When someone becomes temporarily or permanently disabled or elderly and has more trouble getting around the home, home modifications may be needed. Those updates make it easier for the occupant to get where they need to go inside the house as safely as possible and allow them to continue to access anything they need. Some of the most common modifications for the elderly or disabled include the following.
Adding a Ramp to an Entry Area
Adding a ramp to the home may be necessary so it’s easier for the occupant to get inside or outside. A ramp is required for those in a wheelchair and can make navigating into the home much easier for those who are unsteady on their feet or who use a walker. Make sure the ramp has two railings to help prevent falls.
Widen Doorways in the Home
Doors need to be at least 36 inches for wheelchairs to fit through. Doors in homes, however, are often only 32 inches wide. That means it may be necessary to make the doors wider to accommodate a wheelchair. Some other, less expensive options are available. But it will depend on how comprehensive the wheelchair is. If the wheelchair cannot fit through the doors, it must be widened to allow the wheelchair to move freely through the home.
Change the Flooring in the Home
Some flooring, like carpeting, is not wheelchair or walker-friendly. Instead, it should be swapped out for new flooring that’s easier for users of those devices to move on. Choose smooth and firm material so it’s easy for a wheelchair or walker to be used. Also, look for easy flooring to keep clean so it’s not challenging to maintain correctly and free of obstructions.
Add Grab Bars in Strategic Locations
Grab bars can be placed anywhere in the home. They might be needed to make it easier for the occupant to get around the house. One of the most common places to put grab bars is next to the shower. When the occupant gets in or out of the shower, they can hold onto the grab bar to ensure they have steady footing and reduce the risk of slipping and falling. These bars can be installed just about anywhere in the home.
Consider Smart Home Products
One of the most straightforward modifications to make is installing intelligent home products. Instead of going to each light switch to turn off all the lights at night. The occupant can use their smartphone or tell the lights to turn off. Numerous innovative home products can be installed today so device users can close the blinds without moving or set up their security system quickly and easily without having to move.
If you need to add modifications to your home because of being elderly or having a disability, these are good places to start. While some of these modifications can be a little more expensive. They’ll make it much easier for someone in a wheelchair or who uses a walker to get around the home and continue to live a comfortable life.
