Healthy Living
Disabilities can change the way we operate in day-to-day life, even in spaces as familiar as our home. In fact, the home can quickly become a challenging space full of obstacles when new disabilities impact our lives, and when we age. Stairs, bathrooms, doorknobs, and certain surfaces may suddenly become hazardous, and it may be overwhelming to try and adapt.
Replace Stairs with Ramps. Stairs are a hazard for many, not just those in wheelchairs but for anyone with limited mobility. Several ramp styles exist to meet any needs; collapsible ramps allow for easy storage, portable ramps mean you can quickly transform any step into a wheelchair accessible entry on the go, and threshold ramps make an entryway instantly accessible.
Install a Stair Lift. If you or your loved one finds stairs to be a cumbersome obstacle, consider installing a stair lift. Stair lifts turn multi-level homes or even front yard steps into accessible homes for those with limited mobility. Installing them will level out your home and create a safe, accessible space.
Consider an Elevator. An alternative to a stair lift, elevators can be a great solution for those with limited mobility. They can be elegant, safe, reliable, and swift. They can also be integrated into existing architecture.
Update your Toilet. The toilet is another area of the bathroom that can become treacherous for those with disabilities. Handrails eliminate users need to balance as they sit down and stand up from the toilet. Consider installing a simple safety frame around your toilet to increase the user’s comfort and quality of life.
Place Handrails & Grab Bars in Key Areas. For those with poor balance, prone to falls, low mobility, or who simply need help getting up out of chairs, beds, or bathroom areas, well-placed handrails can make a world of difference. Grab rails in the bathroom especially will decrease the risk of falls, and help users lift themselves up from seated positions. They increase independence and create peace-of-mind.
Ditch Doorknobs. Many styles of doorknobs are cumbersome and hard to use for those who have a hard time gripping. Replacing doorknobs with push/pull bars, press lever handles, or even automatic doors will increase your home’s accessibility tremendously.
Simplify Pool Entry. Backyard pools can be a lot of fun, but they can be hard to use for those with a disability. But, pools offer great opportunities for exercise and therapy for many people facing disabilities, and so updating your pool to be ADA compliant is a big part of making your home into a handicap accessible home. There are a great variety of pool lifts that are built to enable safe aquatic entry for the disabled and mobility-challenged.
Rearrange Your Furniture. Consider the layout of your home. Is your furniture situated so that those with low-mobility or those in wheelchairs can easily get around? Arrange your furniture so that there are no sharp turns or narrow passageways. Make daily use items, such as comfy chairs, bookshelves, and kitchen plates and utensils, easy to access. This may mean moving items to lower shelves for those using mobility devices.
Consult with an Expert.There are many ways to convert your home into a handicap accessible home for those with disabilities, and the options may seem overwhelming. The good news is, 101 Mobility experts are always standing by to advise you on the best solutions for you and your loved ones.
Derek Gann
Locally Owned & Operated in Birmingham, Serving Residents Across Alabama
205-538-5692
