If your much-loved home suddenly needs to be changed and adapted due to health issues or an unexpected disability, there are a variety of ways in which it can be achieved. We take a look at some of the key ways you can adapt a home and ensure that both the inside, and outside, are all accessible.
Add a ramp to the front door
Steps outside your home may never have been a problem in the past, but can become an instant issue in the event of a change in health. To ensure you can easily get to the front door and access your home, have a ramp installed up the steps to the front door.
A local tradesman can build a ramp to your specific requirements, taking into consideration the width and depth that you need. If necessary, they could rebuild the steps first to make them better suited for the ramp, or put the ramp to one side of the steps.
Widen inner doorways
The doorways in your home might not be ideal if you have limited mobility or you’re using a wheelchair, but they can be adapted. By having your inner doorways widened – even by a small amount – you will be able to more easily negotiate doorways and turn easily into and out of rooms without knocking into narrow door frames.
Have a home lift installed
Another way to adapt a home to be fully functional for your needs is to have a home lift installed. Home access lifts can be specifically designed to meet your requirements and ensure you can access all areas of your property. Home lifts can incorporate technological expertise, such as the use of Bluetooth and wireless diagnostics, as well as safety and security elements.
Have a walk-in shower or wet room
The bathroom is one of the key rooms of your home, so you’ll need to make sure it’s fully adapted to your needs. If you can longer manage to easily get into or out of a bath on your own, consider having a walk in or sit-in shower installed. Alternatively, convert your existing bathroom into a fully functioning wet room.
Add handrails to stairs and steps
If you have any stairs or steps in your home, adding handrails to them can provide an extra element of safety and security. It’s an easy job for someone to screw a handrail to a wall and can be a valuable safety addition.
Opt for lower kitchen worktops
Standard height kitchen worktops can be too high for wheelchair users, so consider having your kitchen revamped. Installing lower kitchen worktops, especially with room to manoeuvre a wheelchair underneath them, helps make everything more accessible and means you can continue to cook, wash up dishes and be independent.
These are just a few of the ways to adapt a home. If you need further advice or suggestions, a local builder or tradesperson can be a good source of knowledge on more ways that you can adapt your home to suit your changing needs.
(Collaborative post; images courtesy of Shutterstock)
