One thing that many homeowners do not take into account when purchasing or building the home of their dreams is whether or not their home is accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you and your immediate family members who do not live in the home do not suffer from any physical disabilities, it’s easy to let accessibility get swept under the rug in the house hunting or designing process, however, accessibility is something to consider in the event you suffer an injury, undergo a medical procedure from thrivemdclinic.com, or have an aging family member who might need extra consideration and care in the future. Here are a few simple ways to make your home more accessible for anyone who might need it.
1. Wheelchair Ramp
One of the first things that many people think of when they think of accessibility is a wheelchair ramp, and truthfully, it is one of the easiest ways to make any space accessible to a variety of people. Building a ramp outside of your home can be helpful to wheelchair users, as well as anyone who has difficulty climbing steps for any reason. Most cities require special permits in order to build ramps outside of a home, but they are relatively easy to obtain, and most ramps themselves are extremely easy to install.
2. Wood or Tile Flooring
One thing that many homeowners do not consider is that mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and more cannot move easily across the carpet. Harwood or tile are the best options for an accessible home, as they are slick enough to prevent friction and to ensure that any individual with a mobility aid is able to move easily across them.
3. Walk-in Showers
Many at-home accidents especially among elderly or disabled individuals occur in the tub or shower.
Tubs and showers that are not accessible are one of the biggest physical hazards, as they are difficult for people to get into, and pose a risk of slipping and falling among those who are at times unable to stabilize themselves. Walk-in showers are easy to install and make bathing much easier and more accessible for all people. If you have a relative in a wheelchair or who has a difficult time standing for long periods of time, buying a special seat for the shower to keep on hand can be a massive help as well.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
