Handicap home modifications are necessary if you have a disabled family member living in your home. Your home may not currently be fit to meet the needs of your loved one. This guide will help you understand the necessary changes you can make so that your loved ones can live in your home comfortably.
Tips for Making Your Home Handicap Accessible
Handicap home accessibility is important. Here are some tips to make your home more easily accessible.
Use Ramps Instead of Steps
If your loved one uses a wheelchair, you should consider replacing your steps with ramps. They allow wheelchairs to easily slide into your home. Steps are going to be much more difficult to maneuver around. Even if you don’t need to make your home wheelchair-accessible, ramps are still much easier to walk up, especially if your loved one is disabled.
Consider Using a Stair Lift
Stair lifts are another way to make your home handicap accessible. Stairs can be difficult to walk up for those who are disabled. For others, it can even be seen as a barrier they can not master.
Make Access to Bedrooms & Bathrooms Easy
Most bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second level. However, having someone in your home with a disability means that you may want to consider adding a bathroom or bedroom on the first floor to discourage the use of the stairs.
Eliminate Doorknobs
Sometimes doorknobs can become a problem for those who have trouble grasping them. A perfect solution to take care of this problem is to replace them with pull bars, automatic doors, or even press-level handles.
Install More Lighting
If your home doesn’t have enough lighting already, consider adding more. Not having enough light can be hazardous for anyone, especially a disabled individual. Strong overhead lights can easily be activated with a switch.
Get Rid of Liners & Rugs
Rugs and liners create a hazard in your home. They cause slips and falls, especially for those who are disabled. They can also make it harder to push a wheelchair or walker over.
Change Entryway Steps
This is probably the very first barrier that disabled people have difficulty managing. If you have front door steps, you should check if there is a different entry that the person can use, such as the garage door or back door. If you don’t have either of these options available, consider installing a ramp on your steps to allow easier access for a wheelchair.
Make Hallways & Doorways Wider
Broadening your hallways and doorways in your home may be a necessary adjustment if your loved one uses a wheelchair in the home. You will need to make doorways at least 36 inches wide. If you have carpet, replace it with wood or tile.
Handicap accessibility is imperative if you have a disabled loved one living in your home. It is important that you understand all of the options you have to modify your home and make it easier for your loved one to get around.