If you live with an elderly loved one or person with mobility issues, you’ve undoubtedly had to make some changes to your home. Needless to say, it’s important to keep all of your home’s inhabitants safe. However, for those with disabilities, getting around the home safely can be very challenging. This is especially true if mobility solutions such as wheelchairs or walkers are necessary for getting around.
What steps can you take to ensure you create a more accessible home?
Install a wheelchair ramp.
This is probably the most obvious way to welcome a wheelchair or walker user into your home. A house with a staircase that leads to the front door is one that practically yells “you’re not welcome here!” to people with disabilities. Installing a ramp will ensure that a person who uses a mobility solution to get around can easily access the front door.
“A ramp to a doorway will not only help those in wheelchairs, but anyone with mobility difficulties,” notes Rachel Brougham on FamilyHandyman.com, “To build a ramp you’ll likely need a permit, so check local building codes before you begin construction.”
Place grab bars in the bathroom.
Any individual who struggles with balance can greatly benefit from grab bars. As their name informs, grab bars are bars that you can grab onto when in the bathroom. Unlike towel racks, grab bars are very sturdy and can support the weight of an adult. With grab bars in your bathroom, you will help your elderly loved one or individual with disabilities to remain upright. Avoiding slips and falls, it should go without saying, is of extreme importance.
“Grab bars can make a world of difference for anyone who isn’t particularly steady on their feet or could use a little assistance,” agrees Ileana Paules-Bronet on CafeMom.com, “The best place to add grab bars is in the bathroom, especially around the shower, to help people manoeuvre around slippery surfaces.”
Move the furniture around.
When you create clear pathways, you minimize the possibility of any slips and falls in your home. This involves picking objects off the floor and removing all clutter from the steps. In addition, positioning your furniture so that it doesn’t block exits and/or entrances to rooms will make life so much easier for the wheelchair user in your home.
“To allow ease of movement, make a path of at least 32 inches between furniture pieces,” advises Brougham, “You may also need to raise furniture to help some people sit comfortably. You can achieve this with furniture coasters or small blocks of wood that are secured to the legs of the furniture.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we proudly offer a wide variety of home modifications to help you create a more accessible home. They include wheelchair ramps, grab bars, stair lifts and so much more! We always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You’ll know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you.
To learn about our solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
