More than 56 million people in the United States have some type of physical disability. If someone who lives with you is having difficulty getting around the house independently, it may be time to make your home more accessible. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can make your home more accessible and make life easier for everyone.
Widen Doorways
Widening your home’s doorways is one way you can make your home more accessible. Sometimes it may mean creating a brand new doorway, or sometimes it can be something more simple like installing offset hinges. To accommodate a wheelchair, doorways should have a clear width of at least 32 inches.
Install a Ramp
Stairs are incredibly difficult for people with physical disabilities to maneuver. To make things easier and to ensure that they can remain independent, consider installing a ramp at your home. You can either opt to have a ramp built to fit the aesthetic of your home’s exterior or you can buy a ramp from a mobility store in Maryland.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars are one of the most affordable ways to make your home more accessible. Install grab bars in hard to maneuver places inside the house. This includes places like:
- Inside the shower
- Just outside the shower
- Near the toilet
- Tight spaces inside the home
Lower Cabinets
High cabinets are inconvenient for those using a wheelchair and other mobility devices. To help, consider remodeling your kitchen and bathroom to lower cabinets. That way, everyone can access much-needed items. This also helps wheelchair users do things independently.
Provide Knee Space Under Sinks and Countertops
Wheelchair users require space underneath fixtures so that they can properly reach the sink or countertop. Have floating cabinets and sinks installed throughout your home. The best part is that floating fixtures are a beautiful modern design that can look good in any home.
Reconsider Your Flooring
Carpets and rugs may look nice, but they can be a nightmare for those relying on a wheelchair or walker. Even the most able-bodied person can trip over lifted rugs. To make your home more accessible for everyone, consider swapping out your thick carpets and rugs and opt for hardwood flooring, vinyl, or ceramic tile.
Let Us Help You
Let the certified Assistive Technology Professionals at Freedom Mobility help you create a more accessible home. Whether you need mobility equipment in Howard County that makes getting around easier or you want to remodel your home to make it more accessible, we can help. Give us a call today to learn more.