If you or a loved one has a change in their mobility you will have to make some changes to your home. Making your living space safe and accessible for people with mobility differences is easy with these four mobility renovation tips:
Open up the Space
When you are living with someone in a wheelchair or who requires a walker to get around you will need wider spaces to accommodate their needs. This is especially important for most doorways and hallways.
Use Safe Materials
For those with mobility differences you’ll also want to make sure that they are safe from falls. The best way to reduce the risk of slips and falls is to look at specialty non-slip products. Special flooring options can assist those with mobility differences by adding traction. However you can also consider the installation of non-slip grips and handle bars in the bathroom to assist with the added danger of wet surfaces.
Consider Their Perspective
For those in a wheelchair everything in the home becomes a little out of perspective. Consider some of their everyday tasks and look at how they will tackle them in the current home set up. Common challenges can occur with areas such as bathroom and kitchen counters where the work surface is too high. Other difficulties can include storage areas such as clothing closets, linen closets and kitchen pantries. You can lower hanging bars in closets, consider rearranging the food to lower shelves in the kitchen and look at other options that will keep everything at arm’s reach.
Hire the Professionals
Although you can make some changes that will make things a little easier, in the long run you will need some permanent changes. It is important to hire the professionals who specialize in mobility. They can assess your home and make recommendations based on you or your loved ones needs. Whether someone is in a wheelchair or uses a scooter or walker there are many safety, accessibility and space issues that they can consider in their upgrades. They can also consider access from the exterior of the home and make suggestions for the installation of ramps and automatic doors.
A change in mobility can be very difficult whether it is for yourself or a loved one. Mobility experts can make the necessary changes for your comfort and safety. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427
