Build homes that allow for life’s transitions
WHAT good are houses that don’t meet human needs? It’s crucial that we can feel safe where we live, whatever our age. So new homes should be designed to remain flexible throughout a lifetime, says Vaila Morrison, an architect who advises stairlift company Stannah on inclusivity. Many people experience reduced mobility as they grow older, and periods of illness or injury can arise at any stage. ‘To me, it just seems irrational, wasteful and unsustainable not to design inclusive homes that allow for these transitions — to avoid the risk of people having to make do, which can impact health outcomes and lead to isolation,’ says Vaila. ‘Building sustainably is the future of housing. Eco design standards will help to create comfortable, warm, and well-ventilated homes that cost less to run.
‘If this approach is taken hand-in-hand with good inclusive design, we can create homes that will allow everyone to be able to live independently or to participate fully in family life as naturally as possible. What more could we ask for in a home than that?’
HAVING a stairlift installed is one easy and effective way to adapt your living space, while restoring confidence on the stairs — and Stannah has recently made it easier to find out more, with new Stannah Live. Just click on a button on the website and start a one-way video call, where you connect to an expert in the new showroom (left) from the comfort of your home. They can demonstrate stairlifts and homelifts and advise on what might work best for you.