wheelchair or walker could be used. The toilet has a washlet unit which is also a universal design feature.

Appliance drawers are another example of Universal Design. Here is how we incorporated one into our West Roxbury kitchen renovation.