Home Upgrades for the Physically Challenged

Modifying a home to become a place where the physically challenged person can be comfortable and at ease is crucial. Whether you’re looking to make improvements for loved ones or making needed changes for yourself, there are a few things to consider. While some modifications are relatively cheap, others may be expensive. But price shouldn’t be the primary concern. Here’s how to make modifications to a home for the physically challenged to live safely and happily there.

Renovate the bathroom

The bathroom is probably the first room in the home that should be renovated. Traditional bathtubs can be extremely dangerous for older people, while the physically challenged are often unable to use them at all. Grab bars close to the toilet make using it more accessible, and a walk-in shower helps physically challenged individuals, so they don’t have to take a huge step to enter, lowering the chance of injuries.

Consider wider hallways and interior doorways

For those in wheelchairs, it can be challenging to make it through the standard doorway and hallway. Even using a walker can be difficult because those areas often aren’t wide enough. To ensure ease of movement, consider widening hallways and interior doorways. Roomy thirty-six-inch doorways and forty-two-inch hallways will allow traversing from one room to another easily.

Check the flooring

While widening hallways and doorways, check the flooring. If there are throw rugs, throw them away as these tend to get stuck in a wheelchair’s wheels. Moreover, think about swapping out carpets for linoleum flooring. Although there might be higher upfront costs, this is an investment in the future. Linoleum flooring lets a wheelchair or walker move freely without worrying about the user falling or getting stuck.

Proper lighting

As people grow older, low lighting can become a problem, especially during nighttime bathroom trips. Motion-sensing night lights that come on when an object passes by can be extremely beneficial. They can light the path and help avoid falls. Install these in bathrooms, hallways, and bedrooms.

It can be difficult falling asleep again after returning to bed. That’s why investing in warm LEDs can help ease the occupant back to sleep and get a well-deserved rest.

Move the obstacles

Some beloved pieces of furniture can also be obstacles, such as a large coffee table or a floor vase. Although there’s no need to get rid of them altogether, consider moving them to another area. That way, the item can still be enjoyed, but won’t be an obstacle.

Live comfortably in your home

Although growing old and becoming physically challenged means adjusting the home a bit, it can still be a safe and comfortable place. Some home improvements can be expensive, such as widening hallways and doorways and updating the bathroom. Others, like adequate lighting, won’t break the bank. But any of these steps can make the home a safer place and improve the quality of life.

If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.