Abstract
Simple, low technology design modifications believed to be relevant to individuals suffering from AIDS were investigated. Twelve health care providers (doctors, nurses, and home health workers) experienced in assisting people with AIDS in Fort Collins, Colorado and the metropolitan Denver area rated 159 design modification items grouped into II categories of physical limitations imposed by AIDS–related symptoms. Each item was rated for its usefulness to AIDS patients; 113 items were considered to be useful, and 80 of these were directly related to the furnishings, fixtures, and equipment within the home.
Of the II categories of limitations, the health care providers considered those items grouped into the categories of respiratory limits, increasing reaction time, bowel incontinence, pain reduction, coordination limits, and reach limits to be most problematic. Those items grouped into the categories of limits of sight, strength, one–handed use, concentration, and hearing were considered to be important but less problematic.
Interior designers can effectively improve the quality of life for people with AIDS through design prescriptions for supportive home environments. Such design prescriptions, personalized to the needs of the individual patient, can result from the design modification items investigated and offer people with AIDS the opportunity to live more creative and independent lives.
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