Adaptive Living

• Ensure entrance ways are minimum width of 36 inches—the standard clearance for most standard motorized wheelchairs
• Ensure all interior doorways and transition areas (hallways) are a minimum of 32 inches wide
• Follow a zero-to-minimum threshold policy for all entry/exit ways and interior doorways
• Dedicate room for ramp or chairlift access if existing entryways have stairs

• Adjust heights of electrical outlets (higher) and light switches (lower) to limit the need for reaching or stooping
• Consider integrated automation with voice and/or remote controls for lights, audio, screens and appliances; this is incredibly helpful for all kinds of adaptive needs (mobility, sight, hearing); powering on/off or adjusting settings can happen quickly from any location
• Choose windows that open outward with lowered catch and frame designs; windows opening inward impede usable interior space; windows opening upward might be unreachable or difficult to push up/pull down
• Choose smooth, durable, easy-to-clean flooring material and pay attention to rug locations; hard surfaces are ideal, but thinner carpet materials work, too
• Use lever-based handles, not knobs, for doors (especially for entrance/exit doors), cabinets and furniture; the ability to extend and reach, and the necessary strength and dexterity to twist, aren’t always an option
• Consider light fixtures and placements that avoid overhead glares (wall versus overhead mounts); think about under-cabinet lighting—will countertops block them for wheelchair users?; LED lighting is also useful with softer luminary options and offers longer life (less frequent need to replace)

• Be aware that primary residents with adaptive needs should always have first-floor access to bedroom/bath areas; combining these spaces for functionality and privacy is ideal; proximity and easy access between is a must
• Prioritize the bed/bath area if you must choose between a bigger family room or a bigger bedroom/bathroom

• Remember countertop height, lower vanity and sink heights + wheelchair clearance below
• Design roll-in showers with open entryways (no door) and without thresholds
• Include lowered-height shower-head controls + handheld shower
• Choose smaller tiles, which requires more grout and help avoid slipping and sliding when wet
• Consider elongated, higher lavatory bowls and seats for easier use/wheel transfers
• Install grab bars in shower and lavatory areas; the bare minimum is to rough in stud supports in the walls so they are ready to install when needed
• Dedicate storage space for a shower chair, if possible

• Make sure bedrooms for two adaptive users can accommodate an oversized mattress with 32-inch chair clearance on the sides and foot of the bed
• Integrate bedroom furniture and other features; for example, bedside tables with easy-to-open storage and attached light fixture
• Ensure hanging bars in closets are lower; storage for clothes and other personal items are built into the room and/or have pull-down drawers for easier opening/closing
• Prioritize clearance and open space for easy navigation and access to everyday, personal items

• Make sure at least one entryway accommodates wheelchairs or other adaptive needs
• Ensure all porches, patios and balconies are large enough to accommodate 360-degree radial turns for wheelchairs and other mobility assists
• Heighten handrails and balusters to eliminate sliding or falling
• Consider covered stoops to allow for use in rain
• Attach mailboxes to house 15-48 inches above the ground; same height for other features such as door chimes, light switches and alarm systems
• Consider hardscape over lawns for easier wheelchair use and navigation with integrated raised beds and planters for gardening
• Avoid choosing tree, shrub and landscape plants that produce seasonal debris or require regular maintenance; native species are easiest to take care of, and conifer trees don’t drop leaves
• Ensure covered garages/carports are set back from the street to shield wheelchair users from the weather during vehicle transfers, provide privacy and minimize hazards from traffic
• Consider storing tools and yard equipment in bins versus tool sheds
• Install motion-sensored flood lights in outdoor transition areas for safe travel
• Utilize timers for lighting and watering
• Choose solar-powered lawn decor for less maintenance and longer life

When getting into the adaptive living mindset, there are lots of straightforward principles and standards to keep in mind, but it’s not just about the material and physical world.

• Social perception:
  • People with adaptive needs and aging adults are not accepted as “normal” in public life. Social stigmas and ignorance create immaterial debilitating environments that make it uncomfortable, undesirable or even unsafe to leave home. Of all the barriers BoundaryLess Living is working to eliminate, social misconception is one of the most important. 
• Time:
  • Because mainstream design excludes diverse applications and benefits, morning and evening routines take a lot longer for people with adaptive needs and schedules may have to accommodate that extra time.
  • If you live in a wheelchair and drive a vehicle, most adaptive cars require you to transfer between your wheelchair and driver’s seat at the beginning and end of each trip. Consider running errands—the bank, the grocery store, the doctor’s office—that’s a lot of physical energy and added time.
  • When daily activities take longer, sure, that means less expendable time and more planning, but it also means people with adaptive needs must be more patient, both with their environment and themselves. This can be mentally and emotionally draining in addition to physically exhausting.
• Relying on others:
  • Most people with adaptive needs and aging adults rely on support from others. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and there are entire industries dedicated to this meaningful work. But our homes, neighborhoods and communities aren’t set up to make these care-based relationships as convenient and impactful as they could be.  
  • One feature of adaptive living we overlook is supporting caregivers within the home. Hired professionals providing long-term care can have designated areas in the house for breaks, meals, respite, even part- or long-term residency.