Do you feel as though your home isn’t as accessible as it could be? If so then now is the time for you to make a change. If you make a change now then this will make it easier for you to open your home up to those who may have disabilities and it also makes it so you can give support to those who might need it when you have guests over.
Consider the Placement of Furniture
One of the first things you need to do is consider the placement of furniture. Open space is so important for individuals who use any kind of mobility aid, and rearranging furniture is, believe it or not, one of the best things you can do. Ideally, you should make sure that you have at least 5 feet so people can turn around. You can then allow people who might use mobility aids to move around freely. Plan to make a path of at least two feet between any furniture pieces too. If you can do this then you will be able to help those who need it, navigate your home.
Replace Steps with Ramps
Another thing you can do is replace any steps with ramps. Installing a ramp to your door is one of the best ways for you to make your home more accessible. Even though a custom-built wheelchair ramp or even doorway can be expensive, and even though it often requires a permit, you should know that portable ramps are very easy to install. At the end of the day, installing a ramp is best left to the professionals either as the type of ramp you need may vary. If you do not want to get a ramp installed then one of the best things you can do is opt for a handrail with a hand rail bracket.
Grab Bars
Handlebars and grab bars are a very easy way for you to boost the general accessibility of your home. You can also make bedrooms and bathrooms much easier to maneuver around a well. When you consider all of the ways you can install things like this, you need to give some thought to areas of movement. You may want to have them next to the bed or even next to the living room for example. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is much easier for you to conform to any residential code that might be present.
Rugs and Liners
Accessible flooring has to provide a very smooth and secure experience at the end of the day. This is especially the case for those who happen to have disabilities. Make sure you remove any rugs or liners so you can make sure that you do not cause issues for wheelchair users. Try and find a low-pile rug that you can attach to a subfloor too. You can use a local flooring installer for this as more often than not, they may be able to come up with a solution that allows the rug to hook onto the floor itself.
Change Door Knobs
Replacing your door knobs with levers is also a very good way for you to make your home
a bit more accessible. Some people have a bit of an issue grasping and then turning door handles. Door levers on the other hand are much easier to use and when you give them a go for yourself, you will soon find that it is much better overall. The cost to hire a locksmith when replacing your door handle with a lever isn’t that expensive and most of the time the price will be worth it.
Arrange the Kitchen
Another thing you can do is arrange the kitchen for accessibility. Since kitchens often have built-in appliances that can create obstacles, consider your layout. Microwaves placed high above the counter or deep shelving can be difficult to reach. If possible, relocate frequently used items to lower cabinets for easier access. Similarly, consolidate items around the sink to create a more usable workspace. Remember, a well-organized kitchen with easy-to-reach essentials makes daily tasks much simpler.
For an extra layer of safety, consider installing SVA-DL smoke vents. These specialized vents help clear smoke and heat during a fire, creating a more accessible escape route, particularly important for those with mobility limitations.