Barrier-free construction - what is important?

We have built largely barrier-free. Barrier-free does indeed cost square meters. In the bathroom, you also have to be able to turn around with an assistant. For that, you need space or, for example, shower walls that can be completely folded back against the wall. There are standards for this: a turning space must be 1.50 m square. In the bedroom, you have to consider the furnishing for the wide walkways, otherwise it won’t work. I find elevated dishwashers cheap and useful for everyone. Elevated here means just about 40 cm. Leicht had these plinths in 2 heights. Only the pumping capacity must also be suitable, which is usually the case. I think you’re more likely to run into problems with the light switches and sockets. They are then also at child’s height and it looks odd, especially when multiple frames are installed. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to see the "barrier-free" rather small apartments of the local community before moving in; less than half was implemented and that was already an improvement.

Best regards Gabriele

What about couples where one is fit and the other physically impaired? They don’t even have to be old. Accident in their 30s, stroke in their 50s.

But it was about barrier-free/barrier-reduced for seniors – and a larger number of such apartments. What you are describing means barrier-free and disability-friendly. That is really expensive because it requires a lot of space. And that is lacking in small apartments; they then need wide corridors, wide doors, turning spaces for the wheelchair in the bathroom, etc. That costs about 20% more compared to barrier-reduced = standard construction.

I don't think you will get a reply, the thread is from January 2019...

Not every physically disabled person sits in a wheelchair. Yes, it takes up space. I often complain enough when the 10 sqm study and 4.5 sqm guest bathroom must absolutely be provided for the age.

It wasn’t so much about funding. I first wanted to know if it makes sense, in a complete gutting including ceilings, to perhaps plan one or two barrier-free apartments in advance and what exactly is needed for that. I will take another look at the 159 leaflet.

Hello Katja, why don’t you contact a local care service and/or assisted living facilities. There are people who do this for a living. Gather the information and then specifically look at who funds what. It’s certainly insane research work.