6 Ways To Make Your Home More Accessible
Do you have a hard time maneuvering around the house, or are small tasks difficult to do because of accessibility issues? If so, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, 1 billion people worldwide have some form of physical disability. It’s time to make your home more accessible for yourself and anyone else who visits—after all, your home should be a place where everyone can go about their daily life as easy as possible!
In this article we share 6 ways that you can make your home more accessible—it doesn’t matter if it’s for someone with impaired mobility due to illness or injury or simply having an elderly family member in residence occasionally; there are measures we can take which will help create a safe and comfortable space for everyone. We hope these suggestions will equip our readers with tools and information to help them improve their living situation quickly and relatively affordably. Read on to find out how!
1. Invest in a stair lift
For those who find it difficult to ascend and descend flights of stairs, a stair lift may be the ideal solution. Not only will this make getting up and down the stairs much easier, but it can also provide peace of mind for those concerned about falling on their own. Namely, the experts at stairlifthelper.co.uk say that you can browse through brochures with different models, to find the best stairlift for your home. The benefits of a stair lift are many, as having them installed increases mobility and independence for people with limited movement. If you also consider that stair lifts often come with additional safety features such as sensors and seatbelts, it’s easy to see why these are a great investment for anyone looking to improve the accessibility of their home.
2. Add grab bars
Making your home more accessible with grab bars is an easy and important step to ensure that all members of your family, no matter their age or ability level, can remain safe while using the bathroom. Installing grab bars in the shower, near the toilet and other locations where they are needed can provide stability and an extra layer of security – making it easier to use the bathroom without compromising health or safety. Furthermore, grab bars come in a variety of styles and colors so you can find an aesthetic style that best suits your home. So if you’re looking for an easy way to make your home more accessible, look into installing grab bars in the bathroom today!
3. Add non-slip rugs to prevent falls
One of the easiest and most affordable items you can add to your home in order to make it more accessible is the non-slip rug. This type of rug is not only helpful for those with mobility issues, but it’s also great for anyone who wants extra stability on slick hardwood or tile floors. Non-slip rugs provide a cushioned surface that reduces the chance of slips, trips, and falls in any room. You can find these rugs in a variety of colors, sizes, and textures so that they blend right into your existing décor without ever sacrificing safety. Get ready to enjoy your home knowing that you have one more level of protection against slipping hazards.
4. Choose furniture with armrests and high seats to make it easier to get up and down
Furniture that has armrests and higher elevations can make all the difference when it comes to making your home more accessible. Armrests provide important support and stability, while higher seats help ensure that standing up is not as difficult or exhausting. Consider this option to make the transition from sitting to standing much easier—especially if you or someone in your household are living with a physical disability. As an added bonus, this type of furniture is often just as attractive as conventional seating pieces, so you won’t have to sacrifice on style.
5. Make sure all room entrances are wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers
Making sure all room entrances in your home are wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers is an essential part of creating an accessible environment. A properly designed entrance should be at least 32 inches wide and provide the necessary clearances for easy access throughout the home. It’s also important to consider door thresholds – by raising them to a maximum of ½ inch, you make it easier to move in and out of any area with greater ease. With a little effort, your home can truly become a safe and comfortable space for everyone, regardless of physical abilities or limitations.
6. Consider adding a wheelchair lift if stairs are an obstacle
Making your home more accessible for yourself or a loved one can be intimidating, especially if stairs present an obstacle. Adding a wheelchair lift to your home is a great way to overcome this challenge and ensure everyone has a safe and worry-free living experience. Not only does a lift make it easier for a wheelchair user to access their home, but it significantly reduces the threat of potential falls or slips that might occur with navigating stairs. Investing in something like this will improve the quality of life for anyone who needs help getting up or down steps.
Taking the steps to make your home more accessible is an important part of ensuring the quality of life for everyone–young or old, able or disabled. With a few small changes, you can transform a standard house into one that caters to all lifestyles and abilities. While ramps, grab bars, non-slip mats, furniture with armrests and high seats, and room entrances that allow easy movement of mobile devices may sound like daunting projects, the results are worth it for everyone looking for an easier way to navigate the home’s common areas. For those who need it, wheelchair lifts are an integral part of providing safer access from `one level to another. Fortunately, with six simple strategies that can make your home more accessible, beginning this journey has become almost effortless.
