If you have a disabled loved one living with you, or somebody who’s very old, then you need to make sure that your home is accessible for them. Making your home more accessible could also benefit you in the future. You can never predict when you are going to be injured. Having a more accessible home will make it easier for you to get around if you suffer mobility issues due to an unexpected accident.

This post will provide you with some very effective tips for making your home a more accessible place.

Stair Lift

The introduction of a stair lift will make it easier for you or your loved ones to get upstairs, in spite of injuries or age. However, installing a stair lift does require professional assistance. It’s unfortunately not something that you can do yourself. Make sure that you do your research and find the lift that’s best suited to your situation. If you or your loved one is on the heavier side, then you will need a heavy-duty type. You may be able to get a government grant or bursary to help you with the cost of buying a new lift.

Entry Ramp

An entry ramp is something else that you should pay a professional to install for you. However, it is worth noting that it is theoretically possible for you to build your own. You do need to have a little bit of experience in construction, though. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to build a quality ramp if you don’t. The installation of a ramp will make it easier for you or your loved one to get indoors if a wheelchair is used. Stairs can make getting inside impossible for people who’re wheelchair-bound.

Door System

A  smart entry system will make it easier for your loved one to get inside, without having to mess around with keys. If you or your loved one uses a wheelchair, then unlocking the front door could be very difficult. A smart door system can be unlocked from one’s phone. This means that it’s possible to get indoors without ever having to touch a key. Some entry systems will even open the door as well, so no physical effort is required. A smart door system might cost a lot of money but it is a great investment if you want a more accessible home.

Non-slip Flooring

Non-slip flooring isn’t something that you should compromise on. The disabled and old regularly injure themselves because of slippery floors. A fall could seriously hurt you or your loved one. Non-slip flooring is a good investment, because not only will it prevent falls, but it will also cushion them, too. Most non-slip flooring is made out of organic materials (or synthetic carpets). When a person falls on them, they are designed to absorb most of the impact so that injuries are minimized. Also, they are a lot softer, so there is less of an impact.

Bathroom Rail

A bathroom rail is essential if you have a bathtub or a traditional shower. However, if you have a disabled or elderly person living with you (or if you yourself are) then a more effective option is to transform your bathroom into a wet room. A wet room can be easily accessed and is a lot less dangerous. Your loved one can wheel their chair into the bathroom, then transfer from their chair to a stool, and wash without ever standing up. Wet rooms can be expensive but are a fantastic investment. You can also install a rail for them to hold onto when they are washing.

Multi-level Home

To be honest, living in a multi-leveled home isn’t a good idea if you or your loved one is disabled. If you do then you need to make sure that you have a stair lift, otherwise, your home could end up being too dangerous. If you have a disabled or elderly person living with you in your house, then if you have the land in your backyard, you may want to consider building a bungalow for them. The construction of a bungalow will give them a single-level property to call their own. You then won’t have to worry about them falling down the stairs or hurting themselves.

MAS

A Medical Alert System (MAS) is a system installed in one’s home that, when activated, puts the system’s user in touch with a call center. This call center can then give medical advice, dispatch an ambulance, or send a nurse over. These systems are a fantastic investment. More often than not, they require the system’s intended user to wear a necklace with an alert pendant. They then activate this pendant when they are in trouble or are injured. It is true that these systems can be very expensive, but they are nonetheless a great investment into your loved one’s health.

Pathways

Throughout your home, there need to be clear pathways. A lot of people make the mistake of crowding their homes. When you have a disabled person living with you, this is a very bad idea. A disabled person could trip, fall, or knock things over. Make sure that there are clear pathways throughout the entire house, so they can get around comfortably. You also need to make sure that you have even pathways leading up your driveway so that your loved one doesn’t fall over. Cobblestones aren’t suitable for a disabled person.

Wider Doors

If your home’s doors are too narrow, then widen them. Many doors aren’t designed with wheelchairs or disabled people in mind. Widening your home’s doors isn’t an easy task. You will need to get a building permit from your local municipality. Then, the work will have to be completed by a professional contractor. There is no way that you will be able to undertake such a task yourself. Attempting to (and doing so without a permit) is a very bad idea. Whenever you make any changes to your home’s structure without first acquiring a permit you can receive fines and penalties. Your municipality can also order you to undo all of the work that you have done.

If you live with a disabled or elderly person (or if you are disabled or elderly) then you need to make your home more accessible. It is true that making your home more accessible can be expensive, but it is nonetheless a fantastic investment.