Design for Elderly and Disabled Environments: Making Homes More Comfortable and Accessible Laundry Part 6 of 10

Contents Common Barriers Remodeled Laundry Area Appliances Utility Sinks Work Counter Additional Changes

Common Barriers Storage shelves or wall cabinets are out of reach. Knob handles on storage cabinets are difficult to grasp. Rear-mounted controls are difficult to reach Utility sink is in an awkward location.

Common Barriers Knob handles are difficult to use on utility sink. Top-loading washers require awkward reaching. Work counter lacks knee space.

Remodeled Laundry Area Storage shelves should be 48” maximum from the floor. Loop handles are easier to use. Lowered or adjustable work counters are accessible for users.

Remodeled Laundry Area Large print operating instructions are easy for everyone to read. Appliance doors have space to swing back and open wide. Adequate lighting improves use of appliances Additional storage is provided in raised platform.

Appliances Front-mounted controls are easiest to reach. Best to provide 180º swinging room for dryer door. A side swinging door with adequate spacing is best for accessibility.

Appliances Raised platform can also be used for storage.

Utility Sinks Consider replacing faucet handles with levers or asymmetrical handles. Locate a new sink so it can be accessed from a parallel position.

Work Counter Consider replacing traditional existing work counters with fixed base cabinets. Consider replacing work countertops with the adjustable countertops.

Additional Changes Use grabbers or reachers Use rolling carts Install loop handle hardware Install a platform