What is Important When Living in a Barrier-Free Home with a Child with Disabilities?

When families with children with disabilities consider building or remodeling a home, they often wonder, "What should we consider?" and "What kind of facilities do we need?" These concerns are frequently seen on social media.

In fact, I, the author, was one of those parents who struggled, thinking, "There are so many books and magazines about home building, but none specifically for families with children with disabilities," and "There's hardly any information online." I desperately gathered whatever seemed useful from general information.

I thought, "Won't the construction company make suggestions?" but in reality, there were hardly any proposals other than "eliminating steps." Since there are few families with children with disabilities, there are also few examples of such construction, and it seems that they don't have much know-how, which was my honest impression.

Just because a company is skilled in building barrier-free homes for the elderly doesn't necessarily mean they are skilled in creating barrier-free homes for children with disabilities.

"The two are almost like different entities," says Mr. Yoshimura from Kanzaki Construction Co., Ltd., who specializes in building barrier-free homes.

He holds a qualification as a Welfare Living Environment Coordinator and joined the company with the passion of "wanting to build homes for children with disabilities." Over his nearly 20-year career, he has handled about 2,000 cases.

We asked the experienced Mr. Yoshimura about what families with children with disabilities should consider when building or remodeling a home, recommended ways to gather information, and key points in home building.

1. What is "flow line," a key point in barrier-free homes?

[Interviewer (Writer): Ozawa / Interviewee: Mr. Yoshimura]

Ozawa: Are there any key points to consider when planning the layout of a home for living with a child with disabilities?

Mr. Yoshimura: When living with a child with disabilities, it's important to consider what kind of flow line will be needed and "how many future scenarios can be simulated."

※ "Flow line": A line indicating the predicted path people will naturally take when moving.

For example, when considering "what to do with the bathroom," you simulate "what will happen during bathing in the future."

It's important to first imagine the bathing actions, such as "I can carry them in now, but what will I do when they grow bigger?" and from there, specifically consider the size and necessary facilities.

This is because, especially for young children with disabilities, it's unclear what the future holds. Questions like "Can they sit?" "Can they stand?" "Can they walk?" are often uncertain, and parents have hopes for "what they want to happen."

We help by presenting possibilities without denying those hopes, offering as many future scenarios as possible for customers to choose from, ensuring they make a satisfying choice.

This is a way of thinking not found in typical home building, so it might be a challenging point for construction companies.

2. Four important flow lines to consider for barrier-free homes for families with children with disabilities

2-1. Bathing

Ozawa: What specific flow lines are important?

Mr. Yoshimura: Bathing is the first concern. It's an area where many people feel anxious, and we often receive consultations about it.

The key is to consider how many scenarios can be prepared for when carrying is no longer possible. We think together while considering the child's condition and predicting the future.

For example, consider the following:

・Will they soak in the tub or only use the shower?
・Is there a possibility of using after-school day services or other facilities?
・Will home bathing services be used?

We consider these factors while deciding on the size and shape of the bathtub.

2-2. Entering and Exiting the Home

Mr. Yoshimura: The next common concern is "entry and exit." How to enter and exit the home is important, as is the flow line from the parking lot.

Like bathing, we consider potential scenarios for these actions.

・How to enter the home (in a wheelchair, being carried, etc.)
・Is the car a welfare vehicle, or will it be in the future?
・Where to enter the home (front door, sliding glass door, etc.)

We also consider how to keep the flow line as short as possible and avoid getting wet in the rain.

2-3. Sleeping

Mr. Yoshimura: Sleeping arrangements also change depending on the severity of the disability.

・Will they sleep with the parents?
・Will they have their own room?
・Is there a possibility of needing a nursing bed?

We consider these factors while planning the size and layout of the room.

2-4. Toileting

Mr. Yoshimura: For children with severe disabilities, diapers may always be necessary, so the number of cases isn't very high, but toileting is also a key point.

We predict whether they will be able to use the toilet in the future and consider door openings and flow lines if there's a possibility.

3. How to Find a Construction Company Familiar with Barrier-Free Homes?

Ozawa: How can we find a construction company familiar with barrier-free homes for living with children with disabilities in our area?

Mr. Yoshimura: The term "barrier-free" is actually very broad, like saying "track and field." In track and field, there's short-distance running, long-distance running, and shot put, right? It's better not to lump them together.

For example, even if a construction company claims to be knowledgeable about barrier-free homes, it might be for the elderly. Asking them about barrier-free homes for children with disabilities is like asking a sprinter about shot put.

Especially the barrier-free needs of adults and children are different.

For example, the future. As I mentioned earlier, it's often unclear what the future holds for children. There are very few construction companies nationwide that can make proposals considering this.

Therefore, it might be important to consider the premise that "there is no construction company familiar with building homes for children with disabilities." Instead of leaving it to the construction company, I think it's more likely to result in a good home if you gather information and propose ideas to the construction company yourself.

4. Recommended Ways to Gather Information When Planning a Comfortable Layout for Homes with Children with Disabilities

Ozawa: So, what kind of information should we gather to propose ideas to the construction company ourselves?

Mr. Yoshimura: Talking to people involved in home care is one way.

If your family uses home care or nursing services, asking the person in charge might provide insights into various cases, as they visit many homes.

Of course, researching examples on Instagram or blogs is also effective. Our company offers individual consultations for a fee. These are conducted online, so you can consult us regardless of your location.

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