[3] In the United States, the 1988 Amendments to the Fair Housing Act added people with disabilities, as well as familial status, to the classes already protected by law from discrimination (race, color, gender, religion, creed, and country of origin).
These homes can be relatively easily modified to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, with the installation of a long low-rise ramp outside the building, up to the house entrance, placed over the existing stairway.
Below are some current suggested architectural features of a universally-accessible house:[6] A growing trend among senior citizens is to "age in place", reflecting a desire to retain independence for as long as possible.
Alzheimer disease presents specific challenges for caregivers, who need to make the home as accessible as possible to the elderly resident, while keeping safety features in mind.
Removable stove switch knobs, locks on kitchen cabinets, electric kettles with automatic shut-off,[9] and adding lighting to eliminate shadows in the house can all help caregivers to reduce dangers to the person with Alzheimer disease.
Other features that can improve the well-being of the elderly person can include marking doors with conspicuous and distinct signs or objects such as ribbons or wreaths, can assist memory.
Adding a cot or bed to the main floor of the house to allow the elderly person to rest without climbing stairs to a bedroom can be helpful to the Alzheimer patient.