If you’re living with a disability that makes it challenging to carry out normal activities in the typical home, it can be overwhelming to tackle the necessary modifications. There are many types of disabilities, and each has its own set of helpful home modifications. Of course, these recommendations will not work for everyone, but many can be helpful to a number of common disabilities. If you’re looking at disability-friendly home alterations, here are some good projects to start with.
Accessible Home Security
If you have a mobility issue, keeping yourself safe in your home can be a challenge. Door chains are often placed too high for some people to comfortably reach. Install a door security measure such as a chain at a lower level so that you can easily open the door and talk to someone without putting yourself at risk for forced entry.
Deadbolts are also an ideal home security measure. If your deadbolt is difficult to twist, have someone help you adjust the hardware so that the bolt can glide more smoothly.
Organize for Accessibility
Certain areas can be more expensive to modify for accessibility. The kitchen, for example, has a number of places that should ideally be adjusted such as the stove, sink, and countertops. However, remodeling a kitchen is no easy feat. Instead, you may want to consider organizing it for maximum accessibility.
Place all heavy items, including food items, on lower shelves. Lesser used items such as holiday serving platters can go in harder to reach areas. For deep cabinets or even refrigerators, lazy susans can be a great way to ensure that things in the back are within reach. You might also purchase a grasping tool that extends to reach things that are up high or farther away.
Bathrooms are the Riskiest Room in the House
There are many hazards in the average bathroom. Some disabilities increase the risk of slips and falls. Fortunately, modifying the bathroom can be affordable in many cases. Handrails beside the toilet are a great first step, making it easier to sit and rise from the toilet. A shower seat is another excellent precaution.
Slipping in a shower or tub can be fatal or at least seriously damaging. Furthermore, standing for a shower can be difficult for people with chronic fatigue. The ability to sit makes personal hygiene much simpler.
Dim Lighting Should Be Corrected
Dim lighting can make traversing your own home dangerous. Mobility or vision problems can lead to tripping or other accidents. On top of decluttering your home, improving the lighting can vastly improve your safety and mobility. Take care to light areas that do not receive much natural light and add fixtures where necessary to light main areas of the house.
Altering your home to make it more disability-friendly can vary widely in cost depending on your needs. If you’re struggling to find the money you need to upgrade your house, you can always begin with simpler projects such as reorganizing for convenience or placing smaller safety measures. Every small step can make your life easier.
Image via Pixabay by midascode
This post was written by Paul Denikin, who runs dadknowsdiy.com. On his blog, Paul shares his knowledge with home improvement novices, and connects with other people seeking to modify their homes for a loved one with a disability.