Additional Dwelling Units
Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are an excellent way to provide seniors and individuals with disabilities the independence they need while offering proximity to family support. ADUs can be customized to meet specific accessibility and mobility requirements, ensuring safety, comfort, and ease of use. Here are different types of ADUs that can be designed for seniors and persons with disabilities
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
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Detached ADUs: These are separate, stand-alone units located on the same property as the main home. They can be customized with ramps, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and kitchens designed to meet the needs of seniors or people with disabilities.
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Attached ADUs: These units are physically connected to the main home, often by a shared wall or hallway. They can provide easy access to the main house while offering more privacy and autonomy. The design can include features such as separate entrances and enhanced accessibility.
Granny Flats or In-Law Suites
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Private Living Spaces: Granny flats are small, self-contained units often designed as living spaces for elderly parents or relatives. These units typically include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and a small living area. They can be built above garages or as a separate building.
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Incorporating Accessibility Features: For seniors or those with disabilities, in-law suites can be designed with wide doorways, wheelchair ramps, accessible kitchens, and bathrooms with walk-in showers or raised toilets.
Converted Garages
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Garage Conversions to Accessible ADUs: A garage can be converted into a fully functional living space. The conversion may include making the space wheelchair accessible, with modifications such as wider doors, grab bars in bathrooms, accessible kitchen counters, and no-step entries.
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Accessibility Upgrades: A converted garage can also include improvements like easy-to-reach shelving, automatic door openers, and accessible flooring.
Basement or Attic Conversions
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Basement ADUs: If a home has an unfinished basement, it can be converted into a fully accessible living space. Elevators or stair lifts can be installed if the basement is accessed via stairs, and ramps or lifts can be considered for entry points.
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Attic ADUs: Similarly, an attic space can be converted into a living unit. If the ceiling height is sufficient, this space can be adapted for accessibility, including wider hallways, an accessible bathroom, and a kitchen designed for ease of use.
Barrier-Free or Universal Design Homes
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Universal Design Principles: ADUs can be built with universal design principles that prioritize accessibility for all users, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. This includes level entryways, extra-wide hallways, open spaces, adjustable counters, easy-to-reach light switches, and roll-in showers.
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Aging-in-Place Features: These units can be designed for aging in place, meaning that the home can be adapted as the resident’s needs change over time (e.g., installing grab bars, lifts, or wider doorways).
Accessible ADUs for Shared Living
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Multi-Generational ADUs: These ADUs are designed to accommodate multiple generations of a family while providing private living spaces. They often feature both shared and private areas, allowing for interaction and independence. The unit can include features that cater to mobility challenges, such as ramps, grab bars, or elevators for multi-story units.
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Shared Caregiver Suites: An ADU can also be designed to accommodate a caregiver or healthcare worker, creating a shared living environment that allows the senior or disabled individual to maintain their independence while receiving necessary assistance.