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Constructing accessible homes in which residents can age in place comfortably and safely is a cinch “if you plan ahead,” says Larry Medinger, the designer of Ashland’s new Aleph Springs neighborhood.
Medinger should know. Over a 10-year period, he built more than 200 accessible detached and condominium homes for the nearby Mountain Meadows Retirement Community.
“There’s really very little difference in building these homes and conventional homes, but the differences can be critical for the comfort and welfare of residents,” he says.
“Among other things, there have to be no steps between the interiors and the garages or front walks. Also, doorways and passages should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and each home should have carefully designed bathrooms.”
With regard to other details, doorknobs, cabinet pulls and faucets are designed to be more easily grasped and wall plugs and dishwashers easier to reach. “And,” says Medinger, “the best part is they have to be beautiful to look at and comfortable to live in.”
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