Are you looking for ways to make your home more accessible? Here are 7 Great Ways To Make Your Home More Accessible

 

7 Great Ways To Make Your Home More Accessible

As we age, it’s important to think about how we can make our homes more accessible. Whether you’re looking to stay in your home for as long as possible, or you’re wanting to make things easier for a family member who has mobility issues, there are plenty of ways to create a more accessible space. Here are 7 great ideas to get you started!

1. If you have stairs, install a stair lift to make it easier for people with mobility issues to get around your home

Adding a stair lift to your home is a great way to make it more accessible for those with limited mobility. Whether you have an elderly family member, someone recovering from surgery, or otherwise need help getting up and down the stairs, a stair lift is a perfect solution. Namely, the folks at Stairlift Helper say that you should be able to choose a stair lift based on the type of stairs in your home. Stair lifts come in several different varieties and can be tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs. Beyond its practical applications, installing a stair lift can provide an enormous amount of relief and allow people to continue living independently long after they might not have been able to do so safely.

2. Widen doorways and hallways so that wheelchair users can easily move from one room to another

Everyone deserves to be able to safely and comfortably move within their home, which is why it’s so important for those who are wheelchair users to have doorways and hallways that are wide enough to comfortably move through. With a few alterations, such as door widening and ramps, we can make sure everyone feels their home is empowering and accessible. Not only can these changes increase safety, but they can also create an environment where freedom of movement is truly valued and appreciated. Overall, widening doorways and hallways not only make homes more accessible but allows individuals of all abilities to better navigate the interior of their dwelling.

3. Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower or tub to help people with balance issues stay safe

Installing grab bars in the bathroom can help people with balance issues stay safer. Whether in the shower or bathtub or near the toilet, these bars offer a secure handhold that relieves stress on muscles and bones to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. If you have an aging parent or relative who visits your home, consider putting up some of these helpful aids—it will provide you both with peace of mind while they perform their daily personal care rituals. Plus, there are a variety of styles to choose from, so you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics!

4. Place nonslip mats in areas where people might need extra traction

Installing nonslip mats in areas that are either naturally slippery or prone to becoming slippery on certain days is a wise preventative measure to ensure the safety of your friends, family, and guests. Bathrooms with slick ceramic tile, wet outdoor entryways, and sloping decks all can turn into hazardous situations without recourse (not to mention lawsuits!). Investing in quality nonslip mats can protect you from falls as well as take the worry out of entertaining – no one wants to have a beautiful party ruined by an avoidable accident. So take that small step today and ensure not only a safe environment but also peace of mind.

5. Use light-colored paint on walls and floors to create a more open feeling

Using light-colored paint on walls and floors is an excellent way to visually open up all kinds of spaces. Whether you’re at home or in an office environment, this simple change in the décor can make a huge difference. Not only does light paint create an airy atmosphere, but can also be advantageous for individuals with vision impairments because it helps them to view their surroundings more and navigate pathways. Further, light colors reflect more natural sunlight, helping to brighten even the smallest of rooms. Take it from me – adding a coat of light paint is a great decorating decision!

6. Make sure all of your electrical outlets are at a comfortable height

Electrical outlets are a vital part of any room, ensuring that your lights, TV, and other appliances can be used safely and effectively. That’s why it’s important to make sure each outlet in your home is positioned at a convenient height for standing or seated use. While taller people may want their outlets slightly higher than average, placement decisions for most should depend largely on the type of furniture present in the room. Babies and toddlers should always have outlets placed far away from their reach as a safety precaution; providing easy access without becoming hazardous is also key. Being mindful to take installation into account when routing cables can save time and money down the line. With a few easy steps, you can ensure that all your electrical outlets are at just the right height.

7. Make an intuitive home layout

When it comes to accessibility, it is essential to envision a layout with ample space to move around the house. You don’t want to create too many cluttered spaces or dark areas around your home. Focus on open-plan layout ideas and experiment with different options. if your house has sparse windows, then substitute with large round mirrors and warm lights. Try to position the mirrors in a way so that a lot more light is reflected in a room and use natural light to navigate the best spot.

Creating a home that is safe and accessible for people with various types of disabilities can seem like a difficult, daunting task. By taking the necessary steps and making intentional decisions, however, you’ll be surprised at how quickly and simply things will come together. From installing a stair lift to widening doorways to adding nonslip mats in areas where they are needed most, these small changes can make all the difference in safely and comfortably welcoming people with disabilities into your home. As accessibility needs continued to evolve, being mindful of the integral role it plays within our living spaces is more important now than ever. So let’s start today by creating a home that accommodates everyone!