There are many reasons you could need to make your home more accessible; disability, illness, aging, wanting to make things easier for elderly relatives, or simply preparing for the future included. Some people chose to move to a new house instead of making changes to their current home, and in some cases, this is the easier option. However, if your finances won’t allow a move or you would prefer to stay where you are, there are many ways you can improve the accessibility of your home, making it easier to navigate and safer for anyone with mobility issues. Here are some tips to help you.
Think About What You Need
If you need to make changes quickly, instead of thinking about your whole home, start with those changes which you need in the short term. If you need plumbing changes, contact Blairgowrie plumbers. Tackle these areas first. Some common places to start include:
- Making the bathroom non-slip
- Adding support bars to walls
- Adding a ramp to the front door
- Installing a stair lift
- Moving any kitchen or bathroom items to an easy reach home
Consider the Future
While it’s important to focus on what you need right now you should keep the future in mind. Will these changes still suit your needs in 5 years’ time? Making changes to your home can be expensive. So, where possible make those that will last and not need altering again within the next few years.
Think About Clearance
Ramps and support bars are a great help but you also need to consider clearance. If you or someone in your family is using a wheelchair or walking stick, you’ll need extra width and space in rooms such as the bathroom and hallways. There will also need to be more room around the bed. The first thing you should do when it comes to creating more space is declutter. Mess and clutter can be a trip hazard at the best of times, so get rid and make sure everything that you keep has a safe home. Then, walk around every area of your house, making sure there is enough space for easy accessibility.
Maximize Lighting
The last thing that you want when you are trying to make your home more accessible is dark areas where it is difficult to see what you are doing. Maximize natural light by trimming back any trees or bushes outside, making sure your windows are large and clean, and that you open your curtains as much as possible. Then, paint your walls light colors and make sure you have easy to reach light switches and lamps. Adding extra light to your home could also have the added bonus of boosting your mood.
Get Help
Making these changes can be difficult. Especially if you need to remodel or renovate to create a larger bathroom or kitchen. The best thing to do is get help.
Making changes can allow you to both live in, and enjoy, your family home for much longer, so don’t hesitate to make any change you need to ensure both your happiness and safety.
