5 Ways to Improve Home Accessibility for the Elderly or Disabled

Saturday, January 28th, 2023, 12:56 am , Posted by MED +

If a home is not accessible, it significantly limits some people’s ability to live there. Home accessibility is crucial for the elderly, disabled individuals, or those with mobility issues who wish to continue living independently in their own homes.

The good news is making a few simple modifications to your home can greatly improve safety and comfort. In this blog, we will outline 5 areas of your home to improve accessibility for the elderly or disabled. We provide suggestions for improving each space.

Safety and Security Measures

Safety and security throughout your home are much to improve accessibility. Here are some general ways to improve accessibility:

Install grab bars in the bathroom to provide support and stability.
Add non-slip mats or textured decals to the bathroom floor to prevent falls.
Install handrails along stairways and hallways for support.
Make sure all doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers.
Consider installing an alarm or monitoring system to ensure safety in case of emergency

Bathroom Modifications

Most slip-and-fall accidents happen in the bathroom. So, a lot of your efforts to improve accessibility should be focused on the bathroom. Here are some things you can do:

Install a walk-in shower or bathtub with a built-in seat for easier access.
Raise the height of toilets or install a raised toilet seat for those with limited mobility.
Add a handheld showerhead to make bathing easier.
Install a shower bench for those who have difficulty standing.

Kitchen Modifications

People spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Here are some modifications that can greatly improve accessibility:

Lower countertops and cabinets to allow for wheelchair access.
Install pull-out shelves and lazy susan’s in cabinets to make items more accessible.
Add a raised dishwasher or oven to make them more easily accessible.
Add a built-in cutting board or counter extension to make food preparation easier.

Bedroom Modifications

A comfortable and accessible bedroom is a must to remain independent in your home:

Install a bed with adjustable height to make getting in and out of bed easier.
Add a wall-mounted reading light for those with limited mobility.
Consider adding a ceiling lift to assist with transferring from bed to wheelchair.

Living Room Modifications

The living room is a place to relax and entertain, so it’s important to always make it accessible. Here are some things you can do:

Install a stair lift so you can get access to the living room
Add a chair lift to make it easier to navigate the home
Remove unnecessary furniture and items to create more space to move around

Read More on Our Blog

5 Rental Products MED+ Delivers To Your Door to Provide Safety & Comfort for Your Loved Ones

5 Things You Can Add to Your Bathroom To Ensure Its Bathroom Safety

What Builders Can Do to Make Their Homes More Accessible in the Planning & Building Process

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