Creating a home suitable for a person’s needs is fundamental to thriving and living an independent life in our society. However, very few disabled people wake up in homes adapted to their needs. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to rectify. Here are some of the simple things we can do to make homes accessible for all:
1. Think About Access to the Property
One of the most important things you need to consider when trying to make your home accessible to all is access to the property. If you have to climb multiple steps, or there is a steep ramp leading up to your front door, this could prevent certain individuals, such as those in wheelchairs, from entering.
To overcome this issue, you must replace your steps or steep ramp with a gentler ramp. Fortunately, you don’t have to remove altogether what’s already there. It is now possible to buy portable ramps for wheelchair access.
2. Consider the Bathroom
Certain disabilities can make accessing standard bathroom equipment such as baths, showers, and toilets difficult. It can be challenging for people with specific disabilities to sit on a low toilet seat, for example. To resolve this issue, replace the standard bathroom equipment with disabled-friendly alternatives.
In the past, people were wary of installing disabled-friendly equipment in their homes as disabled-friendly bathroom equipment didn’t look great. However, this has now changed. Disabled bathrooms can look amazing if you choose the right bathroom equipment suppliers.
3. Install a Stairlift
If you own a property with more than one floor, you will need to consider how disabled people will access the other levels of your home. Installing a stair lift can make this a lot easier.
4. Widen Doorways
Space is one of the most significant barriers to accessibility in a home. People in wheelchairs or with mobility issues often find fitting through standard doorways an issue. To make your house more disability-friendly, consider widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and other walking aids.
5. Pay Attention to Your Flooring
Another consideration that is often overlooked is the flooring. The type of flooring you choose can impact the safety of disabled people. As well as this, certain types of flooring, such as deep pile carpets, can make moving around a home more difficult. Replace the carpet with laminate flooring or tiles.
6. Consider Smart Home Installations
The younger generation has been using smart home gadgets for several years now. However, did you realise that this technology isn’t just for younger people, it’s also perfect for elderly or disabled people? Smart home gadgets can have a significant impact on improving the accessibility of a home. TV controls, lighting, blinds, heating, and much more can be managed from a panel or an app.
A recent survey found that over 14.6 million UK residents have a disability. This is a whopping 22% of the UK population. Thanks to this, it’s essential to consider these individuals when designing a home. We must do all we can to ensure everyone is catered for, from installing disabled-friendly bathroom equipment and non-slip flooring to adding safety rails near steps.
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