<![CDATA[Ella Stewart Care - Blog Archives]]>

<![CDATA[Ella Stewart Care - Blog Archives]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:17:58 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Medical Supplies to Venezuela]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2020 13:48:26 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/medical-supplies-to-venezuelaElla Stewart Care has partnered with Mmars, Inc. to help provide protective gear for medical personnel in Venezuela during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many medical personnel, teachers, first responders, and civilians in Venezuela have been affected by COVID-19 due to the lack of protective gear and equipment in the country. Ella Stewart Care and Mmars, Inc. are donating face shields, disposable gowns, face masks, and hand sanitizer to aid Venezuelans during this crisis.

]]><![CDATA[Online Health Screenings for Ella Caregivers]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2020 20:30:06 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/online-health-screenings-for-ella-caregiversOur agency initiated mandatory COVID-19 training for all caregivers and provided personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks to aides working in CCRCs, and to our caregivers and families who are having trouble acquiring their own supplies.
In addition, our caregivers must answer questions regarding possible exposure and symptoms prior to each shift through a custom electronic reporting system. By implementing these new policies quickly, our nurses have had the added benefit of communicating daily with our aides during the pandemic, and taking action when needed to ensure the safety and good health of both clients and staff.

Learn more about our COVID-19 precautions by clicking here.

]]><![CDATA[Cloth Masks for Ella Stewart Care]]>Fri, 03 Jul 2020 19:43:47 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/cloth-masks-for-ella-stewart-care

Thank you Solaya Swim for making over 100 masks for our caregivers and clients at Ella Stewart Care!
Sarah Stewart, owner of Solaya Swim, is the granddaughter of Ella Stewart. Sarah has not only made masks for our company, but she has also donated nearly 200 masks to essential workers in hospitals and homeless shelters in the Baltimore area. Sarah’s efforts to support the local community would have made Ella proud!

One of Ella's passions was supporting the Baltimore community by making and donating quilts to Maryland General Hospital.

Thank you to all Ella Stewart Care aides, essential workers, and community members who are doing their part by wearing masks and keeping our community healthy and safe.

Find out more about our COVID-19 precautions: Here

]]><![CDATA[Aging in Place by Room - Part 51 - Laundry Sinks, Lighting, & Flooring]]>Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/aging-in-place-by-room-part-51-laundry-sinks-lighting-flooring

By Anna Hazard

Aging in Place Laundry Room Sink, Lighting, & Flooring Picture

Available at Home Depot

Introduction

The penultimate section of our aging in place series finishes off the laundry room with tips & advice for some often overlooked options such as accessible laundry sinks, lighting & outlets, as well as laundry appropriate flooring. Due to similar functions, many of the previous guidelines mentioned for bathroom & kitchen accessibility can also be applied to this location.

Available at Signature Hardware

Laundry & Utility Sinks

An extra sink installed directly within the laundry room can significantly improve the overall washing process by being readily available for hand washing delicate items as well as providing easier access to rinsing or pre-treating heavy duty stains before the clothes are added to the washing machine.

Similar to bathroom sinks, the laundry room sink (also known as a utility sink) should be wall-mounted or otherwise have clear space underneath (generally 30" wide x 27" tall x 11-25" deep) for wheelchair access or to otherwise allow someone to sit directly at the sink. The sink should be at a height that leaves it within easy reach from both a sitting and standing position without requiring any stretching or bending over.

In particular, the ADA recommends that sinks have a maximum height of 34". If a tall person is expected to be using the sink from a standing position, then an adjustable height sink would provide the easiest access, otherwise it may be necessary to install two sinks at differing heights.

Similar to both bathroom and kitchen sinks, the laundry faucet should have a manual lever, loop handle, or foot pedal controls that are easy to use with minimal force required. It's also optimal for the sink to have a touchless, automatic, or motion sensor control which turns the water on and off depending if an object (such as hands or a bit of laundry) is detected directly beneath the faucet sensor. This function is particularly helpful for those potential users with memory or cognitive problems that might lead to leaving the sink turned on in an out-of-the way room.

Otherwise, it's preferable that the laundry sink has a basin that is large width-wise, but also shallow. This style would allow the user to hand wash several pieces of laundry at once without having to reach into the bottom of a deep basin or across a vertically tall one.

Laundry Room Circuits & Outlets

The laundry room tends to be one of the largest sources of electricity usage within the household whenever it's appliances are in use. Within North America this generally means that a 20-amp 120-volt circuit will be necessary for the washing machine and any gas dryers with while a dedicated 30-amp 240 volt circuit would be best for an electrical dryer. Besides the main appliances, a 15-amp circuit will be needed for lighting, fans, and smaller devices.

A couple outlets near the countertops & other work areas should be placed higher along the wall for easy access to portable appliances like irons & clothes steamers that will normally be used at counter height. Otherwise standard accessible positioning should be used for light switches, controls, and outlets which would between 15" - 48" above the floor surface with a clear access space of at least 30" x 48" in front of them.

Available at Lightology

Lighting

As good lighting is necessary for properly checking over laundry for stains, lighting within the laundry room should otherwise be abundant, easy to activate, and easy to maintain. Light switches should either be glow-in-the-dark for better visibility as well as sound or motion activated in case the user is toting laundry into a darkened room.

Manual light switches should be included as back-up in case the sensor-based or automated lights don't properly function (so as not to leave the user fumbling around in a darkened laundry room). Manual light switches should preferably be rocker or touch style for easy use by those with arthritis or other hand problems.

The light fixtures should be in easily accessible areas for problem-free light bulb changes. LED light bulbs are recommended as they last longer and consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, task lighting should be installed in front of the washer, dryer, ironing board, and other work areas for better visibility. Extra lighting should also be installed in any dark spots that remain within the room to help avoid potential accidents or tripping hazards.

If possible, it would also be preferable to have at least one window present within the laundry room to allow for natural lighting. In addition to energy savings for less electrical light consumption, natural lighting has many health benefits for the body and also provides more accurate color viewing for laundry.

Available at Armstrong Flooring

Flooring

Flooring within the laundry room should be similar to what is used in other moisture-prone areas of the household such as the bathroom or kitchen. This includes generally avoiding surfaces such as carpets, hardwood, bamboo, or cork that can be more easily damaged by the presence of moisture or standing liquids. In addition, area and throw rugs should also be avoided as their exposed edges can be the cause of tripping (which is particularly hazardous while carrying a load of unwieldy or bulky laundry)

Textured non-slip waterproof surface flooring is recommended such as sheet vinyl or rubber. Sheet-type surfaces are preferred over tiling as moisture can sometimes seep in-between the tile edges. In addition, tiling tends to pose more of a tripping hazard due to potential uneven edges or grouting.

Sheet vinyl tends to be easy to clean & maintain, is moisture-proof, has good traction with applied textured, and is easy to navigate while using wheeled mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs. While it does not have as much cushioning as rubber in the case of falls or accidents, it's generally far less expensive and comes in a variety of styles that can mimic hardwood, tiling, or other textures.

Rubber flooring is another optimal option when it comes to a moisture-proof floor surface. It does not become slippery when wet, is easy to traverse with mobility aids, and provides good cushioning in case of falls or other accidents. However, rubber flooring tends to be more expensive than other options and has far less patterns & styles available for decorative purposes. Rubber sheeting instead of tiling tends to also be rarer and thus more difficult to acquire as well.

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - Exterior
Part 3 - Landscaping & Gardens
Part 4 - Patio, Porch, & Deck
Part 5 - Garage & Carports
Part 6 - Entrances, Exits, & Thresholds
Part 7 - Exterior Steps & Ramps
Part 8 - Threshold Lighting & Windows
Part 9 - Interior Doors & Halls
Part 10 - Interior Steps & Staircases
Part 11 - Interior Stairlifts
Part 12 - Interior Elevators
Part 13 - Interior Lighting
Part 14 - General Interior Flooring
Part 15 - Interior Flooring Comparisons
Part 16 - HVAC & Energy Efficiency
Part 17 - Power, Communications, & Other Interior Systems
Part 18 - Living Room
Part 19 - Kitchen Layout, HVAC, & Electrical Systems
Part 20 - Kitchen Lighting, Flooring, and Sink Faucets
Part 21 - Kitchen Countertops & Cabinets
Part 22 - Kitchen Refrigerators, Freezers, and Dishwashers
Part 23 - Kitchen Ovens, Ranges, Stovetops, and Cooktops
Part 24 - Kitchen Microwaves, Blenders, & Food Processors
Part 25 - Miscellaneous Kitchen Items
Part 26 - Dining Room Layout, Tables, & Other Furniture
Part 27 - Dining Room Flooring, Lighting, & Meal Serving Equipment
Part 28 - Bedroom Layout & Closets
Part 29 - Accessible Beds
Part 30 - Bedroom Furniture, Electronics, & Other Accessories
Part 31 - Bedroom Flooring
Part 32 - Bedroom Lighting
Part 33 - Bathroom General Layout
Part 34 - Bathroom General Tips for Showers & Tubs
Part 35 - Bathroom Accessible Tubs
Part 36 - Bathroom Accessible Showers
Part 37 - Bathroom Accessible Toilets
Part 38 - Bathroom Sinks & Vanities
Part 39 - Bathroom Cabinets & Shelving
Part 40 - Bathroom Grab Bars
Part 41 - Bathroom Flooring
Part 42 - Bathroom Lighting
Part 43 - Bathroom Ableware - Toilet Aids & General Accessibility
Part 44 - Bathroom Ableware - Shower, Bathing, & Grooming Aids
Part 45 - Laundry Room Location, Layout, & Spacing
Part 46 - Laundry Room Carts, Rolling Hampers, & Chutes
Part 47 - Laundry Room Dumbwaiters
Part 48 - Laundry Appliances (Washers & Dryers)
Part 49 - Laundry Room Cabinets, Shelving, & Countertops
Part 50 - Laundry Room Storage & Organization
Part 51 - Laundry Sinks, Lighting, & Flooring

]]><![CDATA[Aging in Place by Room - Part 50 - Laundry Room Storage & Organization]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/aging-in-place-by-room-part-50-laundry-room-storage-organization

By Anna Hazard

Introduction

There is a large selection of other storage and organization options for the laundry room besides the previously mentioned cabinets, shelving, and countertops. This includes various racks, bins, foldaway boards for ironing, and other miscellaneous equipment.

Due to its function, some of the main elements to keep in mind include having storage that is suitable for a sometimes moist environment as well as keeping the general area free from anything that might snag, rip, or wrinkle cloth.

Asko DC7583 Drying Cabinet

Hanging Racks, Drying Cabinets, & Other Air Dry Options

For accessible air drying and storage, a lower hanging rod or retractable clothesline can be installed within the laundry room. Room layouts with enough space can also make use of a drying cabinet that circulates air over the clothes hanging inside to more quickly dry them out. Other more portable options (that would offer more flexibility in the positioning of hang dry clothes) include a wheeled drying rack or laundry cart with built-in hanging rack that can be stored out of the way when not in use.

Installing a ceiling fan within the laundry room can further help when it comes to air drying laundry with the additional benefit of improving overall ventilation in the area (which is particularly helpful when doing laundry related chores). If there is no available ceiling space that can bear the full weight of a fan, then a free-standing fan can be used instead as long as it doesn't become an obstacle blocking the access paths within the room.

Another item that can help quicken air drying would be a dehumidifier that removes moisture from the air. Due to the presence of the washing machine and any potential laundry sinks, this is otherwise one of the more moisture prone rooms within the household which would otherwise slow down the process of air drying.

Large Storage (Wheeled Bins)

Heavy duty wheeled bins are recommended for the storage of rarely used items that are too large to fit in other normal storage locations. These types of wheeled bins are particularly good for oversized or heavy objects that might otherwise by difficult to transport. In this way their locations can be easily rearranged or moved around the laundry room as needed.

Waterproof plastic bins can also better protect their contents from the debris and moisture that are commonly found within the laundry room area. For this function, make certain that the bin lids & tops will close tightly to prevent moisture seepage but can still be opened with minimal effort (especially for those who may have arthritis or other hand issues).

Otherwise in addition, closed bin tops can serve as both a work area surface or as emergency seating when needed.

McClurg Fold-down Ironing Board

Iron + Ironing Board

When it comes to ironing, it's recommended that the iron be on the lighter side with simple controls that include an automatic function for turning off after a set amount of time where it has not been used. This option would help prevent potential fires or burns that may be caused by forgetting to turn the iron off.

Otherwise, for better accessibility, it's recommended that an adjustable ironing board be used that can accommodate the user either sitting or standing while ironing. In particular, it would be optimal for the ironing board to fold down from the wall with the further option to be adjusted to a suitable height. A lighter weight board will also be easier to fold back up once the user is done with it.

In the case of a wall-mounted fold down ironing board, gravity does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to positioning the board. In contrast, traditional standalone ironing boards tend to be heavier and can be difficult to set up and take down particularly for those with mobility or strength problems or other diminished physical capabilities that tend to come with age.

In general, the ironing board should be positioned so that once unfolded it remains close enough to the dryer to easily move clothes from one location to the other without blocking access to the dryer's door.

Laundry Detergent Soap Dispenser Picture

Laundry Soap Station

Miscellaneous Organization

Containers & dispensers of chemicals & other small items should be clearly labeled (preferably color coded as well as being identified through large print). They should also be easy to hold, open, close, & otherwise use even with arthritis or other hand dexterity & strength issues.

In particular, large & heavy detergent bottles can often cause problems, in which case transferring the detergent to a storage bottle with a nozzle on the bottom or switching over to detergent pods (more convenient but also pricier) is recommended instead.

Otherwise, all other essential equipment should also be labeled in a similar fashion. Items and equipment should also always be stored towards the back of the shelves & counters as this reduces the likelihood of them falling to the floor when the area is being used.

View the Rest of the Series

]]><![CDATA[Aging in Place by Room - Part 49 - Laundry Room Cabinets, Shelving, & Countertops]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/aging-in-place-by-room-part-49-laundry-room-cabinets-shelving-countertops

By Anna Hazard

Introduction

Storage within a laundry room layout meant for aging in place should focus on safety, easy accessibility, and on lowering the amount of effort required to complete each task. Cabinets and countertops should be carefully located within close proximity to the room's appliances for easy transfer of laundry without hampering movement or maneuverability.

If cabinets or other storage & work areas are located too far away from the washing machine or dryer than shifting clothing and other laundry items will become more onerous & require more physical strength. In counterpoint, an awkwardly close placement may end up blocking access to the appliances, walkway, or otherwise end up impeding movement (particularly if the user is maneuvering with a mobility aid).

Otherwise cabinets, counters, and other storage places for commonly used laundry items (such as detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, iron & ironing board) should be placed within easy reach of the location where they will be used and at a level that will not require the user to bend over or reach above their heads.

Available at The RTA Store

Cabinets & Shelving

The less maneuvering required during the various steps of cleaning the laundry, the safer is the chore and less likely to cause strain on the user. Thus, it would be optimal to have cabinets or other shelving between or next to the washing machine & dryer for easy access to necessary items such as detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets while doing the laundry.

If a base cabinet won't fit or otherwise isn't available in the area, then fold-down, collapsible, or roll out shelves & counters can be installed instead that can be used to temporarily store items while they are in use and then collapsed and stored out of the way once the task is completed.

Height & Specifications

For safety & accessibility reasons upper cabinets should be installed at least 3" lower than the conventional height (closer to the 48" height recommended by the ADA) for easier use by those in wheelchairs & others who may have trouble reaching upwards.

In addition spills & other accidents are less likely to occur on shelves that are closer to the floor level (with said spills also less likely to land on the user in contrast to higher overhead shelves). Thus, frequently used items should always be stored on the shelves with easiest access with the upper shelves reserved for more rarely needed things.

Shelving Options

Otherwise, roll-out trays, pull down shelves, and lazy susans are more accessible versions of shelving that can be installed within the base cabinetry. For higher cabinets, pull down shelves are recommended to place items within easier reach while pull-out shelves are recommended for lower shelves that may otherwise require bending or stooping to access.

Other options include adjustable or open shelving (with no doors) for easier access. If shelving with doors is installed, then the handles should be switched over to D-shaped pull handles which are easier on arthritic hands than rounded knobs.

Available at Cabinets by C & F

Countertops

Within the laundry room there should be available counter space that is accessible while both seated and standing. This space will be needed for folding & sorting laundry and can also be used for ironing as well as providing a space to hold other frequently used items such as detergent.

Height, Specifications, & Layout

The counter height should either be adjustable or available at varying heights in order to make certain that everyone within the household will have easy access to at least one counter space without the need to stretch or bend over.

The ADA recommends a standard height of 36" with knee space beneath of at least 30" wide x 27" tall so that a person could be comfortably seated directly at the counter. More optimally, the laundry room would have a counter work surface at 30" tall (for those seated) and 42" tall (for those standing normally).

Otherwise, counters should be carefully positioned so they do not block access to the door, to the washer & dryer, or otherwise encroach into the path through the laundry room. Popular placements would include across the top of the washer & dryer as well as
having a standalone counter away from the entrance door and against a wall that is close to the dryer (for ease of use when folding laundry or ironing).

Material, Surface, & Other Options

The counter itself should be made from a smooth & waterproof material such as solid surface, quartz, engineered stone, or sealed wood. Popular & inexpensive laminate countertops are not recommended due to their lack of durability tending to require maintenance & repair within a few years after installation.

Quartz countertops and other engineered stones are recommended for those with enough budget as they are highly durable with a suitable surface for dealing with wet or dry laundry. Moisture sealed wood countertops are a more economical option.

It's also recommended that the counter top have rounded edges with a soft material on its surface to help reduce potential injuries caused by bumping or falling against it. A soft covering made of heat resistant fabric would also make the counter top more suitable as an ironing board replacement.

In addition, the counter should be a different color from the floor and walls with a distinct accent color on it's edge to help those with visual problems maneuver around it.The overall structure should also be sturdy enough to be able to support a person's weight (in case the user ends up bracing themselves against it during a fall or accident).

View the Rest of the Series

]]><![CDATA[Aging in Place by Room - Part 48 - Laundry Appliances (Washing Machines & Dryers)]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/aging-in-place-by-room-part-48-laundry-appliances-washing-machines-dryers

By Anna Hazard

Aging in Place Washer & Dryer Banner Picture

Introduction

Switching over to more senior friendly appliances in advance is another way to prepare the laundry room for aging in place. The major appliances within this area would be the washing machine and dryer with a main focus being on more user friendly brands and varieties that are easier to use for aging eyes and bodies.

In general, options should always be chosen that will minimize both the physical and mental effort needed when doing the laundry.

Appliance Style

It's recommended that both the washing machine and dryer have a front loading style in order for easier access and less bodily strain (particularly for those who may have bad backs). These styles of appliances require less movement to load and unload and have doors that are easily reachable even while seated in a wheelchair.

In addition, the reduction of flexibility, range of motion & balance, as well as bodily strength that tends to come with the aging process makes using top-loading machines more difficult and dangerous as they require users to reach down into the bottom of the drum to lift clothes in and out. The repeated process of raising clothes from the washer and lowering it into the dryer can also throw off the user's balance and pose as a further falling hazard.

Appliance Controls

Both the washing machine & dryer (as well as any other related appliances) should have clear and easy-to-read controls on the front of the machine as rear controls can be difficult to reach (particularly if the user has a mobility aid such as a wheelchair). The controls should be clearly marked using print large enough to still be viewable from a distance.

Any control panels with back-lit or LCD displays should be brightly lit with good contrast between the background color & messages for easy readability and to reduce potential strain on the eyes. These screens should clearly display text, numbers, or graphics in large print. It would be optimal if the equipment also supplements visual messages with audible instructions for those seniors with more severe visual acuity problems.

Otherwise the settings should be easy to navigate and not overly complicated especially when it comes to basic washes that would be most commonly used. In addition, often used appliance settings can be further labeled using colored stickers, large print overlays, or other markings which would further help those with reduced eyesight or potential memory problems.

Controls that use buttons instead of knobs tend to be easier to manipulate for those with arthritis and other hand dexterity or strength issues. Otherwise, appliances that use knobs or dials should have controls that are large and easy enough to grasp and twist even for those with finger or hand issues.

Appliance Add-on & Specs

In general it's recommended that both the washer and dryer be elevated an extra 12" - 15" above the floor (putting their doors at approximately 15" minimum to 36" maximum above the floor surface) as this will greatly reduce the need to bend over while inserting or removing laundry. This is particularly needed for front loading washer & dryers that would require more reaching & bending than their top loading counterparts.

The appliances can be raised using built-in cabinetry in the laundry room or through the use of compatible laundry pedestals or pedestal drawers that are often sold by the original manufacturers of washers and dryers. These laundry pedestal drawers tend to come in a range of sizes from 10" - 15" tall and prop up the appliance's front loading drawer to a more convenient height.

In addition, during installation of the appliances, make certain that the layout of the laundry room allows for 1" - 3" of width on the sides of appliances for proper air circulation and 4" - 6" of clear space in the back for placement of vents, cords, and power plugs. There will also need to be a 21 - 25" clear space in front of the machines to allow their doors to swing open fully.

Appliance Options

Both the washing machine and dryer should have appropriate expected capacity for the laundry loads that they will be cleaning. This means that those that live in a full house with multiple people will require machines with larger capacities while those who live alone or within smaller households can use more streamlined machines with smaller capacities (that will be both more inexpensive to purchase as well as having lower utility costs).

Otherwise, the more expensive option of a stainless steel drum (instead of coated or plastic drums) is recommended for both washers & dryers. These types of drums are far more durable than their porcelain or plastic counterparts and are less likely to chip, crack, rust, stain, or otherwise absorb odors. This means that they will require less maintenance, repair, and outright replacement in an aging-in-place household.

In general, it's also recommended that both washing machine & dryer be energy star certified. These types of appliances require less overall electricity to run thus lowering the expected utility bill which can be greatly beneficial when retirees are on a tight budget or fixed income. In addition, there are often many programs that offer further rebates for purchasing certified energy efficient products and appliances.

Another option that is recommended for aging-in-place are appliances that include allergy cycle or sanitizing settings. These settings often greatly reduce potential allergens found within clothes & other laundry which can be very useful for those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems that often crop up during the aging process.

Washing Machine Features

When it comes to washing machines in particular, many seniors find helpful the smart varieties that can automatically determine water level, cycle time, and other features without further input from the user. This would make the machine particularly easier to use by those who may have cognitive, vision, or mobility issues that would hamper the usage of a more complicated manual washer.

Dryer Features

When it comes to dryer options, it's recommended that a front loading dryer have a side opening door (that is either reversible or which opens to the side that has proper clearance space within the laundry room layout). While pull-down or hamper-style doors can be convenient for holding laundry during loading or unloading, that style of door often makes access to the back of the drum far more difficult especially for those who may have trouble bending over or reaching out.

Otherwise the dryer should have a large lint filter that easy to access & clean along with a steam cycle that can help with quick freshening, de-wrinkling of clothes, and removing allergens. Another helpful option would include removable racks to dry delicate items without tumbling (which would help negate the need to hang drying laundry).

In addition, the dryer should be set up to vent outside of the house (instead of venting into the laundry room itself) to help keep moisture and humidity down in the area. This would help improve air quality, reduce the growth rate of mold, mildew, and other allergens, as well as helping with any air drying that is being done in the laundry room.

View the Rest of the Series

]]><![CDATA[Aging in Place by Room - Part 47 - Laundry Dumbwaiters]]>Thu, 28 May 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/aging-in-place-by-room-part-47-laundry-dumbwaiters

By Anna Hazard

Available at Premier Lift Products

Introduction

Dumbwaiters are particularly beneficial in multi-level households that have users with more severe strength or mobility issues as they bypass the necessity of having to carry laundry either up or down the various stairs. This greatly reduces the risk of injuries due to strain, tripping, or falling and thus is the safest method of dealing with laundry that is generated and cleaned on different levels of a home. In addition, the dumbwaiter can also be used to easily transport other small & heavy objects between the different stories.

Otherwise, navigating a multi-level home with a full load of laundry for an aging-in-place household may require the installation of a more expensive wheelchair style stair lift or residential levator instead.

Available at Cynergy Lifts

Basics & Installation

A dumbwaiter is basically a small installation freight elevator that is meant to transport various materials between different floor levels. Installation is similar to a smaller scale residential elevator with installation costs hinging upon the availability of a suitable shaft for the dumbwaiter to travel through. Households that have available vertically aligned closets or ducts that can be converted into a dumbwaiter shaft will have significantly less expensive costs than those that require a shaft be constructed from scratch while rerouting nearby plumbing and electrical lines.

Installation of the dumbwaiter carriage itself can usually be done within a few hours with construction of the shaft taking 1 - 7 days depending on its location and complexity. To cut down on costs, do-it-yourself dumbwaiter installation kits are also available for home handymen.

Otherwise the cost of labor often makes up the brunt of expenses with the least inexpensive option of installing a dumbwaiter within an existing shaft costing around $750 on average. In comparison, having a shaft constructed from scratch can cost around $5000- $6000 before adding in the price of the dumbwaiter itself (which can often reach $10,000 total for a new shaft installation with a basic motorized dumbwaiter).

Similar to residential elevators, the cost of installing a dumbwaiter will also rise depending upon the total height being traveled as well as the total number of stops (including a send & call stations) per level. In example, a dumbwaiter that travels between the basement & first floor would be less expensive than one that travels straight between the basement & second floor which is also less expensive than a variation that can stop at the basement, first, and second floors.

Also keep on mind that unlike laundry chutes, dumbwaiters can not travel at a slant, so all accessible locations must be vertically aligned above each other along the shaft route.

Available at Nationwide Lifts

Costs & Options

Economic dumbwaiters usually cost around $3000 before installation with manual ones starting at $2000 and basic motorized varieties starting at $4000. Manual dumbwaiters are the least expensive option and work through the use of pulleys and ropes that someone must pull on to lower and raise the carriage by hand.

More convenient and more expensive are the electric motor driven dumbwaiters that can be operated with the push of a button. Motorized dumbwaiters may be required for those seniors with arthritis or other hand dexterity or strength issues that would hamper the feasibility of operating a rope & pulley.

Compared to other types of elevators, a dumbwaiter has a small footprint and takes up a minimal amount of space within the household. A standard sized dumbwaiter car is usually around 20" x 20" x 30" although many different dimensions are available to suit the size and shape of the installed shaft. The minimum size for a dumbwaiter is usually around 14" x 14" x 20" with the maximum size topping out around 30" x 30" x 36".

In addition, the more inexpensive manually operated dumbwaiters usually have a weight limit of 50 lbs which must be hauled through the pulley system by hand. Standard motorized dumbwaiters can usually haul 100 - 200 lb maximum with premium models going up to 500 lbs.

View the Rest of the Series

]]><![CDATA[Aging in Place by Room - Part 46 - Laundry Room Carts, Rolling Hampers & Chutes]]>Thu, 21 May 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/aging-in-place-by-room-part-46-laundry-room-carts-rolling-hampers-chutes

By Anna Hazard

Aging in Place Laundry Carts, Rolling Hampers, & Laundry ChutesPicture

Introduction

When it comes to readying the laundry room for proper accessibility and safety, more consideration should be kept in mind than simply the layout and equipment within the room itself. In particular, the various methods used to transport the laundry to and from the washing machine and dryer is of high concern considering the various dangers inherent in hauling a heavy load over an extended distance.

This becomes particularly important with the common degeneration of muscle mass, increasing limited mobility & balance issues, and the possible presence of other impairing health concerns such as arthritis that often naturally develop with age.

Rolling Hampers & Laundry Carts

One of the best ways to increase accessibility is to have the laundry room as well as the rooms that are the main sources of generating laundry (typically the main bathroom and the master bedroom) on the first floor of the household. In this situation, steps & staircases will not need to be traversed while doing the laundry, so a simple aid such as a rolling laundry cart or hamper is often all that is needed to improve laundry transport.

The rolling laundry cart or rolling hamper can be used to transport clothing to and from the laundry room and other destinations on the same level. They are also suitable in households that have residential elevators large enough to easily encompass them along with a user that may potentially have a bulky mobility aid. Otherwise it's not recommended to use these bulky carts or hampers while navigating steps on a multi-level home.

This style of cart or hamper is particularly helpful if laundry is generated in multiple rooms on the same level, if the laundry room is further away from the main source of laundry, or if the household generates a large amount of laundry per wash cycles as it removes the need to physically lift and haul a potentially heavy handheld basket or hamper. Rolling the cart or hamper is much more efficient and less physically taxing than having to carry the full weight of the laundry from room to room.

Those users who have more trouble bending over may wish to use a rolling laundry cart with a higher basket instead that will help with transferring clothes to the washer, dryer, or folding area without having to bend down or reach as far as the bottom of a normal rolling hamper.

Otherwise, four-wheeled laundry carts and hampers are greatly recommended over the two-wheeled variety as they are generally more stable and easier to drive & keep balanced. In particular, many two-wheeled carts & hampers are prone to tipping which will require the user to bend over and pick-up any spilled clothes.

In addition, the optimal laundry cart or hamper should have oversized, solid caster wheels that can easily roll over thick carpets and flooring transitions without a great deal of effort from the user. These wheels should also have locks on them for when the cart is being loaded, unloaded, or stored away.

Otherwise, it's recommended that the laundry cart or hamper should also have an inner surface lining that is easily removable, re-attachable, and machine washable. This way adding the cart inner lining to the load in the washing machine every so often would preclude grime from building up inside the cart due to hauling dirty clothes and potentially contaminating the clean laundry.

Laundry Chutes

For multi-level homes where the laundry room is not on the same level as the main sources of laundry (typically the main bathroom and master bedroom) laundry chutes or dumbwaiters can be installed to avoid potential problems caused by carrying heavy baskets or hampers up and down steps.

In particular, the convenience of a laundry chute avoiding the need to carry multiple dirty laundry loads down to the laundry room has made their installation very popular even within households that are not being tweaked for aging in place. Generally, installing a laundry chute should be much less expensive than installing a dumb waiter or retrofitting the laundry room to the first floor, especially as many styles of laundry chutes can be done via do-it-yourself kits by handy capable users.

However, keep in mind that unlike with the dumbwaiter, clean laundry will still need to be manually carried back up to their proper place in upper wardrobes and bedrooms. Thus, while very convenient and relatively inexpensive depending upon the exact layout of the household, a laundry chute may not be enough for households where the user has more severe mobility or strength related problems.

The upper access doors (where dirty laundry is dumped to slide down to the laundry room) are usually installed in the master bedroom, main bathroom, or main hallway. The latter location is particularly popular in households that have several bedrooms in use that generate laundry.

These access intakes should have doors to cover their openings while not in use in order to help prevent unwanted items from falling inside. They should also generally remain small enough that kids and larger pets can't easily or accidentally fall in while still remaining large enough that bulky items such as bed linens will fit without jamming.

Normally that would leave the intake door with dimensions of 12" x 12" minimum to 24" x 24" maximum. In addition, the laundry chute itself should have a minimum of 12" width at its narrowest point.

The upper access door should also be situated at a height that is both easily reachable without having to bend over while standing and also easily within access of someone seated in a wheelchair or scooter. In general that would leave the door handle to be situated approximately 38" to 48" above the floor surface.

These handles should be lever style (often called L-handles or ADA Lever Handles) for easy accessibility for those with arthritis or other hand dexterity or strength conditions. Other more expensive options include pneumatic chute intake doors that come with ADA compliant palm buttons which can be helpful for those with more severe hand or arm conditions that make manipulating even lever-style handles more difficult.

Otherwise for improved fire safety, self closing doors can be installed at both ends of the laundry chute (including the bottom access area where the dumped laundry ends up landing). This would help prevent smoke and sparks from easily traveling throughout the house via the chute in case of a fire.

While it's recommended that the laundry chute's landing be near the washer for further convenience, care must be taken that it's situated such that it does not empty near the furnace, hot water heater, or any appliance that may be producing heat at the time.

In addition, it's also recommended that long grabber poles be kept close at hand in the laundry room in case of any jams caused by stuck clothes within the chute.

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]]><![CDATA[Aging in Place by Room - Part 45 - Laundry Room General Location, Layout, & Spacing]]>Thu, 14 May 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ellastewartcare.com/blog/aging-in-place-by-room-part-45-laundry-room-general-location-layout-spacing

By Anna Hazard

Introduction

Cleaning the laundry tends to become more problematic as one ages due to increasing physical limitations including strength, dexterity, visual, and mobility problems. This makes normal laundry related chores such as carrying baskets & hampers, lifting piles of dry or wet clothes, operating complicated equipment, and using a wide variety of chemicals more daunting if not outright more dangerous. This can be further exacerbated due to utility areas such as the laundry room often tending to be lacking in amenities.

To properly prepare a household for aging in place, the basics of laundry room design (such as storage, lighting, equipment operation, and space concerns) should be implemented in order to make certain that doing the laundry and other related tasks remains safe, convenient, and easily accessible. This can be done by planning ahead and incorporating features that will accommodate potential future concerns caused by the aging process.

Laundry Room Main Floor Location Picture

Original image taken by Christy Bright

General Location

The laundry room should be placed in a location that is both convenient & easily accessible while using a mobility aid such as a walker or wheelchair. Optimally this would mean that it would be reachable with minimum physical effort, without any obstructions in its path, and without having to use stairs (such as on the main floor or first floor of the household).

Out of the way locations (such as the popular placement of the laundry room in the basement) should be avoided due to potential mobility conflicts as well as the increased amount of distance that needs to be traversed while encumbered with laundry.

As laundry baskets & hampers can be both bulky & heavy, it's paramount to keep the laundry room in close proximity to where the laundry originated and where it will be returned. The less distance that needs to be traveled while encumbered, the less likely is the risk of falling, straining a body part, or suffering another injury.

In particular, having to haul the laundry between different floor levels can be dangerous, especially to those with mobility or balance problems. Thus it would be best that the laundry room is also on the bedroom level of the household. If the master bedroom & main bathroom are on the same floor, then this would be where the bulk of laundry would be generated.

Having the laundry room near these locations would decrease the amount of traveling required while hauling clothing between the washing & dryer machines and the wardrobe. In addition, a short trip to the laundry room also decreases the likelihood of running into an obstacle or tripping hazard while loaded down.

Original image by Drmnh

General Layout & Spacing

Internally, the laundry room will need to be large enough to easily accommodate many different types of equipment (including bulky washers & dryers) while still remaining properly organized with enough space to be easily navigable by someone using mobility equipment such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Planning with the prospective use of mobility devices in mind means making certain that there is sufficient clear space with the entranceway, paths, and access locations all being wide enough to easily contain a bulky mobility device and large load of laundry at the same time. In general, this would mean that there is enough internal space for a 60" turning radius (or T-turn space of around 5 feet x 5 feet) for wheelchair use.

In particular, the entrance, aisles, and walkways should be wide enough to easily navigate while being encumbered with a large load of laundry. This would include a minimum of 32" - 36" width for all aisles and paths. Thus a proper layout should maximize the amount of free space while minimizing hazards & other obstacles that may partially block the entrance, infringe upon the paths, or otherwise hinder movement around the equipment. Also, for best accessibility, there should be a clear unobstructed path straight from the washer & dryer to the entrance of the room.

Otherwise, to maximize the amount of clear space available, the washing machine & dryer should be placed against a wall and out of any potential paths. Other large items should also be placed along walls that are in close proximity to the appliance or work area where they will be used. This includes keeping the ironing board near the dryer and the hamper near the washer.

In order to further cut down on the amount of traveling needed within the laundry room, appliances should be placed near cabinets or shelves with easy access to accessories (such as detergent & other essentials) and in general, all items should be kept within easy reach from the work areas where they will be needed.

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