Minister’s Message 1 - City of Kalamunda · Minister’s Message 1 I am pleased to introduce the Age Friendly Homes Kit, ... Security insect screens on doors and windows

Minister’s Message 1

I am pleased to introduce the Age Friendly Homes Kit, which contains a series of checklists and links to resources to help you make the most of your home. Whether you are thinking about retiring or simply want to improve your home, the checklists in this package can assist you to assess your current situation and plan for the future. By taking the time to look around your home with a critical eye, you can make changes that will allow your home to meet your needs for many years to come. Alternatively, if you are thinking of moving or building, this information may highlight features to look for or request.

I trust you will find this kit useful.

Hon Robyn McSweeney MLC MInIster For CHIld ProteCtIon; CoMMunIty servICes; senIors And volunteerIng; WoMen’s Interests; youtH

Government of Western AustraliaDepartment for CommunitiesSeniors and Volunteering

What is an Age Friendly Home? 1

An Age Friendly Home is easy to move around in and easy to use. It is a home that anyone of any age or ability can live in or visit comfortably.

Whether you are building, renovating, buying or staying put, it pays to take a good look around your home. Consider not only how well it suits

your current needs, but also how it will meet your future needs and whether or not it will continue to be an enjoyable place to live in. Making minor changes can greatly improve your quality of life.

Please note that any major modifications to your home may require Council approval.


Exterior 2

Low maintenance housing materials e.g. vinyl cladding, brick.

Security insect screens on doors and windows.

Security locks for meter boxes.

Wide, well-lit, slip-resistant paths.

Clear, large, easy to see street numbers (e.g. painted on kerb). This is especially useful if emergency services need to locate your home.

Raised garden beds to avoid or reduce back and joint strain when gardening.

In addition, placing thorny plants in raised beds or on garden shelves keeps them out of reach of children and pets.

Low maintenance, water wise shrubs and plants.

Reticulated garden, lawn and pot plants for easy and efficient watering.

Clear sight from doors / windows / paths to yard to improve security by eliminating possible hiding places.

Avoid high walls facing the street that can provide possible hiding places within yards.

Ensure overhanging tree branches near power lines are pruned by a professional.

Gutter guards to minimise the need to clean gutters and the potential for overflows into the ceiling cavity.

For ideas, go to: www.watercorporation.com.au


Garage, parking and storage 2

Secure undercover area for all-weather access.

Wide, well-lit, level space with non-slip floor.

Posts and walls not to obstruct opening doors.

Battery recharging facility (e.g. for electric wheelchair or scooter).

Remote controlled garage door.

Bike racks available.

Adjustable storage systems.

Ability to lock away any tools or other harmful substances to reduce theft and accidents.

Adequate parking available for services (such as tradespeople) if living in an apartment block.


Entry and halls 3

Wide, flat path to home – easy access for gophers (also known as scooters), wheelchairs, and prams.

Under cover entry with level threshold.

Sensor light focussing on front door lock.

Shelf or seat near entrance.

Wide halls, well-lit.

Non-slip flooring in foyer.

Peep hole or side light to improve security.

For other security tips, see the ‘Safety Advice for

Seniors’ booklet available at www.communitysafety.police.

wa.gov.au


Doors, windows, lighting and flooring 3

Wide doorways (if you can’t change the width of a doorway, using offset hinges can increase the clearance of a narrower doorway).

Levered door handles.

Lightweight doors.

Doors that swing freely in high traffic areas.

Natural light is preferable – have lots of windows that are easy to operate.

Curtains and tracks should extend well beyond windows so as not to obscure natural light.

Rod type curtain controls rather than cords. These are easier to operate and eliminate the risk of small children and pets getting entangled.

Light switches and power points about 1m off floor with large push pads.

Wall uplighters illuminate the ceiling and provide reflective light throughout a room.

Desk and floor lamps provide additional task lighting.

High colour contrast between walls and floors to help prevent falls.

Low pile securely fastened carpet or flat flooring such as tiles, wooden floors or vinyl.

Non-slip underlay for rugs if you do have them.

Handrail near steps.

Contrast strip on stair treads.

Level thresholds between rooms (e.g. no ‘lip’ for sliding doors).

Remote controlled reverse cycle air conditioning throughout for easy to use and efficient temperature control.

For more information on preventing falls, go to www.health.wa.gov.au/stayonyourfeet/home


Kitchen 4

Adjustable height counters or multi-level counters.

Ample open space under counter areas for seats.

Pot drawers instead of cupboards.

Height adjustable and slide out / pull down shelving in pantry / cupboards.

Lazy Susans (turntables) in corner shelves.

Large, easy grip ‘D’ shape handles that contrast with cupboards.

Sliding doors to overhead cupboards.

Glass front cabinets or open shelves for frequent use.

Accented stripes on counter edges and rounded corners.

Heat resistant bench tops.

Ovens with side opening doors to allow safer removal of hot food.

Stove controls on side to avoid leaning against the controls or small children turning them on.

Safety power cut out mechanism for stoves, or for other potentially dangerous appliances.

Mixer lever tap with anti-scald device on sink.

Microwave at counter height to avoid spilling hot food.

Task lighting such as continuous lighting below overhead cupboards or over sink to improve visibility.

Raise dishwasher height to reduce strain of loading and unloading.

Side by side refrigerator and freezer or refrigerator with freezer compartment on bottom to reduce back strain.


Dining 4

Dining table large enough, or adjustable to suit any entertaining requirements.

Sturdy table that can support people leaning on it.

Chairs with arms rests to support sitting down and standing up.

Tables that have enough open space underneath to accommodate chairs with arms.

Rounded corners on chairs and tables.

High contrast colours for cutlery / crockery / chairs to assist with depth perception.


Bathroom, toilet and laundry 5

Hand held height adjustable showerheads on flexible hose.

No step into shower (hobless).

Allow sufficient space for a shower seat.

Wall hung sink.

Lever mixer taps with anti-scald device.

Non-slip floors.

Recessed soap holder.

Front loading washing machine / dryer with clear to read controls to reduce back and eye strain.

Bathroom / toilet doors to open outwards.

Contrast colour of toilet seat with floor and pan to aid with depth perception.

Ensure walls are reinforced around toilets, showers and baths – this allows for installation of grab rails if need be.

Sliding shower screen or walk in shower with fixed screens.


Bedrooms, lounge, study and activities 5

Bedrooms Phone on bedside table.

Touch lamps, no small switches.

Adjustable wardrobe shelves and rods.

Light in wardrobe – adhesive LED lights that are battery powered are useful.

Adequate circulation space.

Ability to see ensuite toilet from bed if possible to help with navigation at night.

Reclining beds can make getting in and out of bed much easier.

Lounge Chairs with good back support and arm rests,

consider lift support chairs or height adjustable chairs.

Avoid rugs as they increase the risk of falling, but if you do have rugs, use non-slip underlays.

A large TV screen improves visibility. Enabling Supertext can also help if hearing is an issue.

With the switch to digital transmission, ensure that your television has the new technology installed or has a set top box.

Remote controls with large buttons.

Study / Activities Area Many power points, mid wall.

Cords kept bundled and out of paths to avoid tripping.

Siting of communication devices (i.e. phone, laptop) to be in easy reach to avoid back strain.

Keep the space flexible (e.g. it could be converted to another bedroom for a future caregiver if need be).

Ergonomic office chairs, height adjustable desk.

Check the product catalogue at the Independent Living Centre

for ideas: www.ilc.com.au

For more information, go towww.digitalready.gov.au


Rentals and caravans 6

RentalsIf you rent your home, you can still look at ways to make it more comfortable for you. You will need landlord permission before making any structural changes. However, some changes – such as introducing independent living devices - do not need to affect the structure of the house.

CaravansAccessible caravans are available (usually custom made) to allow even more people to enjoy this lifestyle. They represent an ideal choice for anyone who uses a wheelchair, gopher, or walking frame.

Mobility devices such as ramps can improve the accessibility of standard caravans. Other features that can also assist include remote controls for heating/cooling, TV, stereo, and any other appliances; hand held showerheads; and wide doorways.

For more information about caravan providers, visit the Caravan Industry Association WA website at www.caravanwa.com.au

Refer to Sheet 7


Special considerations for Regional WA 6

If you live in a remote, rural, or tropical region, some additional factors to think about include:

Tradespersons may not be readily available, so buildings (including services, fixtures, and fittings) should be constructed from durable, low maintenance materials.

Older buildings – especially weatherboard - may require treatment for termites.

All windows and doors should have insect screens.

Check with your Local Council to ensure the building complies with relevant codes for cyclone, flood, bushfire, and earthquake resistance (e.g. shutters on windows, stilts, fire resistant materials).

Generators to back-up power for pumps, lighting etc.

Access to properties via private roads may be affected by weather conditions, especially when unsealed.

Consider the extent of mobile phone coverage in the area. In some cases a satellite phone may be required to ensure communication is possible.


7

Many aids are available to assist with daily living and most don’t require major modifications to a home – perfect for renters as well as home owners! Always consult a health professional before using anything new. There are a broad range of products available, and the list overleaf is just a small sample to get you thinking about things that can help you remain mobile and independent.

The Independent Living Centre provides personalised assistance to help you find the best products for your needs. For further information, please visit www.ilc.com.au. Increasingly, many devices can be found at pharmacies and discount stores too.

Independent living devices


7

Some Examples: Ramps (can be fixed or portable)

Hand rails / grab rails

Canes / walking frames

Swivel cushion

Stair climber

Gopher (also known as a scooter)

Easy grip utensils

Hand grabber

Large print books

Large number mobiles / calculators

Magnifying sheets / glasses

Hearing amplifiers

Shower seats

Independent living devices


Social and physical health activities 8

Maintaining a healthy social life can assist greatly in being able to remain in your own home. You continue to be a part of your community, feel happier, and when you are active, your chance of falling also decreases.

Being social includes getting outside to exercise in the fresh air and sunshine, which allows the body to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is vital

for building and maintaining strong bones and muscles. Daylight also regulates your body clock and helps you to sleep at night.

A healthy social life can include owning pets. Studies have shown that pets are good for mental, emotional, and physical health. Living in harmony with your pets requires a loving but disciplined approach to rules and behaviours.


You can make your home welcoming for everyone! 8

If it is likely that you will have grandchildren or other small toddlers visiting, make your home child-friendly by establishing “off limits” areas with childproof doors.

Install locks on bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors.

Remove objects on low shelves, coffee tables, and anywhere else that is within easy access of pets and children.

Pet doors should be wide enough for your pet, and lockable.

Use bins with lids to keep pets from scavenging through the rubbish.

In the bathroom, you can fit a shower attachment to the tap so you can wash your pets easily.

If dogs don’t have a big backyard to run around in, take them for walks. When they become bored and restless they may damage belongings.

Keep walking shoes near a bench by the front door to encourage walking.

To broaden your social networks (and improve your health) you may wish to join a local sporting club, interest group, or volunteer for an organisation.

For ideas go to www.srcwa.asn.au/Add_Life/Add_Life.

htm

To find a volunteer position, go to

www.volunteeringwa.org.au

For more information, go to www.kidsafewa.com.au/

safetyhome.htm


Floor plan 9

CHILDREN'SCHILDREN'SLOUNGELOUNGE

MEALSMEALS

FAMILYFAMILY

ENSUITEENSUITE

BED 1BED 14790 x 45604790 x 4560

KITCHENKITCHEN

COMP NOOKCOMP NOOK

3200 x 37603200 x 3760

BED 3BED 3WCWC

BATHBATH

3200 x 39803200 x 3980

BED 2BED 2

6420 x 40306420 x 4030

HOMEHOMETHEATRETHEATRE3830 x 45703830 x 4570

READINGREADINGNOOKNOOK

HISHIS HERSHERS

WILWIL

WIRWIR

WIRWIR

4540 x 35004540 x 3500

WIPWIP

BTHBTHSHRSHR

UBOUBO

FRFR

DWDW

ENTRYENTRY

DOUBLEDOUBLEGARAGEGARAGE

5990 x 6110 O/A5990 x 6110 O/A

AUTO SECTIONAL DOORAUTO SECTIONAL DOOR

VERANDAHVERANDAH

L'DRYL'DRY

The Links

HIGH CEILINGHIGH CEILING

HIGH CEILINGHIGH CEILING

HIGH CEILINGHIGH CEILINGHIGH CEILINGHIGH CEILING

6420 x 41206420 x 4120HIGH CEILINGHIGH CEILING

Areas:iving...........................arage.........................orch...........................

OTAL.......................

Overall Width..............Overall Length.............

223.68m36.31m

266.91m

17.030m24.390m

WMWM TRTR

COPY

RIG

HT

PSH

©

Print without scaling to see at 1:100

The numbers in each area refer to the checklist sheets.

General features of Age Friendly Homes:

Block orientation for passive climate control.

No steps between rooms.

Reinforced walls in shower and toilet (for handrails if needed in future).

Wide turn spaces.

5

5

4

5

32

5

5

5

5

5

5


Floor plan 9

This sample floor plan is adapted from the Sustainable Mandurah Home, an initiative of the City of Mandurah. For further information, please go to www.sustainablemandurah.com.au.


Contacts 10

The following websites are useful for more ideas on how to make your house a home for longer:

Seniors Card Centrewww.communities.wa.gov.au/serviceareas/seniorscard/Pages/default.aspx

Seniors Housing Centrewww.commerce.wa.gov.au/ConsumerProtection/Content/Property_renting/Over_55s/index.htm

www.cotawa.org.au/programs-projects/senior-housing-centre

Disability Services Commission – Liveable Homeswww.liveablehomes.net.au

Commonwealth Livable Housing Design Guidelineswww.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/general/Pages/LivableHousingDesignGuidelines.aspx

Independent Living Centre www.ilc.com.au

The Sustainable Mandurah Home www.sustainablemandurah.com.au

Waterwise Plants for WAwww.watercorporation.com.au/W/waterwise_plants.cfm

RCD Safety Switcheswww.commerce.wa.gov.au/EnergySafety/RCD

Smoke Alarmswww.fesa.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/fireinthehome/pages/smokealarmlegislativerequirements.aspx


Contacts 10

Police Safety Checklistswww.communitysafety.police.wa.gov.au/index.php/resourcesresources

Home Safety for Childrenwww.kidsafewa.com.au/safetyhome.htm

Assistance for Pensioners to switch to Digital TVwww.digitalready.gov.au/government-assistance/household-assistance-scheme.aspx

Stay on Your Feetwww.health.wa.gov.au/stayonyourfeet/home

www.iccwa.org.au/node/112

Seniors Recreation Councilwww.srcwa.asn.au/Add_Life/Add_Life.htm

Volunteering WAwww.volunteeringwa.org.au

Caravan Industry Association WAwww.caravanwa.com.au

World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Cities www.who.int/ageing/age_friendly_cities_network/en/index.html

Senior Services Guidewww.seniorservicesguide.com.au


Documents

Minister’s Message 1 - City of Kalamunda · Minister’s Message 1 I am pleased to introduce the Age Friendly Homes Kit, ... Security insect screens on doors and windows