A disability changes the way you live your day-to-day life, even in spaces you have lived in for a long time. Your home could be one of the more dangerous areas if you are not taking steps to make it more accessible. You may be overwhelmed if you are trying to adapt. But implementing these methods can make your home more accessible to you or a family member.
Evaluate Stairs
Make sure every stairway in the home has a good handrail, which will make it easier to navigate. The treads should also have enough room so no one trips on them. The edges should also be visible. If you have concerns along these lines, consider adding tape or putting a metal edge along them. You could even add lighting along the stairs. It adds safety and it can look fun. You may not be limited to using stairs in every area of your home. Home elevators can make it easier to navigate, and they are no longer something only the very rich can afford. Companies like Lifton are coming out with modern, stylish elevators for every budget. You can learn more about the modern Lifton Home Elevator and see if it is right for your home.
Consider Flooring
Yes kitchen remodeling plays a role in increasing aesthetics but in terms of accessibility sometimes you simply need to upgrade only a portion of your larger spaces to achieve your goal. Take some time to look over your home’s floor to see if you need to make some modifications. If you have carpet, consider whether it would be accessible for someone with a wheelchair or walker. Shaggy carpet can be especially hazardous and it can be hard for older people to walk on it, so you may want to put in carpet that is not as shaggy. You could even replace it with tiles, which are often easier to navigate. Consider other materials as well, like hardwood, vinyl, or laminate. Just know that a hard floor can be more slippery than a carpet, especially if it is wet. It is possible to add throw rugs, which can help with traction, but only if they are anchored securely.
Improve Lighting
A person who has disabilities may need more light to perform daily tasks, so make sure you increase the amount of available light. You could enlarge windows or add new ones. Increasing natural light has many benefits and can also help you form a stronger connection to nature or your community. Adding draperies and blinds can help you control the amount of sunlight and privacy in your home.
Acquire New Furniture
Choose pieces that are easy to relocate and that easily hold you. They should also be relatively easy to get in, and there should be no sharp edges. Look for pieces that will support good posture, like good back support. Getting an armchair can give you more stability than one without arms. But make sure the arms are no longer than an inch or so beyond the edge of the seat to keep it stable. Know that less is more, as having fewer pieces can make it easier to navigate.