6 Ways to Make Your Home Accessible

Your home is where one needs to get comfortable and relax, especially when you
are in your old age. Old age comes up fast, even without the notice of some
people. It often gets people unprepared, and coping with disabilities that come
up with old age becomes hard. While it might be hard to adapt to these changes,
mobility, and accessibility around the house doesn’t have to be challenging.

Making your house accessible will enhance not only mobility but also comfort and
value. Your home should always be the sanctuary that it is. The following are
ways you can use to ensure you make your home accessible.

Ramp It

Most homeowners love building staircases, which poses a challenge to them once
they get old. However, it is good to build a ramp
instead of a staircase. A ramp is favorable for wheelchairs, thereby making
mobility very easy. Help may not always be there, and a ramp will give the extra
needed support. Both indoor and outdoor ramps provide room for safe and reliable
accessibility, especially for mobility problems.

When picking out a ramp, pick one that fits your style and budget. For instance,
if you do not have a lot of space, determining the collapsible ramp will work
out for you. It is easy to store. If you have built a staircase and are afraid
of the renovation costs, there are portable ramps that quickly turn staircases
into the wheelchair accessible areas.

Doorways

Doorways should be wide enough to give extra room for easy maneuver. Here you
will need a contractor to remove and expand the door. Also, a contractor can
reverse the way a door opens and closes. The contractor also can lower door
knobs and handles and, where possible, install automatic door openers.

Note that wheelchairs and walkers may take up a lot of space, and it is
important to widen doorways and hallways. Also, using offset hinges will be a
great addition in the opening of doors and creating some space.

Look At The Flooring.

Hard floors, carpets, and rugs will add a challenge to moving around. If this is
what you have, consider changing it to hardwood flooring or tiles. If you live
in a place where tiles add a lot of cold to the house, consider adding a low
pile carpet.

The bottom line is, ensure that the flooring in your house is not slippery and
not hard or rugged.

Bathroom floors should be anti-slippery to prevent accidental falls.

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms around the house. The bathroom
should, therefore, be easily accessible. The showers and toilets should also be
accessible. Look at the size of the bathroom and shape to easily accommodate
these people. The sinks, taps, as well as toilet flush should be accessible.

For the bathroom, install additional safety tools such as grab bars to help
prevent accidents. They should be strong enough. One can install a toilet riser
for the toilet to make it easier for people with ending difficulties.

Kitchen

The kitchen is also another area that should be easily accessible. Here, you can
consider lowering the cabinets and countertops. Appliances, sinks, and taps
should be reduced to a reasonable height. Instead of turning faucets, go for
lever faucets. Doing this will make your home easily accessible.

Fitting ADA compliant sinks are a good
choice for you. These are stainless sinks that are meant to make life for those
with disabilities easier. They have shallow sink depths and knee clearance which
makes it a good choice for your home.

Stair lifts

One thing that homeowners should note that stairways are not crucial especially
for people living in one-storied buildings. They, however, are essential for
people who are unable to use the staircase entirely. Having these stair lifts
will also add value to your home in any case you wish to resell it in the
future.

There are a lot of stair lifts, and you can go for a temporary or permanent
modification.

Old age and disability come with a lot of challenges. Mobility and accessibility
do not have to be included. The above remodel tips will go a long way in helping
you make this decision.