Here’s How To Make A Home Handicap Accessible

Disabilities make everyday life difficult to work around, especially in spaces that are not handicap accessible. Even your own home can be tough to maneuver through at times. What’s more, is that the whole process of adapting you to the home and the home to you can be quite overwhelming, especially if the house or disability is semi-new.

Luckily, there are viable solutions out there that can make a home handicap accessible. So much so that you’ll get your safety back and finally feel comfortable in the four walls around you that you call home. Let’s check out some modifications that will improve your lifestyle now.

Sub stairs out for handicap-accessible ramps.

Stairs are a hazard for people who have limited mobility. That’s a fact.

And it doesn’t matter what kind of home you live in, because even single-story ranches are built with an entrance step or two.

That’s why it’s best to have a ramp nearby for easy use. Collapsible ramps can be stored indoors, portable rams can change any set of stairs into an accessible entry, and outdoor home ramps can help those with walkers, wheelchairs, power chairs, and other mobility aids. Just look into the right ramp for your personal needs and factor in your budget - you’ll be good to go!

Forget about walking up the stairs, install a stair lift.

Stair lifts are becoming very popular for a variety of reasons, the most popular being that stairs are pretty darn hazardous. The last thing you want to do is fall down the stairs and harm yourself in the process.

Whether you’re severely limited on mobility or just a little bit wobbly when walking up the stairs, consider installing a stair lift. You can purchase a permanent solution that will always stay tied to your railings or you can opt for the portable version. Either way, at least you’ll be safer moving up a level.

Transition your bathroom into a handicap-friendly environment.

Some aspects of a traditional bathroom can pose a problem for those with limited mobility, like slick tile flooring. When a floor like that is wet after a tub or shower, you’re that much more likely to slip and hurt yourself.

Think about installing new, slip-resistant floors as soon as possible. While you’re remodeling the bathroom, consider leaving the traditional bathtub in the past. Opt for a step-in tub so that you don’t have to straddle the side and set yourself up for injury. Slip-resistant tub surfaces may be another nice addition.

Handrails are essential for a safe living situation.

Handrails can help people with low mobility and poor balance. Just like they can also help people who are prone to falls or simply have difficulty getting out of beds, chairs, and bathroom areas.

Installing a handrail or two in the most common of areas will decrease the percentage of falls and return independence to those with low mobility. It’s a win-win scenario.

Additional things to consider in a handicap-accessible house:

• Elevators are a great solution for those with limited mobility, as they’re both safe and reliable. However, it’s not easily affordable and may pose installation problems depending on the architecture of the house.
• Having walkers on standby can really help you or a loved one if either of you has low mobility. This 3-wheel walker is great at fitting itself in small areas. It also offers optimum balance support when getting up out of a chair.
• Rearranging the living room furniture can make the space easy to navigate. Be sure to eliminate sharp turns and narrow passageways so that mobility devices can get through.