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How to Make Your House More Usable and Accessible

Do you know what’s amazing about living in the twenty-first century? It’s the unrestricted capacity to make our living spaces—indoors and out—friendlier and easier to reach for people dealing with some sort of mobility issue. Consider this: previously, the only accessible facilities for homes or public buildings were ramps and rails. Today, there are stair lifts, accessible parking spaces, elevators, and a variety of other amenities.

Here are five ways you can change your home to make it more accessible, whether you yourself have a disability or you just want to make it more functional and accessible for those who do.

The porch and the driveway should come first

Instead of altering your outside environment to seem more hospitable and welcoming for those who are physically challenged, which should be the initial step, many people start by renovating, adapting, and redesigning their interior.

Make sure there is at least one entrance with no steps and a low threshold to start. Ensure that the walkway leading to and from the house is always free from obstructions and is accessible for visitors with a mobility issue. Additionally, the entrance should have a ramp, a gently sloping pathway, handrails, and motion-activated lighting that will illuminate both the entrance and the pathway.

Bathroom modifications that are useful

Since the bathroom is one of the most dangerous areas in the entire house, this is where you should start. To begin with, the bathroom needs to be at least 1.5 meters by 2.5 meters in size so that a person with a disability can comfortably maneuver through the room. Install non-slip flooring all over the space, as well as non-slip mats in the shower and bathtub.

Speaking of bathrooms, be sure to use sturdy freestanding bathtubs rather than conventional versions so that the unit is easily accessible from all sides. Also, don’t forget to include safety rails and an adjustable seat. The bathing area must be modified, but you should also think about rounded surfaces and a phone that is easy to use.

The shower should be modified in addition to the bathtub. Installing a walk-in shower, a shower seat, non-slip rubber mats on the floor, offset shower controls, and doors that can be unlocked from the outside will all help you achieve this.

Streamlined kitchen fixes

For those who live with a disability, the kitchen is also notoriously unsafe. It’s crucial to adjust this space for simple movement, safety, and efficiency because the cookware, appliances, and numerous amenities are continually in the way.

Make sure there is enough space in the doorway for a wheelchair and think about switching out standard doors for swing doors. The number of electrical outlets in the room should be increased for additional illumination, easily accessible appliances, and alarm indicators. Many people don’t think twice about this, but it would be a good and prudent choice.

If you prefer handles over knobs, you can change the hardware on your cabinets for easy access. If you’re thinking about updating your cabinets, consider adding flexible cabinetry that can be lowered to a practical height.

Alternative interior alterations for your home

Unsurprisingly, having a single-story home is always preferable for persons who have physical limitations compared to having to battle with making several journeys upstairs each day. The kitchen, the bathroom, and the bedroom should all be on the main floor of your home, whether it is a single floor or a two story building. If you live in a house, then you should look to purchase a stair lift as this mobility can safely take you from one floor to another without the risk of trips or falls.

Conclusion

Although it may not appear simple at first, adapting your home for optimal accessibility and functionality can be done without breaking the bank with some careful planning. You may easily create a warm and inviting atmosphere that everyone will like by using these suggestions.

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