We are currently experiencing what it feels like to spend more time at home due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. In order to actually feel at home in your own home, practicality is just as important as well-being and a sense of security. For older people in particular, it is important that the flat or house remains fully usable and that stairs, thresholds or doors, for example, do not become a challenge in everyday life.
It is worthwhile for property owners to take a closer look at the current options that allow people to remain in their personal environment for as long as possible. With appropriate barrier-free conversions, the home becomes an insurance policy for the future - for owner-occupation or for letting, including an increase in value and an improvement in quality of life.
What role do doors play in barrier-free living?
Overcoming a threshold or going through a narrow door can quickly become a challenge if you have physical limitations. Barrier-free sliding and swing doors, for example, are a good solution here.
Further information
The horizontal opening of a sliding door means that no turning movement is required. This makes it easier to cross into another room. In addition, no area is blocked or obstructed by a swivelling movement, making it easy to pass through with a rollator or in a wheelchair, for example.
A swing door requires sufficient manoeuvring space in front of, behind and to the side of the door. If this is the case, this variant is also practical and can be used without restriction.
The most important tips for barrier-free planning, building and living - and for barrier-free doors can be found in this article.
Colour has a helpful signalling effect
Colour solutions are also helpful. Frames or fittings that stand out in colour from the door leaf help people with visual impairments, for example, to perceive doors better. Even a relatively small conversion is very helpful here to provide better orientation.
No matter which barrier-free solution you choose. In any case, it is an investment in the near future. After all, demographic change means that our society is getting older and older. The Federal Statistical Office predicts that 33.5 % of the German population will be over 60 by 2030.
Sources
- PRÜM brochure Barrier-free living: https: //www.tuer.de/fileadmin/documents/web_pruem_2016/produkte/funktionstueren/neue_kurzbroschueren/02%20Funktionst%C3%BCren/01_Barrierefreiheit_2019-06-03_SMO.pdf
- Federal Statistical Office: https: //www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft-Umwelt/Bevoelkerung/Bevoelkerungsvorausberechnung/Publikationen/Downloads-Vorausberechnung/bevoelkerung-deutschland-2060-5124202199014.pdf?__blob=publicationFile