Do you share your home with someone who has limited mobility? Are you looking for some ways to help them stay in your home without turning the space into a clinical setting?
Luckily, that’s easily achievable, and many accessibility upgrades can be beneficial to homeowners long-term, as they increase the value of the property. So, here are some options to consider for upgrading your home’s accessibility.
Home Elevators
As much as everyone loves homes that are on one level (bungalows), these homes are in short supply. So, for people who have limited mobility, adapting a two-story home is often a better option and can involve the fitting of home elevators. These are surprisingly small, stylish, and can help those in wheelchairs or those who have issues with climbing stairs to access the upper floor in seconds, without hassle.
Grab Bars
A lot of people who have issues with their mobility may struggle in the bathroom, specifically with getting on and off the toilet. This is easily remedied with the installation of grab rails. These can either be drilled into the wall, or you can get options that use suction cups; these are better suited to being used on tiles and in showers. It can also be worth placing grab rails near the stairs or in bedrooms, to help the person with mobility issues retain their independence throughout the home.
Widen Doors
A must-have for any home with a wheelchair user is wider doorways and passageways. Ideally, you’re looking at widening doorways to 840mm minimum, based on the size of the wheelchair. Of course, this can also be beneficial for people who use a walker. It means that they can move safely through the home with minimal effort and it also looks pretty cool as an aesthetic option!
Smart Home Tools
Most homes have at least one smart device, so why not use them to help make your home more accessible? This could be anything from clapper lights (always fun!), using Alexa to turn the heating on, or even controlling a bedroom light from a phone. All these things can help make the home easier to use for someone who may have limited mobility and, best of all, smart homes allow you to set things to timers, which can help with routine and minimize anxiety for people with Alzheimer’s. Not all accessibility upgrades are about physical health.
Ramps
It’s easy to assume that the only reason to have a ramp in or outside your home is because someone in your home is using a wheelchair. However, ramps can help with an array of other conditions, such as easing the movement of the hips and knees for those who have arthritis, as well as providing a smooth transition in and around the home for those who use Zimmer frames or walkers.
Best of all, there are many ramps that can be used temporarily, then folded up and tucked away, without permanent alterations to your home being needed. So, if the wheelchair is temporary, then the ramp can be too! If the wheelchair is for longer-term use, the ramp will need to be fitted by a professional and it can add a lot of value to your home.