In most cases, the last thing on our minds when we are building a home is the question, “Could I get around in my home if I were in need of a walker or wheelchair?” Would you believe that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 4 Americans live with a disability? As much as we don’t like to think about the possibility of needing assistance for mobility, it is wise to prepare for this eventuality.
What does ADA stand for? The Americans with Disabilities Act. This act protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and gives them access to public venues, and does not necessarily apply to private residences.
The founder of Starhaven Villas, however, believes that designing a personal residence for the possibility of a disability is vital. He planned for you, so every home could accommodate an individual that needs a walker or wheelchair.
To follow ADA standards requires many different accommodations. We will highlight the main requirements. First, there needs to be access into the home. Second, the doorways and halls must have enough clearance for a walker or wheelchair. Third, cabinets need to be lower. Fourth, access to the shower is a must. Last, grab rails should be available.
The homes at Starhaven Villas have a no-step entry from the garage. The garage is also deeper and wider than the standard garage, so neither exiting your vehicle nor entering your home will ever be a problem.
When you enter any home in the Starhaven Villas community, it is apparent that maneuvering in a wheelchair or walker is of no concern. All doorways are at least 32 inches wide, and all hallways are at least 36 inches wide. You can move freely through these homes.
If you require the assistance of a wheelchair now or in the future, you have the option to build your home with 34-inch-tall cabinets. This will enable you to fully function in your kitchen and bathrooms.
Great thought was given to the design of the showers to enable a smooth transition to the bathing process. The showers in both bedrooms are curb less, allowing a wheelchair or walker to roll right in. This is potentially one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome when someone is no longer able to move themselves around without mechanical assistance.
When thinking about what would be necessary in a home to assist a disabled person, one must always consider the benefits of grab bars in different locations. Grab bars can be added to areas in the bathrooms or any room of the house that would be considered beneficial.
As you ponder the realities of life, remember that if you think ahead and prepare, transitioning will be so much smoother.
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