According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every four US individuals has a disability, with 13.7 percent having a mobility handicap. Similarly, 8.5 million seniors utilize a mobility aid in their daily life.
These numbers suggest that accessibility and freedom of movement are important issues for a large portion of the American population — but are traditional residences accessible to them?
Accessibility in the home is about more than just convenience; it is also about safety and independence, and accessible renovations can increase an individual who uses a mobility aid's ability to live comfortably at home for longer periods of time, to remain safe, and to maintain a sense of independence.
A sense of freedom and control may have a huge impact on senior mental health, which is one of the most under-reported populations when it comes to mental health problems.
When it comes to accessible remodeling for elders and those with mobility difficulties, it is usually the responsibility of caregivers or loved ones. This is why it is important to understand what can and should be renovated, what can and can not be DIYed, and what should be left to the specialists.
This article will go through several kinds of accessibility improvements for each room in the house, as well as the functions that they may serve for those who use mobility assistance.
These improvements can improve the quality of life and general safety of loved ones who have mobility issues.
Checklists for Home Safety for Seniors and People with Mobility Disabilities
It's not simply practical to be free to move around your house; it's also an issue of personal safety. Being able to combine fire safety features and other emergency safety measures alone is a crucial aspect of keeping freedom and feeling safe in their own homes for seniors and other persons with mobility limitations. This is why accessible home renovations may be an important element of aging in place or caring for a person with a mobility limitation. The following are examples of common accessible renovations:
Doorways that are wider to allow wheelchairs or scooters can let mobility aid users go from room to room without assistance.
Bright illumination can improve sight for elders, allowing them to better identify items, read appliances, and print. Brighter illumination can also improve sight at night, lowering the danger of elderly falling.
Alarms with louder alerts or alarms with a mix of visual and noise warnings: Because hearing and vision decrease with age, having alarms with louder alerts or alarms with a combination of visual and noise signals is crucial to keep seniors safe. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, security systems, and other alarms may all be upgraded or updated.
Smart security systems: Visual and audible alarms are frequently used in smart security systems. This is perfect for elders who may have hearing or vision problems. Smart security systems are frequently managed through remote or touch, making it easier for elders to modify settings.
Stair railings: Balancing difficulties and the possibility of a fall can also be classified as mobility limitations. Sturdy stair rails can aid those who can walk but require the aid of a cane or crutches to safely traverse up and down steps.
Easy-to-read thermostats and meters: Easy-to-read meters and thermostats can assist seniors with vision impairments see better and feel more comfortable in their homes. Large print meters and digital displays are both accessible and simple to read.
Bathroom
Bathrooms, particularly in older homes, may be one of the least accessible spaces in the house for elders and those with mobility issues. In a wheelchair, crowded areas can be difficult to maneuver, and deep-set tubs can make getting in and out of the bath or shower difficult. The following bathroom improvements can make it more accessible to elderly and others who use mobility aids:
Roll-under sinks feature a compartment underneath the sink that is specially designed for wheelchair accessibility. Wheelchair users may use these sinks to reach the sink, vanity, and counter area without having to leave their chairs.
Walk-in tubs: People with mobility issues can use walk-in tubs to reduce the danger of falling when going in and out of the tub. Walk-in tubs have a sealed door on the side and may be placed in almost any bathroom that already has a tub.
Bathtub lifts: A bathtub lift is a device that allows people to be lifted out of their wheelchair or scooter and into a bathtub. This enables wheelchair users to enter the tub independently or to assist caregivers. Depending on the type, these lifts can be installed inside or outside the tub.
Walk-in showers: Walk-in showers, or showers without a tub, door, or curtain, are another useful renovation for persons who use wheelchairs. These showers may be entered without even getting out of the chair. This may be a larger makeover that need the skills of a certified plumber or professional handyman to verify that everything is up to code and securely installed.
Obstacle shower doors: A barrier-free shower door is one that is flat with the ground, which means that there is no lip or step into the shower. This is excellent for persons who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues, and it decreases fall hazards for seniors who get in and out of the shower on their own.
Handheld shower controls or a handheld showerhead can be advantageous for people with mobility issues since they provide them easier access to shower controls, whether from a wheelchair or a shower seat. It can also limit the amount of times they need to stand or sit in the shower, which can reduce the danger of falling.
Handgrips: Handgrips or grab bars in or around the shower can assist seniors in staying steady while getting in and out of the shower or rising from a seated posture while in the shower. These hand grips are available in a range of sizes and materials, and may be installed on your own or with the help of a professional.
Shower seats: Shower seats can make getting into the tub and showering simpler for elders and anyone with limited mobility. Depending on your preferences, you may get free-standing shower chairs that can be uninstalled or invest in a built-in shower seat or bench.
Non-slip surfaces and materials: Non-slip mats and materials can assist elders and others with mobility problems avoid falls. There are several non-slip bathroom solutions, such as paints, mats, tape, spray, and more. Custom non-slip bathtubs may also be available for purchase or installation.
Transfer benches: For wheelchair users, transfer benches can be a handy tool. These benches can make it simpler for people to transition from a chair to a shower seat, bathtub, or toilet. These can be used on their own or with the aid of a caregivers.
Bedrooms
Other from the bathroom, the bedroom is the space where seniors and those with mobility issues spend the most time alone. It is important that the bedroom be independently accessible for these people, whether they are sleeping, changing clothing, or simply resting. The following changes may make any bedroom more accessible and comfortable:
Adjustable beds: Having an adjustable bed can benefit elders and persons with mobility issues. The ability to raise or lower the bed can aid in getting in and out of bed, as well as creating better ergonomic sleep patterns for people who require particular equipment at night.
Easy storage of mobility devices: Having a convenient place to store mobility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches can allow seniors or those with mobility problems readily access their aids when they are needed. Building storage near the bed but not in the way of pathways in the bedroom is usually best for accessibility and ease of usage.
Closets with Easy Access: Closets might be difficult to use for those who need mobility aids because they are too tall. These places can be made more accessible by installing lower closet racks, lowering closet doors, or installing lower knobs.
Lifting Equipment: Bed lifts, like bath lifts, can be useful for those who use wheelchairs and elder caregivers. Individuals with mobility limitations can use these lifts to get in and out of bed alone or with assistance.
Reinforced Ceilings for Lifting Equipment: Some lifting equipment will need strengthening of the ceiling. Before installing this equipment, you should consult with a professional to ensure that you have enough reinforcements for any lifting equipment in both the bedroom and the bathroom.
Flooring: Some types of flooring might make bedroom spaces more difficult to reach. Carpet can be more difficult to manage in a wheelchair or walker than level surfaces, and rugs can make lips that offer fall hazards. Installing hardwood flooring or purchasing a plastic chair pad for heavily used areas can assist to reduce these problems.
Kitchen
It is important for elders and people with mobility limitations who live independently or with caregivers to be able to get meals in a safe and efficient manner. Cooking accessibility modifications can keep a sense of autonomy while decreasing the chance of kitchen accidents:
Lowered kitchen cabinets and countertops: Lowered kitchen cabinets and countertops can make food, dishes, and other kitchen staples accessible to those with mobility disabilities. This can help them with cooking and feeding oneself on their own.
Open space under kitchen sinks: Roll-under sinks in the kitchen can provide wheelchair users with access to the faucet and counterspace.
Touch control faucets: Touch control faucets can be useful for those who need various types of mobility assistance. It requires less fine motor skills or help to get the sink to function, which helps promote kitchen autonomy.
Open floor plan: Open floor layouts in the kitchen might make it simpler to use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and crutches. Furthermore, having an open concept in the kitchen allows caregivers and elders to be in the same place for preparation or meal help.
Appliances with huge digital displays, touch activation, or louder alerts/more apparent signals are examples of accessible appliances. Seniors and persons with mobility disabilities can continue to use their appliances with minimal help if they have accessible equipment.
Living Room
Accessibility in the living room is crucial not just for the homeowner, but also for any visitors that may visit. These changes to the living room can help make this space more accessible to everyone:
Tripping dangers might include carpets, untidy electrical cables, and other debris. Tripping dangers are especially hazardous for elders since they can cause catastrophic injury.
Remove shaky furniture: If elderly or others with mobility disabilities lay on unsteady or unsound furniture, they are at danger of falling. This risk can be reduced by tightening screws or removing the furniture entirely.
Remove any furniture that is blocking pathways: Moving around spaces with a mobility device such as a wheelchair or walker can be difficult, if not impossible, if paths are blocked. Keeping paths clean and furniture free of obstructions is a critical component of an accessible living room.
Large remotes: Seniors may find it simpler to utilize remotes with large buttons. The larger buttons may be simpler for them to grasp, and the greater size may increase visibility for ease of usage.
Smart thermostats can include a variety of accessibility features. Touch controls can make them easier to operate for persons with fine motor skill impairments, big digital displays can make them easier to read for elders, and remote controls can make them more accessible around the house.
Hardwood flooring are often the simplest for wheeled mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters, to operate on. If you or a loved one utilizes a wheeled mobility assistance and has difficulties moving on carpeted floors, it may be a valuable investment.
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Contractor?
Different levels of house improvement and remodeling may need varying degrees of training.
Installing a brighter lightbulb to boost light in a room, for example, is a simple DIY remedy. If, on the other hand, you wish to install new wiring, a new lighting fixture, or lower electrical outlets for accessibility, you should engage a certified electrician or contractor. When deciding whether or not to DIY anything, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it true that I have all of the essential tools and parts for this project?
- Is this project risky if not completed correctly?
- Will the expense of fixing a mistake be more than the cost of paying someone to make the desired change?
If you want to redesign a loved one's home, make sure you talk to them first because they will be the ones who will be dealing with the changes on a daily basis.
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Contractor
When choosing a contractor, there are a few things to look for to ensure that you're getting the correct individual for the task. Among the questions to ask a contractor are:
Examine their licenses: Once you've selected a contractor, you should look into their licenses. This is necessary to check that they are legally permitted to work on the property in issue and that they have the appropriate skill set for your needs.
Request examples of prior work: By seeing examples of past work, you may set expectations for the completed job. This is especially beneficial if you have a specialized request. You may have piece of mind that the expert you're choosing is experienced by viewing past work.
Inquire about evidence of insurance: Various contracting tasks need different types of insurance. This insurance protects not just the contractor, but also anybody who may be on the working site, including you or a loved one.
Pay wisely: Request a thorough quotation ahead of time and preserve the figures.
In order to correctly negotiate service pricing, compare the pricing of competing contractors for the same service.
Bring a younger loved one or family member with you to the payment discussions.
Making an informed hiring selection for contractor work may help you feel certain that you're getting the best job possible without jeopardizing your or your loved ones' peace of mind.
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