Because as they say, “It happens.”
Visitable design features are not exclusively for the sick and disabled. They allow homeowners to entertain friends and/or relatives with mobility limitations, who may use a cane, walker or wheelchair (thus the term visit). The features also allow homeowners to remain in the home regardless of their stage in life. Whether it be new parents navigating a baby carriage through the wider doors, or the weekend athlete who sprains an ankle and appreciates the zero-step threshold when navigating on crutches; or the baby boomer that has knee or hip surgery and appreciates the turnaround space in the bathroom when utilizing a wheelchair. Whether one is a home dweller or visitor, all will be appreciative of the features that go unnoticeable until needed.
Visitability is a term used to describe basic accessibility, into and around the home; and with approximately 70 million baby boomers in the US and an estimated 49.7 million people nationally having some type of impairment, along with wounded war veterans returning home every day, designing homes with visitability in mind has become more beneficial than ever before.
Visitable features to consider incorporating are: zero-step entries; 32-inch interior doors; and a first floor that includes access to an entertainment area, the kitchen, at least one sleeping room and a full bathroom with maneuverable space. All of which can be designed to be ‘invisible’ to homeowners and guests unless needed, and not institutional as some would expect. Please visit the photo gallery to view pictures of homes that have incorporated visitable features. You can also download a copy of the checklist.
