Barbie Aging in Place
The dream home is now over 50 years old, my sisters haven’t played with Barbie dolls for over 40 years. Given these realities, it occurred to me that maybe Barbie should start looking into The Universal Design Dream House. Here’s 5 places to start:
The Barbie Universal Design Dream Home
1. Adapt main floor of the home for one level living: No-step entry, bathroom and bedroom / Kitchen and laundry on main floor
2. Widen doorways to 36” w/ offset hinges on doors: Doorways are often too narrow for walkers and wheelchairs (or someone carrying packages, widening a plus for all)
3. Install hand-held shower heads and grab bars: These are some of the least expensive changes you can make; great help to those with balance issues
4. Use lever handles on doors and plumbing fixtures: Hand strength can be an issue with all ages–using a simple lever eliminates the struggle w/operating doorknobs/faucets
5. Use “comfort height” toilets: Many people suffer from osteoporosis, arthritis, or temporary injuries and find it hard to stand up from a normal height toilet–a higher toilet (or toilet chair that fits over the existing toilet) helps with this challenge
There is a picture along with the article that is priceless.