Creating a comfortable home doesn’t stop at making sure there’s enough seating and storage for everyone – it also means making sure your place is physically accessible for all family members, including those with physical disabilities. There are a lot of ways to make your home more accessible, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide will give you some practical tips on how to make your home more accessible for family members and guests.
Home Elevators
This tip won’t apply to everyone but if you live in a multi-storey home, consider installing a home elevator so that everyone can have easy access to all levels of the house. The best home elevators in Australia come in a wide range of designs and styles to fit any budget and décor, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
Wider Doors & Hallways
Widen doorways and hallways throughout the house so that wheelchair users can easily manoeuvre through them. You may also want to consider installing handrails along walls to give everyone additional support when moving around the home.
Ramps
If your home has any steps leading up to the entrance, build a ramp so that people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues can enter and exit the house with ease. Just be sure to make the ramp wide enough (at least 36 inches) to accommodate all types of mobility devices.
Accessible Bathrooms
Make bathrooms safer and more comfortable for everyone by installing grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub. You may also want to invest in a handheld shower head and a shower seat or bench to make bathing easier for those with physical limitations. If possible, add additional lighting in the bathroom to make it easier to see – this can go a long way in preventing falls. Lastly, don’t forget to put nonslip mats down in bathtubs and showers (and anywhere else there could be potential slips and falls).
Lower Any Shelves & Cabinets
Most homes have shelves and cabinets that are too high for someone in a wheelchair to reach comfortably. To fix this, you can lower these shelves or install cabinets at a lower height. You can also find appliances like microwaves and dishwashers that are specifically designed for people in wheelchairs.
Remove Obstacles
And finally, it doesn’t hurt to regularly audit your home for any obstacles that might have emerged in the form of clutter, new appliances, furniture rearrangements etc. Take a walk around your home and look for any obstacles that could trip someone up, like rugs or cords. If you have any steps leading up to your front door, make sure there is a handrail that is easy to grab onto.
Incorporate these design ideas into your home today
By following these tips, you can make your home more comfortable and accessible for all family members and guests – regardless of their physical abilities.