Disabilities and limited mobility can change the way we live our lives even in spaces where we should be comfortable, such as our homes. For people living with a disability and those with limited mobility, the home can become challenging to navigate and this is why it is so important to think about making the home more accessible for them. In this article, we will look at a few things we can do to make our homes more accessible to those living with a disability and those with limited mobility.
Install a Stair Lift
If your loved one cannot use the stairs and there is no space to add ramps, consider having a stair lift installed. These lifts come in a variety of styles and can be added to a home as permanent modifications. For those who do not want to make permanent changes to their homes, there is always the option of portable stair climbers.
These stair lifts make multi-level homes and even back and front yard more accessible and they can increase the safety of living in a home for those who struggle with stairs.
Replace Stairs with Ramps
Most people forget that stairs can be incredibly dangerous for those with limited mobility. They also make the home inaccessible or difficult to access for those on a wheelchair. Stairs can be found in homes of all types, and it is likely that you have one or two steps leading to your home regardless of how many floors it has.
To make the home more accessible, consider replacing the stairs with ramps. If that is not possible, consider installing ramps on top of the stairs so people can use either the stairs and ramps depending on their level of mobility. To allow safe and easier access to the home, consider looking at the various mobility ramps offered by companies that sell care home medical supplies. These companies sell mobility equipment for those receiving care at home. Ramps are a great option for those receiving this type of care, have limited mobility and would like to move around independently or with a little help.
Remove Barriers in the Bathroom
Bathrooms can also be dangerous when you consider their slick tiles and mats that can cause falls. Hot tubs and counter tops can also be very dangerous if someone tries to hold on to them with wet hands. Removing mats and replacing them with non-slip ones can make a huge difference, as will installing walk-in tubs. These tubs allow a loved one to get into the bathtub without having to straddle it. You should also consider adding handrails to hold on to instead of the ceramic tub or tiles which can be slippery.
Add Handrails Strategically
The bathroom is not the only place you should consider adding handrails. They can be placed around and behind chairs, beds and other areas where a loved one might want to hold on to something when sitting or standing,
Most people do not consider whether their home is accessible because they can navigate around just fine. However, it is important to be considerate to the needs of those living with disability and those with limited mobility by making our homes more accessible.
