Lifemark™ Newsletter – June
Catch- 22
Catch- 22 is defined as a paradoxical situation from which you cannot escape because of mutually conflicting conditions.
The original story related to the fictional situation at an air force during a war, where people who were mentally unfit were not obliged to fly missions; but anyone who applied to stop flying was evaluated as having a rational concern for their safety and, therefore, was not considered mentally unfit and had to keep flying. In other words there was no logical way to stop flying missions.
I encountered my own Catch -22 when flying out of Wellington a few weeks ago. We wanted to use the Air New Zealand Koru Lounge and as my colleague was a wheelchair user we went to use the lift to access the lounge. There is a sign at the lift that requested that we see staff at reception to use the lift. The only problem is that the reception is at the top of the stairs. If we were able to use the stairs to ask to use the lift, then we wouldn’t need the lift…and there it was…the perfect catch-22.
There are probably many other situations in our community like this. Consider to a lesser degree our homes. We invite people into our homes but have inaccessible pathways or steps at the front door, so while we may appear hospitable we are not welcoming people at all. We create barriers when we should be making environments that are enabling and barrier free and we should avoid all catch 22 situations.
As a footnote, I wrote to the CEO of Air New Zealand and received a quick response that acknowledged the issue and advised that an intercom would be installed.
This is an excellent response; however the travel experience from the lift to the lounge, in itself, is another story…for another day.
As always please feel free to contact me on geoff@lifemark.co.nz as we turn houses into homes for everyone.
Geoff Penrose
General Manager
Email: geoff@lifemark.co.nz
Signature Homes commit to designing for a wider range of needs
Signature Homes provide a ‘one stop solution’ for design and construction needs, including house and land packages. Their 12 franchises across the country are now all Lifemark™ Accredited Partners, meaning every new home Signature Homes is building can be Lifemark™ rated.
Signature Homes CEO Paul Bull said: “Signature Homes are proud to be associated with Lifemark™ and we look forward to working with the Lifemark™ team to achieve better quality universal design across our homes. We guarantee our workmanship and the products we use – our homes are built to last, so for us, the next logical step is to ensure our clients can enjoy the use of their homes for a lifetime as well. Lifemark™ encourages home builders to consider how the home will be lived in by people of all ages and stages.
Andrew Buttimore, from the Signature Homes Waikato franchise Parangon Building, said: “Lifemark™ assisted Parangon Building with obtaining the highest 5-Star rating for the Managed Care Facility we built. They provided clear instruction and feedback within the design process to achieve the requirements. Their service was well received and the end result was fantastic.”
Specially designed smoke alarms for the elderly and those with disabilities
Lifemark™’s newest Accredited Partners Brooks specialise in residential Fire & Carbon monoxide protection for everyone.
Brooks alarms are specially designed as a fire protection system for deaf and hard of hearing residents, the elderly, those in supported housing and those with disabilities. The RadioLINK™ range of alarms can be easily adapted to address the changing needs of different occupants, to stay safe at home.
Brooks’ smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm range can be hardwired or wirelessly linked together, so if one alarm goes off it will activate all the other alarms within the system.
See the wirelessly interconnected RadioLINK™ smoke and heat alarms in action here.
For more information please contact Lester Easton on 0800 220 007 or visit www.brooks.co.nz.
Arvida apartments receive 5-Star ratings
Lifemark™ have recently rated 11 Arvida apartments at 5-Stars, meaning they can accommodate a wider range of occupants. The Arvida Glenbrae Resthome and Hospital Village is set in award winning gardens, close to Rotorua City Centre and surrounding communities.
The 5-Star apartments feature level-entry showers, wall-mounted ovens, light switches and plugs at easily reachable heights and all apartments are wheelchair, walker and mobility scooter accessible.
Jonathan Ash, General Manager, Development said: “We always want the best possible design outcomes for our customers, as this is their home. The Lifemark™ standards ensure homes are designed to adapt to the changing needs and for the lifetime of residents. Lifemark™’s smart and practical design features help make everyday living better.
“Lifemark™ were great to work with and their proactive communication made the process really simple. Arivda plan to continue to use the Lifemark™ Standards when designing and building our villages.”
WIN ME!
WIN a FREE easy to use tap from Quadro – the Italian-based brand which uses timeless, archetypal design to create beautiful and practical tapware for your home.
This durable 125AS tap from Quadro is is ideal for people with restricted hand function, who may have difficulty using round taps. The lever action, swivel fixture is easier to use by people of all abilities and is also more hygienic. Lifemark™ recommend using similar taps in rated homes to ensure wider and easier use for all.
Enter here for your chance to win!
Click here to find out more about other accessible bathroom features.
Designing a home for your future with Trident Homes
Trident Homes have featured Lifemark™ in a blog focusing on designing homes for the future.
Accredited Partners Trident Homes build homes through their franchise operators around the country.
Trident Homes, when working with Lifemark™, will include ‘future focused’ elements in their builds, such as accessible fittings and fixtures at a regulated height. These, and many other ideas, can be found throughout new Trident Homes designs – bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms can all get the Lifemark™ seal of approval.
Read the full blog from Trident Homes here.
In the News
New Zealand Green Building Council – Sustainable Housing Summit
Making it easier to travel with a disability
Universal Design Conference keynote speakers confirmed
Universal design allows use and access across generations
New app helps design a dementia-friendly home
How does your home rate?
Try the Lifemark™ Homescore today and find out how accessible and easy to live in your home, or the home of a friend or relative, is. All you need to do is visit our website and grab a tape measure!
If your home receives a high score, you may already be living in an accessible home and can upgrade your score to a Lifemark Star Rating! Try it here now.
Lifemark™ Monthly Poll
Last month we asked: “Is the sustainability of a home important to you?”
95% of you said YES – a sustainable home is a priority. Lifemark™ rated homes are designed to be usable and adaptable – making them sustainable into the future.
Would you benefit from having a multi-sensory smoke alarm system in your home?
