Other simple examples can be changing out light switches and sockets on walls to increase contrasting colours so for example, brass switches on a light coloured wall. Offering alternative lighting options can also have a huge impact on mood, behaviour and general wellbeing. Flooring can be a huge issue for many people, with flooring transitions becoming confusing or a trip hazard. Something as simple as running the same level access flooring throughout the main areas of the home can be hugely impactful or using colour on skirting boards to enhance the depth perception. For someone with sensory issues who may hate the feeling or the sound of the shower, we will specify particular shower heads or shower units that can make the experience more comfortable. We explore furniture and seating options that may be more supportive to an individual’s physical needs but still blend into the home environment.
For individuals looking to build a future-proofed home we recommend reinforcing stud walls so that in time, they can be fitted with supports if needed. While they’re paying slightly more in the short term, it will save a huge amount in retrofitting costs further down the line. Making sure there is a downstairs bathroom, wider door widths, level access flooring and appropriate turning spaces is essential when designing initial plans. This ensures in the future, should further accessibility redesign be required, the structure is there to do just that – avoiding any unnecessary retrofit costs.
What is something that you wish more people knew about changing needs in our homes?
We think it’s natural to be overwhelmed when it comes to redesigning your home for changing needs. There is a lot of stigma and emotion tied up in it. We would love for people to know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Changing needs are a natural part of life and something we would love to see embraced more in Irish society. Changing needs can be as simple as pregnancy, a broken ankle or recovering from that Hyrox event. We all need a little help sometimes and it’s nothing to be afraid of. From our perspective, changing needs really means redesigning. Redesigning your life to empower you to continue feeling independent and able to live a happy and rich life alongside any physical, neurological or sensory changes. It would be the ultimate achievement for us if people started to throw home re-design parties – to invite family and friends around to show off the new bathroom, patio or kitchen renovation. At our core, we want to remove the stigma and raise the bar on accessible home redesign.