There may come a time in someone’s life where they will need to adjust their house to accommodate a disabled or elderly individual. Whether they require so for themselves or a loved one, identifying what you require is the first step. It can be a daunting prospect to process. It’s easy for some important aspects to be left unconsidered for those who don’t live their day-to-day life with these struggles. However, some main adjustments should first be considered when implementing these changes in your household. So what are they?
Entry Adjustments
Getting into your home is the first concern you should have. What difficulties is this person going to experience when trying to enter the building? Well, firstly, you may need to widen your door frames. This is to be considerate of the additional space wheelchair users may require or those walking with a frame.
You may also need to lower the height of your doorbell. The average positioning for a front doorbell is too high for any individual in a wheelchair to comfortably reach and use. This should also be considered for light switches and door handles in the home’s interior and exterior.
If your home has a series of steps leading up to the front door, you may need to imply a feature that eliminates this hassle. A ramp with a gradual rise is an appropriate way to accommodate for steps leading up to the door. Providing easy access for anyone in a wheelchair.
Toilet Safety Features
The bathroom presents some potentially dangerous aspects for someone who suffers from a disability. First of all, your bathroom may require handrails and other forms of support. This is to help the person in question remain stable when using the toilet, shower, or sink.
An emergency alarm for the bathroom is also a very necessary feature. This is to alert others in the household in case of an accident in the bathroom where the individual needs assistance. They are usually a long cord installed into the ceiling of the room. It should be installed in easy access from the various bathroom appliances. This means regardless of where the accident takes place; the individual should be able to sound the alarm. Again, many electrical wholesalers will have this available to the public.
Upstairs Access
If you live in a two-story house, you will have to consider access for disabled people into the upstairs of the home. A stairlift is a fantastic addition to a home that may require such a feature. This will allow the individual to comfortably venture up and down the stairs with little no hassle. Stairlift installation is relatively straightforward. A professional should be able to deliver and install the contraption in the space of a day. The stairlift will be attached to the inside wall of the staircase in most instances. This provides enough space for the staircase to be used freely by other members of the household.
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