Rethinking our approach for creating an accessible environment to achieve health and wellness
As I have been teaching courses and discussing the principles of Universal Design, I have been rethinking the aspect of ease of access and energy conservation in the environment in a matter of taking a balanced approach.
Looking at our goals:
Of course for accessibility of the environment, one of our key objectives is to promote the overall health and wellness of the individuals that we serve with accessible designs. With this, a significant goal that we pursue is promoting safety, increasing independence, and increasing overall mobility and activity in the home. An end result of this process is to contribute to the improvement of one’s psychological and physiological wellness and health. However, from a therapeutic standpoint is it ALWAYS best to promote energy efficiency and ease of access in the home as a means to achieve a healthier environment??? I would argue that the answer is…possibly – it depends on the individual.
A case example:
Let’s take an example of a common situation that may enhance the ease of access and accessibility of an environment, but may actually negatively affect the health and strength of an individual in the home. This is the example of a lift chair when purchased as a luxury item. For an individual who is still able to independently manage transitions from their standard height furniture but see the lift chair as a luxury item that enhances the comfort of their home (however does not necessarily need the use of that machine), we can anticipate (and I have often seen) the gradual decline over time due to dependence on that device so that it actually contributes to a health decline and inability of the individual to manage standard or even slightly higher than standard height furniture. I provide this example not to say that lift chairs are bad – I am more so illustrating that lift chairs are good for the right person – but can be detrimental to the wrong person.
It is important for us to look at the accessibility of the home with a balanced approach for what is right for the individual. If there are safe activities that build in or incorporate safety into one’s daily routine it may be an advantage for them to maintain that built-in activity and exercise. Of course when we have someone who fluctuates in performance and at times may border on poor safety with activity it is always important for us to err on the side of safety for the individual. There are of course many individuals for whom energy conservation is a critical element as well to balance their ability to participate fully in life (such as the fatigue factors associated with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis – M.S.) I believe overall it is good for us though to keep in mind on an individualized basis what is most appropriate for the individualized approach for maintaining an environment that incorporates and facilitates health and wellness and at times integrated exercise into our daily activities. It is perhaps another reason why I strongly believe in the value (and perhaps I am biased) in the medical perspective of the occupational and physical therapists who work so hard throughout the day to promote as their primary daily purpose enhancing the safety and independence of their patients.
Written by Accessibility Specialist Rob Horkheimer, MPT, CAPS, CEAC, ECHM. Rob owns an accessibility company called BILD – Bridgeway Independent Living Designs which provides accessible modifications and adaptations throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. To learn more about accessible options visit his website: www.bildnow.com