1. Build ramps
The first thing to do to make your home more mobility friendly is by replacing stairs with ramps. A disabled person is likely to use a wheelchair or have some sort of assisting device, which helps them move. Stairs make it more difficult for them to move freely as they would need someone to lift up the wheelchair on every step of the stairs, also this will increase the likely-hood of accidents. Ramps are much easier to use for a disabled person in a wheelchair.
2. Install a stairlift
Thanks to innovation and inventions in technology, we now have a wide variety of options when it comes to stairlifts. Historically the only types of lifts that use to exist were a traditional lift that was used everywhere such as hotels, malls, and in homes with a disabled person. These lifts were expensive, thus out of budget for a middle-class family. Now we have different and cheaper alternatives to choose from such as portable stair-climbers, the best thing about them is that they do not require house modifications and come with customised features to make your home more mobile for a disabled person.
3. Put up a homelift
A homelift may be a more expensive option, but it is the safest and the most reliable option, and it will also increase your house’s worth.
4. Use handrails in key areas
Handrails give a disabled person a grip of some sort helping them balance their body. Installing these handrails in important areas such as bathroom and bedroom reduce the chances of the disabled person tripping due to off- balance
5. Consider rearranging your furniture
Home should be built on the principle that makes it easily accessible to all family members. Therefore it should not be crowded with unnecessary furniture and equipment. A home should look good, but it is more important for it to be safe and accessible
Final Words
The first thing to think about when making a place to live is to decide whether you are making a home or on house. If you are making a home, then take into account the needs of all family members, thus making it accessible to everyone. The ways in which it can be done are listed above. Using handrails are very important and are very cheap as well. Moving furniture has no cost at all. If you are tight on budget use stair-lift, if you have room in your budget then consider an elevator. If you already have stairs in place, you can make ramps to allow free mobility for disabled persons.
Furkan is the founder of Britannia Mobility. He has over 12 years experience of working in the mobility aids sector, and is passionate about researching ways in which people can live longer and more independently own their own homes.
