Last Updated on August 17, 2022 by rida
Living with a disabled loved one requires modifying the entire home. Without proper home modifications, a home could feel uncomfortable and nonfunctional for your disabled loved one. You want them to have a high quality of life, especially in their own home.
To do this, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of their specific disability and then start your home improvement project. Not sure which modifications to make? In the guide below, you’ll find several easy home modifications to consider making. Continue reading to get started!
Table of Contents
1. Bathrooms
A great starting place is the bathroom. Getting in and out of the bathtub or shower can be difficult for someone with a disability. To fix this problem, consider installing walk-in showers and tubs.
This modification allows your loved one to wheel their wheelchair into the shower with them. Installing handrails in the shower and near the toilet is also ideal. This aged care equipment can assist your loved one in the shower and much more.
2. Stairs
Anyone with limited mobility or balance will struggle to make it up and down the stairs. If you have stairs in your home, then you should consider installing a stairlift or additional handrails. It’s also beneficial to install new lights on the stairs that illuminate each step to reduce the risk of falls.
3. Floors
The flooring in your home might be something you don’t think to modify for your loved one. However, this is one important modification to make. For example, if you have carpeting in your home, then now might be the time to replace it with hard flooring.
Carpeting can make it difficult for your loved one to get around. Loose rugs around the home pose a tripping hazard and should be secured or removed. Any uneven flooring will need to be correct as these can increase fall risks as well.
4. Wheelchair Accessibility
Does your loved one require the use of a wheelchair to get around? If so, then your home needs to be wheelchair accessible. There are some modifications you can make to improve their mobility.
To begin, you should widen all doorways to ensure a wheelchair can make it through with ease. Install ramps outside the home for easy access to the back and front door.
5. Countertops and Storage
Your loved one’s disability shouldn’t prevent them from living as much of a normal life as possible. The more you can change to your home to help them gain independence, the better. For example, you may want to lower your countertops and have optimal storage options low to the ground.
Make sure your loved one can prep meals on the countertops while in their wheelchair and access the sink too.
Which Home Modifications Do You Need to Make?
Do you know which home modifications you need to make for your loved one? Use these ideas listed above to get the process started!
If you want to find more lifestyle topics and a few other topics as well, then be sure to check back here on a regular basis.
