Smart and accessible: homes without barriers

For those relying on a walker or wheelchair, steps and high thresholds are a huge impediment. Ideally, barrier-free apartments or houses should have no-step entries with thresholds at no more than half an inch. Pathways to the front door should be limited to a gradual slope of 1/20, which makes homes accessible for manual wheelchairs. Locking and unlocking the front door might present another challenge. Keys are not always the safest option, especially if your eyesight is impaired or you don’t have a steady hand. In these cases, we recommend installing a smart lock system: with Gira Keyless In, you can open the door either via fingerprint or personal code. This can in fact prove useful for anyone, as you don’t have to worry about losing your keys and locking yourself out.

If your mobility is limited, you want to ensure that there’s enough space to move around without bumping into walls and corners. Doorways should have a minimum width of 36 inches so that wheelchairs can easily pass through. In hallways and most other areas, you will need a radius of about 1.5 to 2 metres to allow for 360-degree turns. You should also prepare for times when you wake up at night and feel disoriented in the dark: it’s a good idea to install smart switches with motion sensors that automatically turn on a dimmed, glare-free light whenever you pass by.

Activities such as cooking or washing dishes can quickly turn into a struggle when you can’t stand up straight. Most conventional kitchens are full of barriers: high sinks, cupboards mounted on the wall, and larger-than-life fridges. But oftentimes, it doesn’t take much to remove these obstacles. Here’s a quick checklist for accessible home setups:

Activities such as cooking or washing dishes can quickly turn into a struggle when you can’t stand up straight. Most conventional kitchens are full of barriers: high sinks, cupboards mounted on the wall, and larger-than-life fridges. But oftentimes, it doesn’t take much to remove these obstacles. Here’s a quick checklist for accessible home setups:

• free space beneath sinks and countertops to fit a wheelchair

• lowered countertops with a maximum height of around 85 cm

• multi-level countertops: there are design concepts that combine different heights (preferably 100 cm for standing and 75 cm for sitting down) to meet the needs of all family members

• low drawers and cabinets: at least 50 % of your storage should be kept at ground level

• refrigerator and freezer side by side (rather than on top of each other)

Just as in the kitchen, sinks and shelves should be placed at a height that is reachable from different positions (standing up or sitting down). Another essential feature for bathrooms in accessible homes: grab bars mounted at key spots next to the toilet and shower. In a modern design, they can even serve as stylish accents on the wall. The shower itself should provide enough space to fit a wheelchair or stool and two people at once, in case the help of a caretaker is needed. You should always opt for a curbless entry – even if you don’t have any physical impairments. Ground-level showers makes it easier and safer to move around on wet floors, especially for small children and elderly people. A channel drain will furthermore reduce the risks of accidents, as the water runs off a lot faster.  

At first glance, areas such as the bedroom or living room may seem less difficult to navigate than the kitchen or bathroom. But for people with handicaps, they can pose various challenges. Consider carpets, for example: if you are using a walker or wheelchair, you will have a hard time trying to cross the room. Accessible homes should have solid flooring made from hardwood or linoleum, without fluffy or slippery rugs. Visually impaired people furthermore benefit from furniture pieces that feel distinct to the touch: textured fabrics and unique shapes can help them find their way around the house.    

Modern technology plays a major role in facilitating daily routines for all of us. If you are physically impaired, smart systems can remove a variety of barriers. Functions such as lights, blinds, and heating can now all be controlled without even pressing a switch. Depending on your capabilities (or preferences), there are several alternatives to choose from:

• automated time schedules

• remote access via app

• voice command

The latter proves particularly helpful for people with limited mobility or eyesight. Using the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, all it takes to turn on the lights is a simple sentence. It works just as well if you want to listen to music, make some fresh coffee, or check the current time.