The SAFERhome Standards Criteria
1. All exterior thresholds are flush.
Eliminates access barriers and tripping hazards.
2. Interior thresholds meet minimal code constraints.
Eliminates tripping hazards.
3. Bath and shower controls off set from centre.
Eliminates need to reach for controls, avoiding potential falling accidents.
4. Pressure/temperature control valves on all shower faucets.
This is now in the Cdn building code but in old construction it is still an issue in need of addressing to avoid potential accidents.
5. 2″x12″ block lumber in all washroom tub, shower, and toilet locations.
This allows for safely installing future grab/safety bars in the RIGHT place.
6. Waste pipes brought in at 12-14″ to the centre of the pipe from floor level.
Eliminates renovation costs if the counters have to be lowered to accommodate the need to sit at a sink.
7. Cabinets underneath sinks easily removable.
Eliminates renovation costs and easily allows lowering the sink.
8. Doors a minimum of 34″ wide but should ideally be 36″.
Allows for any space needed now or in the future.
9. Hallways a minimum of 40″ wide but should ideally be 42″ wide.
Allows the space to use baby carriages, scooters, walkers, etc.
10. Light switches 42″ to the centre of the electrical box from the finished floor.
Allows for easy reach for anyone.
11. Receptacles 18″ to the centre of the electrical box from the finished floor.
Raising these allows for easier reach when bending is a challenge.
12. Electrical receptacles placed as follows: Beside windows, especially where draperies or blinds may be installed; Top and bottom of stairways; Beside the toilet; Above external doors (outside and inside); On front face of kitchen counter; At Node Zero Location where all the house wiring meets in one place.
Eliminates renovation costs and easily allows for independence control in the future. An additional benefit is it allows for energy conservation.
13. Larger grey electrical boxes utilized.
Allows for easy installation of technology controls, eg. automated lights.
14. Four-plex receptacles in master bedroom, home office, garage, and recreation room.
Reduces electrical overloads and potential fire hazards, especially when independence technology is needed.
15. Level 5 (4 pair) telephone pre-wire to all areas returning to one central area.
Eliminates renovation costs when communications devices for independence technologies are needed.
16. RG-6 coaxial cable runs returning to one central area.
Readies the home for needed high-speed communication needs and other devices for independence.
17. All low-voltage runs returning to one central area. Node Zero.
Eliminates expensive re-wiring to make a home smart ready for independence needs. And it allows for energy savings.
18. Walls at the top of stairs reinforced with 2″x12″ at 36″ to centre.
Give the ability to install a solid gate to protect children and seniors from falling.
19. Either: allowance made for elevator in stacked closets or make the staircase 42″ wide.
Gives the option of living in a multi-level home without incurring expensive renovations in the future.
For more information visit their website www.saferhomesociety.com
The SAFERhome Standards Society is a non-profit public interest organization that was started for the purpose of delivering for the public and the community a measurable building standard and certification program that is simple, effective, measurable and tangible, effectively introducing age-friendly design.
Keywords: seniors, homes
