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5 Ways to Maintain Accessibility in an Apartment Space

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022, 7:44 pm , Posted by MED +

Living in an apartment doesn’t come without accessibility challenges. With multiple floors, apartments are not typically the ideal choice for someone with mobility issues. But the reality is thousands of people with mobility challenges like in apartments across Canada. While many focus on the public areas of apartments such as the main entrance, parking garage, stairwells, and elevators, it’s also important to give careful consideration to the apartment unit itself. There are a lot of potential accessibility issues to consider.

Below, we outline 5 ways to maintain accessibility in an apartment space:

Minimalism

How to furnish your apartment is a key step to enhancing accessibility. It’s important to keep as much space as possible so you can move around freely. This is particularly important if you use a wheelchair. Avoid filling up rooms with bulky furniture or items that take up too much space. As a rule, only have items that you need. The more space available to move around, the safer the space will be to move around.

Clear hallways and entryways

One of the most common spaces that create accessibility issues in apartments is entryways and hallways. These spaces tend to be even smaller in apartments than in houses. So, it’s even more important to ensure these spaces are clear. Remove potential tripping hazards such as floor mats that are affixed to the floor.

Lighting

People often overlook the importance of lighting when discussing accessibility. But dim or dark spaces can be a recipe for disaster. If you can’t see where you are going, you increase the chances of a slip-and-fall event. So, make sure all rooms in your apartment are well-lit. Consider adding some additional lighting if needed as a precaution.

Larger bathroom space

Most falls happen in and around the bathroom. One thing that makes apartments more challenging for people with accessibility issues is rooms tend to be smaller. When you have a smaller bathroom, you’ll have less room to maneuver properly. If possible, look for an apartment with a bigger bathroom. This will give you the space you need to move around safely. You’ll also have more room to add accessibility aids.

Accessible kitchen storage

Reaching for items can lead to people losing their balance. Try to keep most of the items you use in your kitchen in lower cabinets or the lower portion of the upper cabinets. Keep things within arms reach so you don’t have to strain.

Check out Our Selection of Bathroom Safety Products

At MED+, we offer a wide selection of bathroom safety solutions. We have options for all types of bathrooms. You can rent or buy. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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