Photo courtesy of Lagois Design Build Renovate
By Herb Lagois
It’s just a fact of life: many of us will encounter disabilities, either permanent or temporary, at some juncture in our lives.
This really hit home with me recently because of a loved one having surgery.
I learned it’s little things that can make a big difference: things like automatic door openers that stay open long enough for you to get through at your own pace; things like an absence of awkward floor transitions or “slippery” area rugs that are trip hazards. Things like stairways with rock solid railings, doors that are actually large enough for a walker or wheelchair; higher toilets, non-slip shower floors, showers that have grab bars.
I have always felt it’s prudent to think about future consequences when designing your home renovations, but my recent experience confirmed it.
How often have you been in the thick of things and completely missed the larger picture? That was me. It didn’t dawn on me that our wonderful Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) was right there for times like this for in-home meal services, home care, and connections to other services such as respite care. Kelly Dumas, CEO of ROSSS, suggested respite care at Manotick Place. I wish I had known about Manotick Place a few weeks earlier, because in our situation expert care would have helped.
Your design professional must include accessibility as a design factor. How we live in place with a holistic view to the future is as important as space planning and aesthetics.
There are many flex design options such as being able to live on your main floor in case there is ever a time where recovery is needed or you have mobility-challenged parents visiting – for example, a room that could become a temporary bedroom and a washroom on the same level. Some people plan for eventual live-in care or multigenerational living within their home or property, and holistic design can allow for this.
Stairs can be designed with less rise and a bit wider to accommodate handrails on two sides. If you don’t have things right now like higher toilets, grab bars, lifts or additional handrails, you can have the backing in place for them for the future. You might also consider space for an elevator someday.
These are all conversations you might consider before you need to make changes and not when it might be too late.
It’s the little things, at any stage of life, that keep you safe and comfortable.
Herb Lagois is the founder of Lagois Design-Build-Renovate.