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Environmental Transformation 179 others). Making the space small allows staff to complete tasks quickly and
then return to the rhythm of the house.
Garage - Shipping/Receiving
A receiving point where supplies can be properly inventoried and sorted should be designated within the household. Cabinetry strategically located can be designed to house many items in an unobtrusive and non- institutional manner. Our home garage is another place where we put big stuff we need, but don’t want cluttering the house. Although it adds expense in square footage, a garage could be added to each household whether you retrofit or go with new construction. One side can be used for parking or pulling in the household car, allowing residents access to a vehicle protected from inclement weather. The other side can be used for storage, shipping, receiving and maintenance.
The Yard
Homes typically have both a front and backyard. The front of the house is where we connect to neighborhood and street activities. Front porches are nice places to sit and enjoy the day and passersby. The backyard, on the other hand, is like an outdoor living room; a semi- public social space where we invite guests, enjoy household gatherings or private moments under the blue sky. Therefore, access to both the front and backyard should be through a public side of the house and not the bedroom hallway. Doorways to the yard are great opportunities, as are well-placed windows, for bringing the outside in and creating a strong interconnection between “in” and “out.”
There should be stimulating amenities in the back yard like gardens residents can work in and patios for barbequing or simply sitting in the sun. Garden pots, outdoor furniture and light posts are a few of the features that make outdoor living inviting. Storage areas for lawn, garden and patio equipment should be considered. A sand box or other children’s amenities can encourage residents’ grandchildren and community youth to visit and become more engaged in the life of the household.
Therapy
Depending upon your operational variables, space for therapy services may or may not need to be built into your household design. Regardless of the need for a therapy room, there should be a shift in thinking from “therapy in the therapy room only” to integrating therapy into the house where possible.