Duane Roberts
For people with reduced mobility, it can be difficult to navigate around the home without assistance. This makes it even more of a challenge to do things like reach shelves, get on the toilet, or get into certain rooms. So how can you make your home more accessible for your loved one with reduced mobility? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when designing your home.
Planning for Accessibility
When designing your home, make sure to account for people with reduced mobility. One way to do this is by adding grab bars and braille signs in bathrooms and the kitchen. When moving furniture around, try using heavy pieces of furniture that can be easily maneuvered. You can also add an alarm button near the door so that your loved one can call for help when needed.
Stairways and Hallways
Stairs and hallways can be tricky when you have reduced mobility. Here are some tips for making them easier to navigate:
- Avoid using carpeting on stairs, as it will make it more difficult for the person with reduced mobility to get traction. Instead, use a type of flooring that grip well and provide good traction. This is especially important for getting up and down the stairs.
- Install grab bars or handrails in both staircases and hallways so your loved one can have something to hold on to while they’re navigating around your home.
- Consider installing an elevator so your loved one doesn’t have to deal with the stairs at all!
Bathrooms
To make your bathroom accessible, you can install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower to help people get on or off safely. You can also make sure there are plenty of lighting in the room so people with limited mobility can see what they’re doing.
Kitchens
Kitchens are usually the hardest room to navigate around. A kitchen can be a tough area for people with reduced mobility, so you should make sure it’s easily accessible.
A few simple changes can make your kitchen more accessible for people with reduced mobility:
- Lower cabinets so they’re closer to the ground.
- Add grab bars in places where someone might feel unsafe, like near the sink or toilet.
- Install a chair that is sturdy and lightweight (so it’s easy to move from one place to another).
- Consider installing handrails on both sides of the stairs leading into the kitchen.
Living Areas
Your loved one’s living area should be as accessible as possible. This includes having an accessible entrance, a clear path for wheelchairs, and adequate space for the wheelchair to turn in the room. All of these can be possible by acquiring help from WC PMR.
There are many ways to make a home more accessible for people with reduced mobility. The key is to start planning early and consider all of the areas of the home that someone might need to access. Remember that you have to make adjustments if you want to help your loved with reduced mobility to enjoy living a comfortable life despite of their condition.
