Which knob offers the most benefits for YOU?

Think about all the knobs you turn on and off every day. How can do this daily activity with less effort? Looking at these three knobs, why are all the “gadgets” attached to the knobs? And why the door lever?

Let’s review the features and benefits to consider for YOUR physical challenge or lifestyle (reviewed from left to right).
Your choice may be based on a combination of these factors: ease of use, safety, value / pricing, attractiveness, availability, quality and color selection. Let’s review each knobs from left to right!

*Blue faucet grip: great for faucets in the bathroom and/or shower to denote cold. These are sold in a pair of red and blue and are often helpful for those with dementia.

*Glow in the dark grip (ivory color in the photo) has rubber extensions on both sides and ribbed textured all around. They are very helpful for anyone who suffers from arthritis or fibromyalgia. This grib enables you to open the door with a fist, elbow or arm to open a door. Keep in mind, to glow in the dark, the room will need sunlight. The other option is a clear grip.

*White grip offers the ability to protect the wall behind the door, but that may be it. It has no texture or enabling gripping surface or shape to help open doors.

*Lever door handles are the most effective hardware for doors using the principles of universal design. It wins the award for ease of use, attractiveness, availability, safety and quality. While it is the most expensive option which requires installation time and talent, it is worth the investment!

Resources:Great Grips: http://www.GreatGripstv.com

Do you have any other options for door or sink faucet hardware other than a single lever faucet in the shower or sinks? We welcome your gadgets, gizmos and tools to make life easier!

Which adhesive tape has best anti-slip features?

Which tape has the best non-slip textured features for fall prevention?

Room / Area of home:
any step, stair or change of elevation (except those with carpet)

WHY is it important to have a non-slip / non-skid tape on steps and stairs?

Envision this:

*you know there is a step in your garage, but your hands are full and the garage is dark. Non-slip textured, colored tape applied to the step/s, may help reduce your risk of falling.

*when traveling down the step, the textured strip may remind you the change of surface is coming soon!

WHICH has the best features and benefits?
*this texture, like sandpaper or grit, helps you “feel” the change of surface
*red color is easier for aging eyes to see than the yellow color
*the width of the non-slip strip will depend on how “deep” your step is

SMART Choice:

*the bright color, rather than black or gray is better and the textured strip is better than just tape, to enable you to feel the change of elevation.

Resources:
Retail Stores: Most hardware or home improvement stores

Online Stores: http://www.noskidding.com/antisliptape.html

Pricing:
LOW – approxmately $3-5.00 per step of 24′ – 36″ width

22 “Accessibility Search Fields” NOW on ARMLS for Realtors to showcase home’s features

Are you aware that since November 2009, the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) added 22 “accessibility search fields” for buyers to FIND accessible, universal and barrier-free design features? This works for sellers too – when preparing a listing, they can showcase the accessible and universal design features their home offers!

WHY is this such great news? There is more demand for features of homes incorporating UNIVERSAL DESIGN – to be used by ALL. Whether you or your potential buyer is a boomer, a Gen X or Gen Y, a senior or a disabled person, Universal is a good thing – in fact, it is a GREAT way to design or modify your home!

22 Disability / Accesssibility Search Fields offered in ARMLS:
– Zero-grade entry to home
– Widened doorways and access 36”
– Widened hallways, 36”
– Hard surface flooring/low nap carpeting
– Bathroom: roll-in shower
– Bathroom: raised toilet
– Bathroom: grab bars
– Bathroom: roll-under sink
– Bathroom: lever faucets
– Kitchen: appliances / lowered / secured / side-by-side
– Kitchen: lower counters and prep surfaces
– Kitchen: roll-under sink and range-top (single row burners)
– Kitchen: lowered cabinetry
– General: lever handles
– General: tactile, visual markers
– General: closet hang bars 15” to 48”
– Ramps
– Stair lifts
– Remote operation devices: doors, lights, locks, appliances
– Exterior: curb cuts

Do you want a Home Assessment for solutions to modify your home to provide Universal design features? Call Kim at 480 392 3436 or email: Kim@SafeAginginPlace.com or visit: http://www.AdaptLikeTHAT.com