POSTECHHuman System Design Laboratory

Chapter 38 Chapter 38 Aging with a Aging with a Developmental Disability at Home:Developmental Disability at Home:

An Australian PerspectiveAn Australian Perspective

2008. 10. 2. Thu.

Kim, Hee-jin

* 발달장애 (Developmental disability)• 신체 및 정신이 해당하는 나이에 맞게 발달하지 않은 상태• 운동발달 지연 , 언어발달 지연 , 전체발달 지연 등으로 나뉨• 뇌성 소아마비 , 정신지체 , 근육질환 , 청력소실 , 자폐증 , 진행성 뇌병변 등이 나타날 수 있음

POSTECHHuman System Design Laboratory

ContentsContents

Background Adaptable housing in Australia Benefits of Adaptable Housing in Australia Adaptable Housing – A Quality of Life issue Conclusion

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POSTECHHuman System Design Laboratory

BackgroundBackground

In Australia, people are living longer (People with a disability live longer)

18% of total Australian population & 51% of the population over 60 were identified as having a disability(1993) will increase continuously

Universal design good for people with a developmental disability

also for all members of community

No Australian legislation enforces the concepts of universal design

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POSTECHHuman System Design Laboratory

Adaptable Housing in AustraliaAdaptable Housing in Australia

“Adaptable housing(Universal housing)” is housing that can be adapted to the changing needs of the occupants provides a choice in hosing for old people and people with disability

• Aging with disability can remain in their homes & maintain their preferred lifestyle with minimum of disruption

A.S. 4229(1995) – The Australian Adaptable Housing Standard developed by Standards Australia to provide guidelines for the design to ensure that housing is both

accessible and adaptable Four sections provide information and guidance on the potential for

adaptation, issues relating to siting and access, and finally specific design features

Classification of Adaptable Housing• Adaptable housing can be certified Class A, Class B, Class C• Class A: all Essential, first Priority Desirable, Desirable features• Class B: all Essential & First Priority Desirable & 50% of Desirable features • Class C: all Essential feature

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Adaptable Housing in AustraliaAdaptable Housing in Australia

Aging in Place – Planning for Old Age

In the recent past, people with disability had to leave the family or community when they need a high level of care social isolation, including isolation from family, friends, and the wider community

Aging in place is important• live 2~3 years linger, are happier, have fewer accidents, have better general

health(Pratt, 1998)

Planning for old age is needed• But, currently in Australia, very few individuals with a disability plan for their

future housing needs

• Many disability service providers employ workers specifically to assist consumers in for their life goals

These professionals need to be aware of the advantages of adaptable housing

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Benefits of Adaptable Housing in Benefits of Adaptable Housing in AustraliaAustralia

Inclusion and Safety• Features in adaptable housing that facilitate social inclusion and safety rather

than isolation due to health problems– Continuous accessible path of travel into and around the home– Nonslip surface falls are prevented– Accessible electrical outlets & switches, well-designed bathroom, kitchen,

and laundry space prevent further injury and promote independence

Economic Benefits• The additional 5% building costs for adaptable housing are more than made up

for by the cost benefits to the community– Reduce care costs for the individuals and state– Opportunity to age in place– Quality of life– Visitability

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Adaptable Housing – A Quality of Life Adaptable Housing – A Quality of Life issueissue Example of the importance of adaptable housing

to people who have a disability and live in the community

John(55) & Sharon(54)• independent married couple • both have cerebral palsy( 뇌성 ( 소아 ) 마비 )

John was hospitalized with a hip fracture due to osteoporosis( 골다공증 ) and a bad fall He is unlikely to walk independently again need to use a wheelchair for mobility

Their home was assessed for modifications needed to meet John’s new needs• Both the toilet and bathroom are too small• The wall is a structural wall and cannot be removed without considerable expense• The doorways and corridors within the house need to be widened for enough circulation

space of wheelchair

Financially prohibitive must consider alternative accommodation away from their current social networks

If their house had been adaptable?

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POSTECHHuman System Design Laboratory

ConclusionConclusion

Within Australia, adaptable housing is still a fairly new concept that is not covered by any housing or planning legislation

Nevertheless, it is clear that as many Australians(including those with a disability) age, the benefits of adaptable housing will become increasingly apparent

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