Universal Design & Aging‑in‑Place: Features to Include from Day One in NS Homes

Universal Design (UD) and Aging-in-Place (AIP) are crucial concepts for building sustainable, accessible, and inclusive homes in Nova Scotia. By integrating these features from the initial design phase, you not only prepare a home for residents of all ages and abilities but also significantly increase its long-term value and usability.

Here is a guide to essential features to include from day one:

Foundations of Universal Design

Universal Design focuses on creating environments that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. In the context of a Nova Scotia home, this means building accessibility in, not bolting it on later.

Principle	Feature Examples to Include Now
Equitable Use	No-step entrance/Thresholds: Eliminate all steps from the garage, driveway, and primary exterior entrance.
Flexibility in Use	Adjustable shelving and countertops: Allow for easy change in height or configuration.
Simple & Intuitive Use	Clear sight lines and open plans: Easy to navigate and understand the home’s layout.
Perceptible Information	Good, consistent lighting: Adequate and shadow-free illumination, especially around stairs and entrances.
Tolerance for Error	Grab bars/Reinforced walls: Pre-install blocking for grab bars in bathrooms before drywall, even if bars are not installed immediately.
Low Physical Effort	Lever door handles and rocker light switches: Easier to operate than knobs and toggles.
Size & Space for Approach	Wide doorways and hallways: Minimum 36-inch (91 cm) doorways and 42-inch (107 cm) hallways.

Key Aging-in-Place Features by Location

While UD covers the broad principles, AIP focuses specifically on allowing seniors to remain in their homes safely and comfortably as they age.

1. Entrances and Exterior

• Zero-Threshold Entry: As mentioned above, this is the single most important feature for wheelchair/walker access and reducing trip hazards.

• Covered Entryway: Protection from Nova Scotia's weather (rain, ice, snow) increases safety and comfort.

• Durable, Slip-Resistant Flooring: Use non-slip, non-glare materials for exterior stairs, ramps, and patios.

• Ramp Ready: While a full ramp may not be needed, ensure sufficient space and slope for easy installation later without major landscaping changes.

  
  

2. Main Floor Living (The Primary Suite)

The core AIP strategy is ensuring that all essential living functions can occur on one main level.

• Primary Bedroom and Full Bathroom: The main floor must include a bedroom and a full accessible bathroom.

• Laundry Facilities: Locate the primary laundry on the main floor.

• Open Concept/Furniture Arrangement Space: Design with enough space for a walker or wheelchair to maneuver freely (a 5-foot turning radius is ideal).

• Contrast in Flooring/Walls: Use slight color contrast where floors meet walls, or where changes in level occur, to assist those with visual impairments.

  
  

3. Kitchen

• Varied Counter Heights: Include at least one section of countertop (e.g., an island end) that is 30–34 inches high for seating or working from a wheelchair.

• Pull-out Shelving & Drawers: Base cabinets should use drawers or pull-out shelves instead of fixed lower shelves to eliminate bending and reaching.

• Front-Control Range: Ranges with controls mounted on the front or side, not across the back, prevent reaching over hot burners.

• Hands-Free Faucet: Motion-activated or lever-handled faucets are essential.

  
  

4. Bathrooms 

Bathrooms are the most critical area for AIP safety, as falls most often occur here.

• Reinforced Walls (Blocking): Crucial to install 2x10 wood blocking inside the walls at the shower/tub, toilet, and vanity areas before drywall. This allows grab bars to be securely installed anywhere later.

• Curbless/Roll-in Shower: Eliminate the curb or step into the shower. A simple, sloped floor and drain design is key.

• Comfort-Height Toilet: Toilets that are 17–19 inches (43–48 cm) high are much easier to get on and off of.

• Non-Slip Flooring: Use small tile with more grout lines or specialized textured tiles for high slip resistance.

  
  

5. Stairs and Vertical Access

Even with a main-floor suite, the staircase should be safe and ready for future needs.

• Consistent Rise and Run: Ensure uniform dimensions on all steps.

• Two Handrails: Install secure handrails on both sides of the staircase.

• Sufficient Width: Design the stairwell wide enough (minimum 42 inches) to accommodate a stair lift installation in the future without interfering with the handrails.

• Light Switches: Place switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.

  
  

6. Electrical and Mechanical

• Optimized Electrical Outlet Height: Locate outlets 18 inches (46 cm) off the floor (easier to reach without deep bending) and light switches 48 inches (122 cm) off the floor (easier to reach from a wheelchair).

• Smart Home Integration: Run networking cable to key areas and pre-wire for smart lighting/security systems that can be voice-activated or controlled remotely.

• Zoning: Plan for heating and cooling zones that can be adjusted independently to suit individual comfort needs.