Housing for the 21st century is changing. More than ever, it is necessary to design living space that meets the needs of all people, young, old, short, tall, disabled and able-bodied. There's an exciting design principle called Universal Design that helps achieve this objective. Using Universal Design and applying principles for affordable building techniques results in a product that serves a broad range of people.
This report was written, at the request of the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC), for service providers, architects, interior designers, etc, to improve the ability of adult day centres to provide a safe environment which caters to the specific needs of people with dementia. The report provides a checklist for dementia design guidelines and case examples of modified existing dementia respite centres. The second edition has a reviewed and streamlined checklist section and some updated content.
An opportunity to assist your customers with reliable, objective information… Smarter Homes, a new on-line resource which provides advice on how to make homes warmer, drier, healthier, more comfortable, more affordable and kinder to the environment, is in its final stages of development by the team contracted by the Ministry for the Environment in New Zeal
This information bulletin on 'Understanding Aboriginal Australian's for More Effective Provision of Home Modification Services', includes information on policies and services relating to housing for Aboriginal Australians, in addition to information relating to communication, belief systems, housing quality and general history. The bulletin also contains a checklist to assist therapists and others when working in an aboriginal setting.
A site Providing information on universal design. Also provides design plans and pictures with explanation of modifications.
Smart Housing is good practice in designing, planning and building homes to make them moresocially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
In a Smart House, you will be able to move around more easily, feel safer, save money and help the environment. You and your family can live in a Smart House through all stages of your lives.
Smart Housing has been developed in response to the demand for housing that better meets people's needs and responds to the Queensland climate while saving money.
The NSW Home Modification and Maintenance Services (HMMS) State Council is the peak organisation for the HMMS industry in New South Wales.
The site contains a list of fact sheets that provide information on various home modifications and assistive devices, of particular use are the fact sheets on grab rails, bed and bath accessories and household equipment
This is a comprehensive site that provides information on universal design for the home. This section of their website provides comprehensive checklists that can be used to assess the accessibility and universality of your home’s design. Included are checklists covering doors, floors and walkways, bathrooms, kitchens, safety, lighting and storage design. The questionnaires address such aspects as lighting, positioning, safety, reach, type and design of fixtures and home areas.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Habinteg Housing Association and Helen Hamlyn Foundation worked together to develop the '16 lifetime homes standards'. These standards described on the website create a flexible blue-print for accessible and adaptable housing in any setting.
