Many people see their houses as a place that provides familiarity and security, but this isn’t the case for everyone. For those with mobility issues, like the elderly and people with disabilities, being at home can cause more stress than comfort because some parts aren’t easily accessible for them.
There are plenty of ways to make your house friendlier for them. Read on to learn a few tips on how you can do it.
Prevent Fall Hazards
Falls and slips are the leading causes of injuries, so when you reduce tripping hazards, you’ll make your home safer for seniors and people with disabilities. You can start by removing all throw rugs. They may look nice, but they don’t have rubberized bottoms, so they slip when being walked on.
You should also clean up and remove the clutter that might get in the way of walking. Try to rearrange the furniture in the large parts of your house to aim for an open area, so wheelchairs and scooters won’t have any problem getting through.
Install Ample Lighting
When you don’t see your walkway clearly, you’re going to bump into things. Once you notice that the lighting in some parts of the house is too dim, replace the bulbs or fixtures. You should also install motion-activated models, so you won’t have to look for a switch inside a dark room anymore.
Assess the Stairs
Stairs will always pose a problem to those with limited mobility since they take more effort to climb. Also, wheelchairs and scooters can’t climb up them. Luckily, you can get products that can help you with this dilemma.
Stairlifts are a great way of going up and down house levels without any hassle since all you’ll have to do is sit down. They’re a chair or platform attached to a motor on the side of your staircase, and they can be custom built, so there’s no need to remodel just to install one.
Upgrade the Bathroom
Lastly, don’t forget to upgrade your bathroom. It’s a sanctuary where you can take a nice relaxing bath, but it’s also filled with plenty of slip hazards. To make it safer for everyone, install grab bars and non-slip mats. While you’re at it, check different prices for walk-in tubs for seniors because they’ll be great additional fixtures.
