How to Make a Home More Accessible for Your Loved Ones

Lifestyle changes related to natural aging processes, or adapting to mobility and illness issues at times act as warning signs that we need to reevaluate the way we adapt our homes.

We all want to make sure that our loved ones are as comfortable and relaxed as possible particularly when accessing our homes.

As such, we have the opportunity to redesign our living spaces to ensure that they fit our changing lifestyle needs. Thanks to different firms like Age Co Mobility, it is not so difficult to go ahead and plan for these upcoming events.

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Individuals can have a sense of adaptation in a more seamless way without having to worry about various hurdles that may have been present in the past.

Whether you have just moved to a new house or you have the desire to keep things in check, here’s how to make your home accessible to your loved ones.

The Bedrooms

Choosing a bed that fits your needs is probably one of the simplest ways to make your bedroom more accessible and comfortable. At times, the process could be as simple as acquiring a firmer mattress, buying a new bed, or investing in memory foam (if your loved ones suffer from mobility or joint issues). Getting an adjustable bed could also go a long way.

The Closet and Wardrobe Spaces

How easy is it to access your clothes? Think about installing adaptations like closet bars that will make it easy to select what you desire to wear particularly if you have a wheelchair-bound family member. You may use wire drawers or ones made from strong plastic for your wardrobe that will foster easy visibility.

Bathrooms

Most of us consider taking time out to shower and bathe as a relaxing moment. However, this may turn into a traumatic and difficult experience if it is faced with mobility challenges. As such, it is advisable to readapt your bathrooms by checking their shapes and sizes, the position of the showers and sinks as well as installing specially adapted flushes and taps. Remember, making your bathroom as comfortable and user-friendly as possible is the bottom line of the renovations.

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Here are some elements you may consider when adapting your bathrooms:

  • Alter the bathroom doors if wheelchair access is required

  • Adopt a walk-in bath with features like grab bars, and a comfortable seat

  • Adjust the toilet’s height or source a toilet seat adapted for diverse needs

  • Replace the taps around the sinks with lever controls

Kitchen

Remember, your kitchen is your home’s hub. It is the place you gather to eat, talk and socialize particularly if it is an open plan. If your kitchen is not an open plan design, then it might be worth making some readjustments to turn your kitchen and living space into a single, large open space that will allow for easy access even for your family members with mobility issues.

You may also plan your kitchen workspaces in a way that they adapt to low counters and knee spaces that may easily accommodate a wheelchair. In particular, this adjustment is recommended for some brands of stovetops and sinks.

Are you looking at other homes to relocate to with a loved one who has disabilities? That can be a challenging and stressful experience. It is important to plan ahead and make sure that the new home is equipped to accommodate their needs. This may include making sure that the home is wheelchair accessible, has grab bars and other safety features in the bathroom, and is located near important amenities such as medical facilities.

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