How To Make Your Home More Accessible
We all want to feel comfortable in our homes, but as we get older, it can start to become more difficult to get around. However, there are many ways that you can redesign your home so that you still have access to all parts of it. All it takes is a bit of planning and guidance. In this article, we’re going to suggest a few ideas that can be added to your current property to make it more accessible.
Stairlift
If you have mobility problems, it can be hard to reach each floor of your house. Unless you are keen to move to a bungalow, the ideal solution is to install a stairlift. A stairlift can provide you with a great deal of freedom and independence. The modern versions are reliable and can be operated with a joystick. Most people are lucky enough to have a straight set of stairs and so a straight stairlift is easier to install and cheaper to purchase. They can also be fitted to curved stairs if required. The seat and footrests are comfortable, and most come with a backup battery pack so that you won’t be stranded should the power cut out. And, if you have stairs at the front of your home, you can also find an outdoor stairlift here. There’s no reason to move to a single storey property when you install this piece of equipment.
Here are some great posts regarding Stairlifts: How much does a Stairlift Cost? and Curved Stairlift
Accessible Kitchen
If you are confined to a wheelchair, having your kitchen remodelled to be more accessible is a great idea. The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home, and it can be easily redesigned to allow for wheelchair access. Consider making your current kitchen open plan so that it’s easy to get around. You can also have your cabinets lowered so that you can prepare food while sitting down. Workstations can also be designed with knee spaces under sinks and countertops.
Easy Access Bathroom
The bathroom is another room that can be a pain to get around in when you have a mobility problem. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to turn things around. For starters, you can have your bathroom door widened to allow for easier access to the room. You can also have a walk in bath or walk in shower installed, or even turn your bathroom into a wet room. Mobility rails can also be installed next to the toilet and the bath to make it easier to stand up or move across into a wheelchair. Finally, your bathroom sink can also be lowered if required.
Wireless Intercom
If you find it hard to answer the front door in time, a wireless intercom may be the ideal solution. These provide you with a handset that can be carried around, and when someone rings the bell you can instantly see who is at the door and respond to them. Some intercom systems even enable you to open the door remotely. This is a great disability aid that is definitely worth considering.
Motion Sensors
Another technological advancement you may want to consider installing is motion sensors. These can be set up so that lights turn on when you enter a room, and turn off when you leave. They can also be rigged up to appliances too and work in the same way. Some sensors can also be linked up to a smartphone or tablet so that you can operate other devices remotely.
There is no reason to feel trapped in your home. Consider making a few changes, and regain your freedom and independence.
Remember, we have the solution…