Our population is getting older, and more and more people are dealing with mobility impairments, so it’s important to make sure their homes can accommodate them. Making one’s home more accessible is important for a person’s independence, comfort, and overall quality of life. Making your home more accessible doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly; rather, it can be improved with a few simple tweaks. Below you’ll find seven suggestions for making your house more welcoming to those with mobility impairments.
1.Put up some bathroom grab bars.
One of the easiest and most efficient methods to make a house more accessible is to install banister rails in the bathroom. With the help of a grab bar, entering and exiting the bathroom (and particularly the bathtub or toilet) is much safer and easier. Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet, in the shower or tub, and anywhere else you think an additional hand could be useful.
2. To prevent falls, non-slip mats or flooring should be used.
Those who have trouble moving around are especially vulnerable to falling. Protect yourself from slips and falls by installing non-slip mats or floors. Places where water or other spills are likely to occur include the kitchen, bathroom, and elsewhere. The use of non-slip flooring in high-traffic areas is highly recommended, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
3. Elevate the level of the furnishings.
For persons who have trouble walking, the standard height of furniture can be a major challenge. Having furniture at a more manageable height might facilitate sitting and getting up. Risers, which can be bought in most hardware and home improvement stores, can be used to raise or lower the height of furniture.
4. Door and hallway widening
It can be challenging for those who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment to go through narrow doorways and hallways. Making it simpler to walk through the house, widening doorways and corridors can be a great help. Though it may be costly, having doorways and hallways widened can greatly improve mobility in a home.
5. Build a door that doesn’t require any stepping
For many who have trouble walking, stairs can be a major obstacle. Making the entry to your home level is a great way to make it more accessible for people with mobility issues. While permanent ramps or lift installations might be costly, temporary solutions like portable ramps can be employed instead.
6. Fix your house up with some smart gadgets
The incorporation of smart home technology into a dwelling can facilitate the management of its features by people who are physically challenged. Some who have trouble reaching or using standard light switches or appliance buttons may find smart home technology’s ability to be a great boon.
7. Adapting your home to accommodate people with disabilities is something to think about.
Making a home totally accessible should be a top priority for anyone planning a large remodel or building a new home. Wider doorways, no stairs, and handicap-friendly sinks and tubs are just a few examples of how to make a home more welcoming to people with mobility impairments.
In conclusion, it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money or put in a lot of effort to make your home suitable for persons who have mobility impairments. The ability to move around in one’s home can be greatly improved by making even minor adjustments, such as installing grab bars or utilizing non-slip matting. Accessible and welcoming homes for those with mobility impairments are possible by following these seven guidelines.