No one likes to think that they are trapped in their own home. Sadly, some people cannot move around their homes freely as they once did due to an illness or injury.
However, the use of some well-placed adaptations and mobility aids can help to make your home more accessible and greatly improve the quality of life for those who need extra assistance and support.
Ramps
Reduced mobility can make moving around steps and stairs quite tricky, especially for wheelchair users. Sadly, most homes are not designed for people who are differently-abled and unable to navigate steps, corners, fixtures around the house.
Ramps can be a way to assist people in entering and leaving home even if there is a step outside. For low-level steps or raised entryways, threshold ramps for homes for the front and back of your property can allow independence and safety when coming and going.
Handrails
Used correctly, handrails can be useful, and new designs mean you can get them placed discretely around your home in the appropriate areas.
While plastic grab rails are still preferable for bathrooms or wetrooms due to the ability to provide extra grip in wet conditions without any damage occurring as would happen with metal or wood.
Pay close attention to how you move around your home and assess the heights thoroughly to ensure proper placement to be helpful. Metal and wooden handrails can be used in others of the house to blend in with your chosen decor for less intrusive aids.
Create Low Storage
Differences in abilities may mean that adjusting how you store things in your home can make life easier. While some changes are more challenging than others, smaller ones such as moving frequently used items to lower storage spaces or cabinets can be helpful.
Smart Homes
With more and more products hitting the market to increase our smart home capabilities, utilizing these items to make life easier in the face of physical challenges can be welcoming. Automated light switches, voice-controlled faucets, and heating can be significant changes. Sensors on doors to open and close doors, much like in supermarkets, are great for bigger homes if you can install them along with a security system that can be accessed easily in the event of an accident or an emergency.
Risers
Risers can be added to many products to raise their level to avoid excessive bending or allow for ease of transition from wheelchairs to different facilities in the home, including toilets.
Home Renovations
If funds allow, undertaking home renovations can help you to adjust your home to accommodate changing needs. Dropped cabinets and lowered sinks can make everyday items more accessible, such as swapping your bathroom with a wetroom with integrated seating and support.
Wider doorways can allow for more unrestricted movement around the house; stairlifts and elevators can assist with moving between floors. Another consideration is to change your flooring. Carpets can be mice and soft underfoot but can make moving around and even clean tricky, especially for wheelchairs. Consider wooden flooring or hardwearing options such as vinyl or laminate.