Let's Talk...VISIT-ABILITY

VISIT-ABILITY.  Have you heard this term before?  And what on earth does it stand for?  The IDEA Center, located in Buffalo, NY, on the University at Buffalo South Campus in Hayes Hall defines it as: “Visitability is an affordable, sustainable and inclusive design approach for integrating basic accessibility features into all newly built homes and housing”.  In other words, when a new home is built it includes basic features and design that “anybody” can use, including any visitors that may not be able-bodied. 

Eleanor Smith from Atlanta, Georgia formed a group called Concrete Change.  The purpose was to persuade local government, builders, architects, and developers to design and construct homes that would accommodate an individual through their lifespan.  In 1986, Concrete Change sought to make new homes “accessible enough” for a visitor with a disability.  I found it interesting that the concept has taken root in Pima County, Arizona.  In 2002 they put in place a mandatory visitability policy on all new homes.

Visitability Features include:

• one zero step entrance on a accessible path of travel
• 32 inch clear opening at doorway
• accessible circulation throughout the floor plan
• basic access to at least one or half bath on a main floor

Additional features could include:

• lever-style handles at the doors
• reinforcements behind the walls of the bathroom

These are just a few examples that could be included in a new construction.  Access is cost effective if planned for in advance.  Another thing to keep in mind is; if remodeling an existing home is planned for in the future, why not incorporate visitability features into the project?  You won’t regret it.  Need help with visitability for your home?  Contact me at:

Jeanette Knudsen

Design For A Life Span LLC

2036 North Gilbert Road, Ste. 2-214

Mesa, Arizona 85203

480-695-1360

                                           

EASY LIVING - Guidelines For Home Adaptation

I am so excited!!  After several months of research, conversations, field trips, photo taking, building and designing a PowerPoint presentation my colleague, Beth Meyer, and I are ready to present it.  We are offering this as a FREE presentation for seniors.  It features simple no-or-low cost things they can do to make their lives easier and stay in their homes longer.

The presentation, based on Universal Design, takes about an hour to present depending on questions from the audience.  If you know of a group that might like this type of presentation, please feel free to either give them my number or pass this posting on for  scheduling. 

I understand the feelings and dilemma our seniors are facing.  I have seen it first hand with my grandparents, parents and now I myself am approaching this stage in life.  I’m excited about helping others, like me, remain in their homes for as long as they desire.  Just because something in life or our homes is not as easy as it once was, it doesn't mean we have to move.  I can help.

Thank you for your consideration.  You may reach me at:  

Jeanette Knudsen

Design For A Life Span LLC

2036 North Gilbert Road, Ste. 2-214

Mesa, Arizona 85203

480-695-1360

Follow Me:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteknudsen

http://twitter.com/LifespanDesign

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/?ref=home

WHAT'S UP With Project Bea & Pearl?

I received a message on facebook from a friend and fan asking where is my latest post on Bea & Pearl.  Thank you Kim, first for the interest in this project and second for prompting me into action.

Bea celebrated her 98th birthday on the 26th of March.  Her day consisted of numerous phone calls from her large family, each was filled with love and well wishes for a happy birthday.  Her special day found me in Flagstaff for the day with four other designers from the valley.  We had the privilege  of sharing our chosen profession with design students in the NAU (Northern Arizona University) interior design program.  On my way home I stopped by to wish her a happy birthday.  Our visit consisted of us searching for her two movie theater reward cards, as she couldn't remember where she had put them.  Once we found them I helped her retrieve her phone messages, along with answering her incoming phone calls.  Shortly thereafter Pearl and Richard came by the house to pick her up, they were scheduled to see Johnny Depp in the new "Alice in Wonderland" movie.  Hence the frantic search for the movie reward cards.

As for project Bea & Pearl, well it's in a holding pattern at the moment.  I did specify a lift recliner for her and she absolutely adores it.  It has made such a difference for her to easily get into and out of her chair fearlessly with ease and comfort.  During my visit I inquired about moving forward with fulfilling her wish to take a bath.  She said she didn't think so.  When I spoke to Pearl the other day she told me Bea was asking when her bathroom was going to be updated.  Confused are you?  It's quite the dilemma.  At this point a full remodel in either bathroom is not feasible.  If you've ever done a remodel you know what I mean.  The logistic of coordinating and scheduling the trade to come in and make the necessary changes and the natural mess that comes with it.  The disruption would be too much for her and the environment would be a safety issue.  We really don't know how much longer she can continue to live alone.  However there are some wonderful products out there that I can use to improve her current situation and fulfill her desire to take a bath with ease and most importantly safely.

There is a good lesson to be learned here.  We don not know what our future will bring us.  But we do know things are not always what we expected.  Why not plan for the unexpected so when or if it does happen it'll offer us peace of mind?  I don't know about you, but for me I'll plan for the unexpected.  It'll be a gift for my children and family members.                

RETHINKING Project Bea andPearl

Why would I consider reconfiguring Project Bea and Pearl?  Mainly the state of Bea's health, physical as  well a mental.  Bea will be 98 years old on March 26th.  On a recent visit with Bea and Pearl I couldn't help but notice the state of Bea's demure, the color of her skin and her attitude.  During this visit Bea was surrounded by her large family, showered with attention and love.  However her mood was dark and gloomy.  She spoke to anyone who would listen about wanting to be with her deceased husband.  As the visit progressed and the attention to her continued, her state of mind didn't improve.  When she said her goodbyes as the visit ended she left her great grandson's dismayed and upset as she spoke of her demise. 

Pearl tells me since the family gathering Bea has fallen twice in one week.  She needed assistance to get up.  Since she lives alone it required Pearl to travel to her home and help her up off the floor and into her bed.  She refuses to leave her home.  She no longer wants to go out to dinner, see her beloved new released movies in the theater, nor see her favorite acupuncture doctor. 


So, it's time to rethink the scope of this project.  What can be done for her right now to help make her home more of a sanctuary and not a prison of her own making?   

   

Project Bea and Pearl...THE PROBLEM, Part Two

The problem is first and foremost the home itself.  Second is the individual who resides in it and third is the available funds to address the problem.  What have I gotten myself into?  Actually interior designers are problem solvers.  Who have been trained to enhance the function and quality of interior space for the purpose of improving the quality of life for the resident while maintaining their health, safety and welfare.  Tall order...but doable. 

THE HOME: 

• Built in 1976 for able-bodied individuals
• Slippery kitchen floors
• Narrow door ways
• Sunken living room that requires stepping down into it
• Small guest bathroom
• Extremely small combination water closet and shower area in master bedroom, Bea has taken many falls in this room that has left her injured.

THE INDIVIDUAL:

• Bea, 97 yr old widow living alone
• Insistent on living independently in her home
• Refuses to move into assisted living
• Unable to cook for herself
• Gets around with the assistance of a walker
• Weak upper and lower body strength
• No longer drives
• Unable to keep up with the daily, weekly, monthly household chores due to her physical condition
• Dependent on her daughter and caregiver, Pearl, for most of her everyday needs
• Bea FEARS falling and getting injured
• Bea wants to take a bath, something she has not be able to do since her husband passed
• Bea falls out of bed on a regular base.  If you're a single lady and want handsome fire and police men to visit you in the middle of the night...Bea found the secret.  Fall out of bed and call 911.

FUNDS:

• Ultimately the driving force of the project
• Due to Bea's age and the family not knowing how long she can continue to live on her own, funds for the project is limited
• Few improvements to the home since 1976, therefore the family is willing to make modest changes
• The budget is set at $12,000.00 max

The goal of this designer is to address first and foremost Bea's fear of falling and getting injured.  For Pearl, deliver peace of mind in regards to Bea's safety while she is home alone. I will address the function and aesthetics of the two bathrooms, the slippery kitchen floor, prevent Bea from falling out of bed and her most desired wish  to soak in the bath tub.