Many people find that they need to adapt their home for someone who has a disability at some stage of their lives. You may find that you can no longer get around as easily as you once could, your loved one may have had an accident, or you may have an ageing parent move in with specific requirements.
The first step is to realise that we all reach a time in our lives when we will struggle to get around and may need someone to help look after us. If you have a loved one moving in with you, it can be stressful for both parties. When we care about a loved one, we want to make sure they feel secure and are well taken care of.
Seniors and people with disabilities don’t want to be a burden on their loved ones. They certainly don’t want to feel like they need someone to take care of them, and they want to be able to do things for themselves.
Luckily, there are many ways that you can adapt your home to make it easier for you or your loved one to get around. There are numerous products on the market which allow people with disabilities to get around easily and do day-to-day tasks independently. This will allow any seniors in your care to be safe and independent.
The first step is to look at your bathroom. As we all get older, our hands, arms, and legs begin to weaken. Bathrooms are already one of the most dangerous places in our homes, and often combine moisture with slippery floors (and hard surfaces to land on in the event of a fall). Simple tasks like getting in and out of the shower or tub and on and off the toilet can be very risky for an elderly person.
It’s a good idea to install grab bars throughout the bathroom, so people can gently lower themselves into place and more easily get up. It used to be that grab bars meant a handyman and an electric drill, but this is no longer the case. You can now get some pretty amazing suction cup grab bars which can take up to 160 pounds of force.
If you live in a two-storied home, you may want to consider getting a stair lift. This will allow people with disabilities to easily get up and down your stairs by themselves- even when they’re home alone.
If you have a step at your entryway, it can be difficult for people to get in and out of the door. It’s a good idea to look into a threshold ramp, which can be moved out of the way when necessary.
As you can see, there are many ways to adapt your home and make it welcoming and easy for people to get around.
