subject: Clever Designers Can Produce Some Workable Plans [print this page] People who work out how those living with some disabilities need some extra assistance around the home are truly wonderful professionals with an eye to detail. Of course, there are those who plan the usual homes and spaces but those who want to help the disabled or disadvantaged are even better technicians since they have to far more innovative. Indeed, even church architects have to know what they are about as well as those involved in assisted living design.
In buildings which have a religious overtone, many different aspects have to be taken into account. For example, some cathedrals or churches are built in the shape of a cross. The cross lies on the north to south lines which are worked out by using a compass. Although the reason for this is lost in the mists of time, the good professional will know that this is a must when building begins.
Also, some proposed feature which may be quite acceptable to the person in the street may be a big no-no for a religious house. All this has to do with traditions and accepted norms so the good professional must do a lot of research before he puts pen to paper. Even the cross itself is available in several different designs depending on which part of the world it comes from so taking the time to learn about traditional values etc is time well spent.
For those people who want to stay independent but who have some form of disability, it is important that the person is left with some dignity when they are performing their tasks in the home place. By working with the disability, many professionals will already know what needs to be done to make the life of the disabled person more comfortable.
For example, those who are confined to a wheelchair will often like to cook and clean for themselves. Kitchen tops are normally set at a height for those who are standing and this would be quite impossible to reach for those sitting down. By lowering a surface or two, including where the cooker will be set in, the wheelchair bound person will be able to prepare their own meals. Likewise, the kitchen sink too should be lowered so that cleaning can take place with the minimum of fuss.
In the bathroom it is vital that sinks and toilets are also set at the right height. Grab handles in the shower or surrounding the toilet itself will ensure that the person will be able to preserve his dignity when having to use this place. Even a seat set into the wall of the shower will enable those with little or no use in their legs to maneuver themselves into the right position so that they can wash comfortable.
As has been demonstrated, it is vital for any professional who goes into this business to get information on all forms of disability so that he can work around the said disability. This then means better homes for the disadvantaged and a more conducive environment for those who like to live alone.
