At 101 Mobility, we understand the importance of a home that adapts to your needs, and we’re excited to share invaluable insights and tips on making your living space more accessible. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, our stairlift expertise will guide you through the process, helping you find a new sense of freedom and mobility that you can only find in handicap accessible homes. Read on to learn more about the accessibility possibilities so that you can embrace a life of convenience, safety, and limitless movement.
What does accessible mean for a home?
Handicap accessible homes are homes that make an independent lifestyle possible for those who live with disabilities or mobility issues. This can be done through construction, renovations, or simple home modifications such as installing a stairlift or mobility equipment such as grab bars.
Make Space for Mobility Equipment
Space is the number one thing that comes with those who need walking assistance, whether using a wheelchair, walker, or the helpful arm of a loved one. All of these mobility equipment require ample room space to successfully maneuver around a room. One of the easiest methods to enhance the accessibility of your home for individuals with mobility challenges is by rearranging your furniture. If possible, try to have a 5-foot turn radius, which will give those with mobility issues plenty of space to move around.
Install A Stairlift
A stairlift serves as a pivotal tool in breaking down barriers within the home, giving users their freedom back while easing the caregiver’s responsibilities. These mobility equipment transforms houses into handicap accessible homes by offering a secure and dependable way to navigate stairs, particularly for those with mobility challenges. Each stairlift is customizable, allowing for them to be tailored to fit various staircase configurations and user needs. With user-friendly controls and safety features incorporated into the designs, you can be confident that every ride is safe and secure.
Remove Trip Hazards
Removing anything that is easy to trip on is good practice, regardless of if you have mobility issues. Toys, piles of laundry, and shoes are obvious tripping hazards that can be accidentally left lying around, but there are other inconspicuous hazards that can cause problems for those with mobility issues. Some of the most common ones are rugs, liners, or other uneven flooring. We recommend that you remove rugs and liners from your home—not only can they cause your loved one to trip, but the wheels can easily get stuck, making it difficult to move around.
Install Handrails and Doorknobs
Installing handrails or grab bars, or switching out the kind of doorknobs you use is arguably one of the most convenient and affordable ways to have more handicap-accessible homes. Grabbing bars and handrails give people a chance to catch themselves, reducing the risk of falls or injuries. They should be installed in areas where there is a lot of movement or bending down, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and at a height that is best for their user, typically around 33 to 36 inches high.
Regular doorknobs can be difficult to twist and turn, especially if your loved one experiences hand pain such as arthritis. But door levers, also known as French door handles, are easier to use. Consider replacing all of your doorknobs, but especially focus on common areas that are frequently used, like entryways and bathroom doors.
Making Your Kitchen More Accessible
Kitchens tend to be the least accessible place in homes due to their traditional layout featuring built-in appliances and high shelving. With some strategic adjustments, your kitchen can become user-friendly to everyone in your household. Start with moving frequently used items to lower cabinets, making them easy to reach. For more hands-on changes, consider having lower countertops or keeping appliances such as a microwave down low.
Reach Out to 101 Mobility To Learn How We Can Help Make Your Home More Accessible
At 101 Mobility, our compassionate team of experts is always ready to provide personalized insights, suggesting solutions tailored to your specific needs and addressing any questions you may have. We have a comprehensive product range; from custom stairlifts to home elevators and vertical platform lifts, each piece of mobility equipment working to ensure that you and your loved ones can maintain your independent lifestyle at home. With a reputation built on empowering individuals to lead more independent lives, 101 Mobility, a proud Atlanta stairlift provider, is happy to guide you through the process of becoming one of the hundreds of supportive handicap accessible homes, giving you a new sense of comfort and freedom.