Is Your House Handicap-Friendly?
If you’re looking to make your home more user friendly for the handicapped, there are a few things that you can do that can make it a safer, more comfortable place for your disabled relative or friend when they visit from time to time. You won’t have to break the bank or do a lot of expensive renovation either. You can, however, do a few practical things that can certainly make their life easier and safer when they visit.
The first thing you need to do is to remove anything from the floors that could be dangerous or obstructive to free movement. Depending on the type of disability of course, simply removing rugs and other floor coverings that may be on the floor can substantially help a disabled person move easier. Also, if he or she is on a scooter, this helps the mobility aid easier to maneuver. If there are any uneven places on the floors, such as where different flooring meets at the joints, you can easily place a smooth, thin mat that is tacky, to the floor to allow for better transitions throughout the house.
The next thing that is very helpful is to unclutter walkways, hallways, doorways and areas of the living space that can make it hard in which to maneuver. It’s a good idea to remove plant stands, end tables and other home decor items that may prove to be a danger or a hindrance to someone walking or riding a mobility aid.
Another area of serious concern for most disabled people, is the the bathroom. Again, depending on the type of disability, there are a few things that you can do to help make this area more comfortable and accessible. Be sure to remove rugs and floor coverings from the bathroom floor. Also, remove any racks, stands, or end tables that may take up more space and inhibit free movement. Then add a few handicap aids such as a toilet extender or a portable toilet for the handicapped that can actually be placed over the top of your existing commode. These generally have grab rails that make it easier to get up and down.
A problem area for many disabled persons, is the shower area of a bathroom. Many people can not simply stand to take a traditional shower, but do need some sort of assistance through handicapped aids. You can add a shower chair that is designed for the handicapped. These usually have a back and arms for easy maneuverability. They can be folded and stored away after use. Depending on the type of disability that you wish to accommodate, it is not necessarily difficult to make your home friendly for your disabled friend or relative. Just use a little common sense and show how much you care by going the extra mile.
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