Released on = March 8, 2007, 12:47 pm

Press Release Author = Arlene Wites/The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Modifying the Home for Multiple Generations

Press Release Body = March 8, 2007 -- There are choices for baby boomers and their
aging parents who are determined to live out their lives in the comfort of their own
homes, even if facing the potential of health and physical disabilities as they grow
older. Maintaining independence and a good quality of life can be achieved with just
a few modifications and adjustments. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
incorporates teaching Aging in Place trends into its Interior Design curriculum.

"As people age they want to remain as independent as possible for as long as
possible," says Jan Merle, Interior Design faculty member at The Art Institute of
Fort Lauderdale. "That includes being able to stay in their own home, a familiar
environment with often many years of family memories that they cherish. People can
be happier and remain healthier longer by adapting their homes in advance to
accommodate a disability and, to avoid being ripped out of their homes and their
lives and thrown into the nursing home environment."

A professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and a State of
Florida Registered Interior Designer, Merle suggests considering the following when
redesigning a home for aging individuals. All of the dimensions cited, including
doorway widths, ramps, accessible route, heights of toilets, wheelchair turning
diameter, heights of electrical switches and outlets, and heights and locations of
grab bars at toilets and showers, etc., are required by federal law according to the
Americans with Disabilities Act for non-residential interiors, and the Fair Housing
Act for applicable residential structures. The only exception is counter heights in
residential kitchens and baths, which are only suggestions and are not yet regulated
by federal law.

For wheelchair accessibility, mount light switches no more than 48\" above the floor,
and electrical outlets at least 15\" above the floor; build interior and exterior
doorways at least 32\" wide clear opening (typically using a 36\" wide door); and at
least one exterior doorway should have a ramp. Have a 36\" wide \"accessible route\"
into, out of, and through all rooms for wheelchair access -- less clutter is better.

Lever-style handles are being used instead of knobs for doors, faucets and cabinet
pulls, to accommodate people with arthritis or other disability that keeps them from
easily manipulating (grasping/twisting/pulling) typical doorknobs. Another option is
to use pull-out drawers instead of cabinet doors in kitchen and bath.

In the bathroom, toilets (seat heights) are getting higher, up to 17\" to 19\",
instead of the conventional 15\" height and bathroom vanities are getting higher for
taller people (34\" to 36\") and lower for people in wheelchairs (32\"). Install
plywood reinforcing behind the drywall around toilets and in showers and tubs in
case they even need to mount grab bars for disabled access. Grab bars are always
mounted at 33\" to 36\" above the floor. Install a seat in the shower near the shower
head, which should be detachable and mounted on an adjustable height bracket. People
with a two story home must make sure there is a fully equipped bedroom and bath on
the ground floor. Think spacious, open areas -- a wheelchair needs a 60\" diameter
space to turn around in.

Kitchen counters are being customized lower for people who use wheelchairs (32\") -
but this creates a problem with typical under counter appliances (dishwasher, etc.)
Design under-sink cabinets in kitchen and bath with removable door fronts, to enable
a wheelchair to roll under.

For other areas around the house instead of carpeting, use more hard surface floors
(marble, wood, tile, bamboo, cork, etc.) throughout. It is easier for wheelchairs to
navigate. Sofas and chairs are being made with higher, shallower and firmer
cushions, and with arms to make getting in and out easier. Don\'t design narrow
hallways, pantries or walk-in closets. Pocket doors require less space to maneuver
than swing doors. Anything that can be motorized/automated (garage doors, window
treatments, beds, lights) improves access.

Merle (http://jm09134.aisites.com/resume.htm) teaches business (basic and advanced
level courses), specifications and ergonomics. He recently became LEED AP,
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Accredited Professional) which is a
national exam-certified credential from the US Green Building Council. He holds a
Master of Science degree in Urban & Regional Planning (Housing Specialty) from
Florida State University, a Bachelor of Art degrees in Sociology from Boston
University, and completed coursework in interior design from Miami Dade Community
College.

For information about The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Interior Design
program, contact 1.800.275.7603 or www.aifl.edu.

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale www.aifl.edu is one of The Art Institutes
(www.artinstitutes.edu), with 34 educational institutions located throughout North
America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary
arts professionals.



Web Site = http://www.aifl.edu

Contact Details = The Art Institue of Fort Lauderdale
1799 SE 17 Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
1.800.275.7603