What features does your ideal laundry area need?

Laundry Room 

Consider the following if you are planning on changes in your laundry area

Located on main floor

Wide doorway

Easy walk space in and out of room

        and in front of appliances

Front loading washer on a pedestal

Front loading dryer on a pedestal

Easy to read button controls on front of appliances

        (Think vision impaired & easy to reach when seated)

Cabinets with D or bar handles

Adjustable or varied height counters

Contrasting edges on counter tops

Adjustable, open shelving without doors

Wall mounted sink(s)

Pull out drying rack

Rod for hangers (can use tension rod inside a shelf)

Rod to hang clothing to air dry

Rod or hook to hang clothing to take to dry cleaner

Plenty of lighting

Non-slip flooring surface

Supplies reachable from seated position

Wall mounted, adjustable ironing board

Iron

Steamer

Rolling hamper(s)

Folding clothing basket or hamper

Small cart or rolling table to help transfer clean clothing

Adjustable height surface on which to fold clothing

Posted washing instructions for operation of appliances,  

        & stain treatments

Container for items left in pockets

Lint removal tool

Trash can

Container for donation items

Small basic sewing kit (buttons, hems, seams)

Anticipate future needs when remodeling your bathroom.

Bathroom

Located on main level

Located close to master bedroom

Entry into bathroom has a flush threshold

No rugs on floor

Windows easy to reach and open or close

Wide shower, curbless if possible

Shower has adjustable showerhead with 6 foot hose

        (Additional lower holder for shower head a plus)

Walls can accommodate grab-bars in multiple heights

        and  locations as needed,

        both inside and outside the shower

Seat available for shower use

Flooring is slip-resistant

Good lighting in room and shower stall

Grab bars where needed

Raised height oval toilet seat

Counters heights work safely for residents

        Base of any cabinets can accommodate

        wheelchair-accessibility

Countertops have contrasting-color edges

D-ring or bar handles on any cabinet doors or drawers

Lever handle faucet

Open shelves/glass front doors on cabinets

Toilet paper rolls can be changed with use of one hand

One moveable toilet paper stand

Emergency call button/baby monitor

Upgrade any wiring to include GFI features

Timed Auxiliary exhaust/heating in ceiling

Easy access to extra supplies

Phone or emergency call access in room

Hamper(s) available

Covered trash can available

Liquid pump hand soap

Liquid pump sanitizer available

Disposable towels available after hand washing

No scald features on shower and faucets

Any supplies checked regularly for expiration dates

No storage of medications in bathroom

Enough open space to turn wheel chair 

     around within boundaries of the room—

     usually a 5 foot square area

An Oasis for Resting in the Bedroom

Bedroom

(Yes, repeats many of same things

that living room information advocates)

Lever handles on doors

Automatic motion sensor lights in case your hands are full   when you enter the room at night

Adequate, unencumbered area beside door entrances in the         event you are entering using a walker or wheel chair

        (Doorways need to have at least a 32 inch clearance,

         34 to 36 inches is better)

Landing areas in case you’re carrying something,

        (Both beside door & next to seating)

Clear, wide, walk-space furniture arrangement

Natural daytime lighting

Remove throw rugs or secure any rugs to floor

Install highest allowed daylight light bulbs in fixtures

Rocker style light switches

Smoke and carbon monoxide detector

Easy access telephone

Easy access emergency flashlight or wall lighting

Automatic lighting if necessary

Electrical cords out of the way to prevent tripping hazard

Furniture that “fits” you

Chairs with correct depth, height, arm and back support

        (Varies according to body type and physical limitations)

Consider a side table or movable cart on both sides of bed

Consider a movable cart for clothing addition

        and removal

Any “rolling” furniture needs to have a “lock” feature

Darker walls and light-blocking window treatments

        help induce better sleep

Convenient trash can

Remove any obstacles or hazards

Furniture that fits your life, room, & style

Chair valet with seat

Alarm Clock with overhead time projection

D or bar handles on all drawers in furniture

Headboard/Footboard with grab posts or rails

Adjustable height bed frame

Adequate space around bed area

Reading light beside bed

Step stool

Remove any cardboard or “dust catchers”

Sitting/reading area, opt.

Full length Mirror

Dressing table

Jewelry chest/safe

CLOSETS

Easy access opening

Inside lighting

Adjustable shelves, racks, rods, hooks

Special adaptive shelving

Clear or labeled baskets/container—

        corrals small items

Shoe containers or rack

Hamper

Removal bin

Place for seasonal items

Place for special events/sporting apparel

Living Room Adaptions , Additions, and/or Changes to Consider

Living Room

Lever handles on doors

Automatic motion sensor lights in case your hands are full   when you enter the room at night

Adequate, unencumbered area beside door entrances in the         event you are entering using a walker or wheel chair

        (Doorways need to have at least a 32 inch clearance,

         34 to 36 inches is better)

Landing areas in case you’re carrying something,

        (Both beside doors & next to seating)

Clear, wide, walk-space furniture arrangement

Natural daytime lighting

Remove throw rugs or secure any rugs to floor

Install highest allowed daylight light bulbs in fixtures

Rocker style light switches

Smoke and carbon monoxide detector

Easy access telephone

Easy access emergency flashlight or wall lighting

Automatic lighting if necessary

Electrical cords out of the way to prevent tripping hazard

Furniture that “fits” you

Chairs with correct depth, height, arm and back support

        (Varies according to body type 

           and physical limitations)

Consider a side table for both sides of chair

Consider leaving space for a lift chair

Any “rolling” furniture needs to have a “lock” feature

Note--lighter walls and floor covering colors 

           in addition to better lighting 

           improves vision perception

Convenient trash can

Remove any obstacles or hazards

Furniture that fits your life, room, & style

Movable cart-based on needs

Corral for electronic controls

Book/magazine rack

Reading lamp

Examples of my personal adaptations—

Decreased clutter

Added open space for walking

Removed a queen hide-a-bed sofa

Removed recliner love seat

Removed a heavy, deep-depth love seat

Acquired lighter, easier-moved chairs

        (Sturdy arms, good back support)

Converted heavy coffee table to bench

        Added a fitted seat cushion

        (Now placed against wall-

         good spot to remove shoes)

Replaced foot stool with small bean-bag chair--

         allows extra seating, soft, easier to move.

Added Side tables (shelf underneath)