If you or a loved one have the means to remodel, you have many choices to consider when it comes to accessibility. Even if there’s no current need for accessible features, it’s always wise to plan ahead – especially if you would like to age in place. At Mobility Toys, we’re more than familiar with the challenges our clients regularly face in their own homes. We also recognize the importance of retaining your independence. Read on for our top five tips for remodeling your home for accessibility.
1. Reduce fall risks and install grab bars.
For the elderly or otherwise mobility-impaired, falling is a major health risk. The bathroom especially presents a heightened risk factor. Consider installing a vent fan to cut down on moisture and make the floor less slippery. Installing non-slip flooring would be a good idea, as well. Also think about taking up any loose rugs or carpeting – besides eliminating the risk of tripping on the edges, it’ll be easier for people in manual wheelchairs to get around.
For both wheelchair-bound people and people that generally need a bit of assistance standing and sitting, grab bars are a god-send. Although they are especially useful next to toilets or in tubs and showers, strategic placement throughout the rest of the house can also help. See our recent blog on how to make your bathroom more accessible for more information!
2. Replace door knobs with levers.
Most people don’t realize just how difficult turning a doorknob can be for someone who is mobility-impaired. Someone who is wheelchair-bound or suffering from arthritis can have great difficulty with doorknobs. Levers, however, are easy to push down.
3. Start before it’s necessary.
There are a number of reasons why you might be thinking about remodeling for accessibility. If these modifications aren’t necessary right now, you or a loved one might have undergone surgery that made you realize that your home wasn’t as accessible as you thought. Maybe you’re just anticipating the challenges that will come with age. Either way, remodeling well before you need on these modifications will save you and your family much unnecessary frustration and risk.
4. Plan to accommodate for mobility equipment.
One of the most important considerations to account for when remodeling your home for accessibility is leaving room for the medical equipment you’ll need to accommodate. Carefully think about where you may need to install ramps for wheelchair accessibility. Inside the house, account for giving wheelchairs room to maneuver. Also make sure you remember to leave enough room for equipment like in-home hospital beds.
We hope these tips help you prepare for a more mobile future in your own home. To learn more about the mobility solutions we provide, contact us online or call Mobility Toys at 909-944-9300 today!