The average home is not usually very handicap friendly. This doesn’t pose a problem unless you, someone living in your home, or a frequent visitor to your home has some mobility issues or some other health-related problems that require special adaptations and modifications. There are numerous things you can do to make your home handicap friendly.
When someone relies on a walker for stability, a room that looks like an obstacle course can be hazardous for them. They need spaces that are large enough for them to walk through without having to turn sideways or pick the walker up and over something. Family rooms and bedrooms should be more sparsely furnished to make walking through them safer and easier.
If someone living in your home or visiting your home relies on a walker or uses a cane for balance, it is imperative that you remove all throw rugs. It is also essential that you place a heavy, non-slip mat inside an entryway door. Canes and walkers can easily slip and slide on wet floors. They can also easily become entangled in bedspreads or the slipcovers on chairs.
The bathroom can be a danger zone for someone with a handicapping condition. Non-slip tub and shower surfaces are a necessity. You can install some handicap grab bars in the tub or shower, as well as beside the toilet as a safety feature. A company such as GreatGrabz can help you install the best and most stylish grab bars in your home. You can view their whole catalog at www.greatgrabz.com.
Not all handicapping conditions involve mobility issues. Someone with debilitating arthritis may find it difficult to manipulate door knobs and faucets. Replacing standard faucet styles with flip style handles that are easier to use or with motion sensor faucets can make life a lot easier for them. A lever-style door handle is easier to open than a standard door knob, as no twisting is required to operate it.
When you’re young and physically fit, sinking down into a comfy sofa may be delightful. However for someone with mobility problems, back, leg and hip problems, a soft, low-to-the-floor sofa is not good. Sturdy, higher seating options are more handicap friendly. Be sure to have at least one chair with sturdy arms available, as they are easier to get out of than a sofa or an armless chair.
Steps, stairs and ramps without handrails are the perfect set up for an accident. Adding handrails makes them safer, as does the addition of non-slip material to prevent someone from slipping on a rainy day.
Taking steps to make your home handicap friendly is a great way to show friends and family with special needs how much you care about them. Many of these tips are inexpensive, but the safety and convenience they provide is priceless.
Tricia Borren is just a mom and a blogger from Beverly Hills. She loves hiking and spending time with her family. There’s not much more to her than that!