If you have parents who are getting up there in age or a loved one with mobility issues, you need to remodel your home for better accessibility. After all, you won’t be there to help them 24/7. A few simple adjustments can go a long way; from preventing falls, accidents, or even to help them regain their dignity and ensure they don’t feel like a burden to the rest of the family. There are numerous ways to design a home for people with mobility challenges, and you needn’t break the bank or move. See below for a few simple ways to model a home for better accessibility.
Expand doors and entryways
Expanding the doorways and hallways will make it easier for your loved ones who are bound to a wheelchair or a permanent crutch. It’s a simple fix to a big problem for many, and this ensures they don’t always have to maneuver the tight squeeze as they move from one room to the next.
Go for ramps rather than stairs
There are many ramp solutions out there that will help people with mobility issues, particularly those in a wheelchair. You might consider opting for ramps instead of stairs, for example, to help ensure that all areas of the home are safely accessible.
Grab bars in the bathroom
Metal grab bars will be handy for the elderly with mobility issues or the disabled. And this way, you don’t have to accompany your loved one every time they have to go to the toilet, which can help avoid a lot of embarrassment on their part. It’s probably one of the few areas where their privacy can remain sacred.
Lower beds
There are adjustable beds to make it easier for the disabled to move the height up and down. This makes it easier for them to transfer from their wheelchair to the bed as they don’t use too much energy. Of course, there are other ways to make the bedroom accessible, as well (See home accessibility guide, here).
Non-slip flooring
Slip-proof flooring is a good investment, particularly in the bathroom or the kitchen. However, it will depend on the inhabitant because some material might not be too friendly for people in the wheelchair. A cork-based floor is good for the elderly who can still walk on their own two feet.
It is also a good idea to keep houses tidy and clutter-free when modeling for accessibility. Make sure cords are stowed away, there are clear walkways, and items are put in a specific place. This can help lower the risk of falls or tripping on loose items.
Install smart technology to help perform daily functions
New AI-based innovations are a godsend to the disabled. They can help them perform daily functions and chores without a family member always waiting on them. The good news is that it’s now more affordable to install smart assistants in your home at a wide array of price points. Smart technology can include tools to change the lights or central temperature within your home from your bed, lock or open doors, make phone calls without dialing, feed any pets, and even ways to easily monitor health.
While remodeling, keep in mind the limited mobility of your loved ones, as its purpose is to make their lives easier. With a few simple renovations, your loved ones can grow old in their homes, stay safe and maintain their independence.
If you decide that you prefer to sell the home instead of remodeling, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003 for help with making this an easy transaction for your loved ones.