Design for Elderly and Disabled Environments:

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Design for Elderly and Disabled Environments
Closets Part 7 of 10
Making Homes More Comfortable and Accessible
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Contents

• Common Barriers
• Hanging Rods
• Shelves
• Lighting
• Closets
• Additional Changes
• Replacing Closets

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Common Barriers

• Hanging rods with mounted shelves are hard to
  reach.
• Closets with narrow openings prohibit
  maneuverability and visibility.
• Some closets have poor lighting if any at all.

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Common Barriers

• Recessed finger slots are difficult for people
  with limited strength dexterity.
• Floor tracks for sliding doors present an
  obstacle for some people.

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Hanging Rods

• Location of fixed rods for optimal reach is 20
  to 44 above the floor 20 deep maximum.
• Additional low hanging rod is an option.
• An adjustable hanging rod is another option.

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Shelves

• Location of shelves should be no lower than 9
  form the floor no higher than 54.

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Shelves

• Adjustable shelves provide flexibility.
• Hanging rod adjustable shelves can be combined
  also to add to flexibility.

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Walk-in Closets

• Consider adding lower rods, rearranging shelves,
  using adjustable features, and installing light
  fixtures.

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Closet Doors

• Closets deeper than 18 should have clear
  openings of 32 minimum.
• Bi-fold doors with swinging hardware eliminate
  tracks and can swing out of maneuvering space.
• Sliding doors should be high quality to ensure
  smooth and effortless opening.