The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was legalized in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
With our aging populations, including parents, and the approximately 73 million baby boomers, it’s becoming increasingly popular to modify areas of our homes so we can stay in place as we or our loved one’s age. By 2030 it is estimated all baby boomers will be 65 or older so planning for the future is extremely important if we all want to live our lives in the comfort of our own homes.
The ADA is not required for private homes, but there are elements that can be used in your home, helping make it more comfortable and safer. Some popular ideas are; barrier-free showers, wider door openings, grab bars, wide spaces for toilets, seats in showers, multiple shower heads on hoses, lower counter tops, and appliances, knee spaces at sinks, higher dishwashers, wider walkways and traffic patterns in kitchens, all to allow you and your love ones to age in place. The National Kitchen and Bath Association have published Kitchen and Bathroom Planning Guides listing elements that can be incorporated into your remodel. Not all modifications will work because of space limitations in your home, but you will be surprised how many will work with a little planning and modification.
For instance, if you are planning a bathroom remodel including a new shower, with some minor modifications, the slab could be depressed and doors eliminated, making the shower barrier-free. In both kitchens and bathrooms, sink cabinets can be modified with a knee space allowing for a seated user to access the sink. In the kitchen, the preparation areas can be lowered allowing a seated resident easy access to the counter. In showers, tubs, and around toilets, grab bars can be installed allowing for safe use of the areas.
Baccaro Construction is a premier “Design and Build” contractor with NKBA certified kitchen and bath designers, working with our clients from the initial “Wish List” to setting the final finishing nail. If you are ready for your first free consultation, call us.
If you have any specific questions or suggestions for future posts, please contact me at Peter@baccaroconstruction.com.