Be Comfortable with Behold

Forty-two standard amenities are at your service, all of which can be customized to support your functional needs. Home infrastructures are designed and built to facilitate the installation of your essential equipment, features and supports. Six specialized modules feature amenities designed for specific supports. You simply choose the options in the modules that works best for you.

Decorative image of a nice kitchen with a wooden floor.

6 Specialized Modules:

Breathing Module - If we can't breath well, we don't feel well, think well or live well. Breathing difficulties may include asthma, allergies, and chemical sensitivities. We spend most of our time in doors, so breathing healthy air where we live is critical.

Air-sealing & advanced insulation techniques on walls, windows and foundation
Foundation waterproofing and moisture control
Advanced framing techniques
Low-VOC paint, sealants; reduced urea formaldehyde bonding agents
Whole house High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filtration, ventilation and filters
Positive whole house ventilation system with humidity control (Optional)
Filtered air intake ports in living spaces and bedrooms to improve air quality
Entry area seating for changing shoes, removing outdoor clothing, storage
Energy efficient encased window blinds throughout to minimize dust and curtains
Energy efficient and sealed combustion appliances
Moisture removing fans in toilet and kitchen areas
Carefully selected interior finishes to facilitate ease of cleaning
Green cleaning program information
HEPA vacuum cleaner (Optional)
Antimicrobial anti-static flooring, available (Optional)
Pet and smoke-free environment homes available (Optional)
Removable and replaceable mats/carpeted areas available (Optional)

Caring Module - There are certain times we all need caregivers. It may be for a short while during a healing process or for a longer duration. The Caring Module’s amenities support caregiving, whether the caregivers are friends, contracted professionals or family members.

Accessible caregiver studio; Available duplex/triplex housing models
Caregiver station with keypad lock – desk, phone, Wi-Fi or computer connection
Telecare options supports: Bedroom/bathroom phone/internet line for equipment
Caregiver partition, handheld shower controls, transfer seating area (Optional)
Covered shower shelving for supplies and towels
Smooth adjustable shower seat with clear space and cut outs (Optional)
Additional clear space at bedroom, toilet/sink & at kitchen for Hoyer lifts, equipment
Additional storage/built in shelves near headboard for supplies, breathing equipment
Up to 360-degree access to sleeping area – sufficient clearance for bed access
Mobile cabinetry for water catchment to facilitate bathing (Optional)
Pull down tables, murphy spaces for supplies and caregiver usage (Optional)
Caregiver friendly tenant policies for live-in, family and overnight caregiving

Communication Module - Hearing loss, deafness and unique speech patterns may be accommodated with amenities in our Communication Module. Various supportive communication technologies are available using visual means or acoustic enhancements.

Videophone Secured Entry available (optional)
Additional electrical outlets for videophone/computer equipment
Built in charging areas for various batteries for electronic equipment
Strategic adjustable lighting throughout the property and in the home
Flashing strobe lights to signify doorbell, phone, fire, intruder, audible alarms (Optional)
Visual intercoms, closed-circuit television (Optional)
Clear lines of sight, half walls/windows to enable visual communication in main rooms
Mirrors and/or viewing windows and spaces placed to facilitate viewing in multiple rooms
Acoustic treatments and environmental buffers to minimize ambient air sounds
Mechanical buffers to minimize interference with hearing aids and cochlear implants
Skylights, adjustable diffused lighting, shelf lighting, and residual lighting
Plantings and features to buffer traffic and exterior noises
Strategic outlets for augmentative and alternative communication equipment
Green space for service animals (Optional)

Moving Module - The prevalence of limitations in mobility and moving are difficult to measure, but research shows the most common difficulty is related to movement. Movement Modules features amenities that support mobility and access for mobility devices.

No thresholds or steps throughout home or property, non-slip flooring
Staging and storage space, built in or adjustable seating/transfer areas at entry (Optional)
Lever-handled/automatic locksets and hinge side D handle for exterior doors and gates
48” doors / doorways, maximizing use of ceiling hung, sliding or pocket doors
60” entry / transition areas with shelving or sliding doors or open cabinetry storage nearby
Touch-slide or push doors with protective panels or automatic door openers (Optional)
Clear protected unobstructed 5’ or greater turnaround space at amenities in function areas
Controls, outlets and operable elements within comfort zone, 21”- 36” above the floor
Low windows for appealing views for wheelchair users and ambulatory alike
Supportive ceiling and walls for mobility tracks and supportive lift equipment installation
Decorative replaceable protective edging on corners, door faces, sills and at rail heights
Bathroom/curbless roll in shower, 5’ turnaround within dressing area, built-in storage
Caregiver partition-able, handheld shower controls, with clear access beneath seating area
High toilet, grab bars and/or nearby reinforced counters with hand holds (Optional)
Large rocker-style electrical switches and top position ground plug at all outlets
Pull down cabinets, sliding shelves, variable heights, ceiling mirror / overhead view (Optional)
Pull out shelves, Island, pantry & storage areas, oven and cooktop food transfer areas
Knee space at countertops, built in work spaces, and bathroom vanity areas
D-shaped cabinet handles, touch controlled drawers
Offset tub/shower anti-scald controls and hand-held showerhead, touchless faucets
Front controls on stove, washers, dryers and machinery/ opposing door openings
Low wall niches and built in shelving at shower, tub and other locations
Switches for disposal, hood fans, and lights at front of cabinets for ease of access

Vision Module - More than 20 million Americans have vision loss. Amenities in the Vision Module support wayfinding and navigation to facilitate daily living activities.

One-way glass on side windows at entry doors with bright entry area lights
Illuminated, contrasted or colored light switches and outlets
Strategic adjustable lighting 30% brighter than average throughout the home
Tasteful way-finding accents with textural/tactile materials
Contrasting color combinations for flooring and walls in different rooms
Pleasing color contrasts between walls and floors, handrails and walls, doors
Varied tactile cues for walking paths, working areas, and other surfaces
Glass fronted cabinets in kitchen and other areas
Non-glare floor and counter surfaces; anti-glare, non-reflective glass on windows
Task specific movable/adjustable lighting at cooking, reading and toileting areas
Sufficient storage areas with shelving, bins and organization amenities
Assistive dog features – pet door to fenced yard, wash tub, relief area
Equipment warranties and instructions in 14-font or computer guided readability
Office/desk area with additional space for video magnifier or visual equipment

Thinking Module - Cognition, remembrance and intellectual capacities vary during different stages of our lives. Studies show that about one in six children have one or more developmental disability, and up to 5.3 million adults have Alzheimer’s disease. Amenities in the Thinking Module can facilitate more independent home living at all stages of life.

Separate distinctive functional rooms - as opposed to one big standard room
Flexible, soft and adaptable furnishings with interesting textures and colors
Simple spatial arrangements and adjustable high lighting solutions
Welcoming layouts to promote a feeling of warmth, fostering communication
Designs to adjust for sensory overload, i.e. adjustable spaces, neutral patterns
Clear activity areas, color-tone changes, variety of prominent features in rooms
Signs, labels, numbering, boards, pictures, clear views, high contrasts (Optional)
Large windows with low sills and nearby seating
No internal corridors, hallways or dead ends
Transparent cabinet fronts for easy identification of contents
Automatic shut off on water faucets, (Optional)
Patio with accessible raised planters (Optional)
Transition areas between public and private spaces for orientation
Secure, pleasant usable outdoor spaces with seating and eating arrangements
Table height outlets for computer or charging device stations in multiple rooms
Exit sensors to alert for wandering (dementia friendly options available)
Retro decoration choices (dementia friendly options available)
Fenced or walled backyard area with gated security (Optional)
Buffer zone, such as trees and / or vegetation between busy roads and housing
Automatic light sensing to turn on/off lights
Decorated wash basins for easy visibility
Non-glare surfaces, i.e. floors and windows

Our 42 standard amenities provide for the highest levels of comfort and functionality in all our modules.

Housing to Behold – 42 Standard Amenities

Homes with modules for communicating, breathing, thinking, moving, seeing and caring
Usage of Universal Design Principles, Visitability, Age-in-Place, Fair Housing and ADA
Single Family Home Models: 2-8 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms – all restrooms accessible
Caregiver/ Duplex/ Triplex Studio Models for caregiver with securable adjoining entrance

Affordable rent, lease, rent-to-own, purchase financial options to facilitate ownership
Escrow account to plan and save for non-covered accessible amenities and/or rent-to-own
Accommodated involvement in community management and governing decisions activities
Policies and floorplans available to facilitate rotational caregiver tenancy

Multi-use zoning to facilitate independent living, in-home and/or on-site businesses
(TBD) Contracts and bartering policies for specific services and goods
Enhancement of the neighborhood with accessibility features in rights-of-way areas
Garaged models - with outlets and space for storage & width for ramped/lift equip vehicles

Flooring that will withstand 1,000 pounds of pressure and turning for access of power chairs
Home built with high quality materials for longevity and lower maintenance costs
Modular construction methods; pursuing Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
Locations available adjacent to transportation, shopping, comm. activities and open spaces

Energy-efficient and well insulated to reduce energy usage and costs
Energy efficient, window blinds encased in windows, on strategic windows (optional)
Solar and other amenities to reduce electricity and gas cost available (optional)
Adjustable transparency glass in street facing windows and doorway windows (optional)

Grey water, soft-water systems available to reduce water usage and cleaning costs (optional)
Front loading washers, dryers and pull out dishwashers; ovens and cooktops with front controls
Adjustable heights for closet rods, counter tops, vanity, sink, etc.
Stylish grab bars can be located strategically in the home

Walk-in tubs, water tables, roll-in, barrier free showers available
Generators and back up energy sources, such as batteries & propane available (optional)
Electronic entry, accessible landscaping, community and gardening area (optional)
6’ wide entry sidewalks, 4’ or wider entry doors

Side windows at entry door to facilitate safety and communication
No steps between the house, patio, garage or porch
Centralized location for caregiving with mobile cabinetry for water catchment (optional)
Enclosed porches or patios for security (Optional)

Grade changes with gently sloping ramps and pathways (5% / 1:20)
Raised plant beds & container plantings placed in accessible locations are available (optional)
Yard plants are drought, heat resistant and require minimal care
Water outlets located within comfort zone, 21”- 36”, with C or D-shaped handles

Lighting placed for good nighttime visibility of paths and vehicular areas
Clear space at common areas & exterior work locations (trash, water, planting beds, etc.)
Countersunk walkway edging to facilitate level entry at various locations in yards
Easy-to-see & reach AC filter locations, thermostats with large numerals and intuitive operation

Electrical panels in garage placed below 48” for ease of access
Accessible community gathering areas (community rooms, meeting locations) where available

When conventional affordable housing doesn’t work for you, Housing to Behold can. Please Contact Us for more information on our accessible housing services.