Universal Design (UD) is the practice of designing buildings, products or environments so that everyone in society can use and reach every space equally. Universal Design for seniors, then, means designing with older adults in mind — from Universal Design homes and senior-friendly bathrooms to lifts for the elderly.
Universal Design — also known as Inclusive Design — has become a leading approach in the home-building industry, much like Next-Gen homes. Universal Design blends what you need today with what you will need tomorrow. These designs give you the option of staying independent and remaining in your own home. Wider hallways and doorways so a wheelchair can pass, counters and vanities with open space underneath and no pulls or shelves set too low (so a wheelchair can roll right up), and curbless showers and thresholds. A seamless transition from the house out to the terrace or deck, and framing in a lift shaft that doubles as a closet (if and until a lift is actually needed) are worth considering as well.
A home lift developed for older adults — the Cibes Air
Universal Design is no substitute for assistive technology, but it benefits people with functional limitations and society as a whole, helping people stay self-reliant and take a fuller part in social life. Many households run into problems, especially those with older family members: “the stairs keep getting harder to climb”, “daily routines are becoming a challenge”. These are common issues for seniors and people with disabilities. Cibes Lift, a home-lift company with a direct presence in Thailand, sets out the principles of design for everyone in the article below.
A home built for Universal Design (UD)
The 7 Principles of Universal Design (UD) for Seniors
1. Equitable Use
Design that is useful and marketable to people of all abilities. For example, counters or table surfaces whose height can be raised or lowered to suit users of different heights, a ramped entrance for seniors who use a wheelchair, or a home lift so everyone can reach every floor of the house safely.
2. Flexibility in Use
Design flexible enough to accommodate individual preferences and abilities. For example, captioned video lets people choose to listen or to read in order to follow the content. That not only gives access to older adults with hearing loss, it also suits seniors who would rather not use sound and those who take things in better by reading.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
Design that is easy to understand — one look and you know how to use it — so older users need no particular language skills, knowledge, experience or high level of concentration. For example, a well-organised website with clear headings makes information easy to find.
4. Perceptible Information
Design that communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. For example, video with audio description for older adults with low vision, or Braille.
5. Tolerance for Error
Design that minimises the hazards and adverse consequences of accidents or unintended actions. For example, fitting a senior’s room with non-slip surfaces, or appliances that switch off automatically when not in use — electric hobs, ovens or coffee machines.
6. Low Physical Effort
Design that can be used efficiently and comfortably with a minimum of effort. For example, automatic doors in public buildings or senior housing cut the force needed to push or pull a heavy door, and sensor taps remove the need to twist a handle at all.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space for approach and reach, regardless of the user’s body size or posture. For example, designing doorways at least 32 inches (81 centimetres) wide lets older adults using a walker or a wheelchair pass through with ease.
A customer using a wheelchair
The goal of Universal Design is to make things usable by people with a wide range of characteristics — whatever their age, gender, height, build or physical impairment. Universal Design is the principle of designing so that everyone can use and reach a space effortlessly.
Cibes Lift Thailand understands what it takes to design for people of every kind, so that everyone in the family can use the lift, with the user always at the centre. Our home lifts are made for exactly this: a standard wheelchair is typically 700-800 mm wide and 1,100-1,200 mm long, and we also offer lifts that carry a wheelchair for older users. If you need a lift for a 2-6 storey home, a platform lift or a cabin lift is an excellent choice — and it adds value to your property too.
Cibes Air, a home lift for older adults
Interested in a Lift for Elderly or Need More Information? Contact Us Here
Talk to Cibes Lift Thailand today about accessibility in your home or building. Call 02 114 6499. See more compact lift options under home lifts, and if you have questions about what it costs to install one, read more in our home lift price article. Visit our website at www.cibeslift.co.th
