In Australia alone, there are over 4 million people with some physical handicap. That’s 1 in 5 people. While there are many services that can help people with disabilities, but there is one thing that is easy and you can start doing right now. It will instantly improve the quality of living of the person you love and the carer, and that is to adopt these home adaptations ideas below.
Here some solutions for home adaptations for disabled people.
1. Make Wider Doorways
Most wheelchairs and walkers are too wide to maneuver with ease through average doorways. The home remodelling for disabled needs will entail widening the doorways to ensure easier access for the handicapped. Widening can cost up to $1000 in some cases. A cheaper option is to use offset hinges that ensure doors swing clear of the opening, adding about 10-15 centimetres of space.
2. Create Ramps
A ramp is a crucial part of wheelchair home modifications. It is also important for anyone who has mobility problems. The ramp building usually requires a permit. Thus, talk to the local council before construction starts. There are various types of ramps. Ensure that you pick one that meets your needs with ease. One of the most durable options is the Aluminum threshold ramp that is cheap and simple to install.
3. Add Grab Bars
Grab bars are an important addition when building a handicap accessible home. It is especially so around the toilet and shower where more stability is needed. A simple bar that is 4-5 centimetres nailed to the wall will work for most people. However, it needs to be at the right height to provide the needed stability.
4. Add Toilet Riser
Risers are important for those that have trouble bending over or standing. The risers are found at home improvement stores, and they cost less than $50. It is especially important where the toilets are too low.
5. Remodel to Step-In Showers
For those with mobility issues, bathtubs with steep sides can be a huge issue. Instead, space should be converted into a walk-in shower. For added support, a shower bench has to be included. Watch out for the flooring material to avoid the shower being too slippery for those with mobility problems.
6. Change the Flooring
Thick rugs and carpets will only make it hard for those with walkers and wheelchairs to walk. They will become a tripping hazard for those with even small mobility issues. A good option is to use ceramic or vinyl tiles. Alternatively, install a hardwood floor.
7. Redesign the Kitchen
Appliances need to be placed near the counters and sinks for ease of use by handicapped people. This is a minor change, but it can be quite helpful for those with handicaps. It ensures they do not risk accidents as they try to reach for items. Everyday items should be placed in lower cabinets and door handles that are easy to use installed. This can seem like a small gesture, but the handicapped will really appreciate it.
8. Lower Closet Rods
The closet rods should be placed lower in the room where the handicapped person stays. This will ensure they do not have to tag their clothes each time they need to use them. Besides that, it ensures they can place clothes on rods by themselves. The appropriate height is about 2 feet from the ground for those on wheelchairs.
9. Replace Knob Handles
Turning doorknobs can be a serious issue for those with handicap conditions. It will usually cause them pain or take exceedingly long just to open a door. Instead, opt to use lever handles instead of round ones for the kitchen faucets and doorknobs. It ensures that with just a bit of pressure, the handicapped can access any room or even fill their own glass with water without it being a struggle.
10. Move and Modify Furniture
To make it easy to move around, ensure that there is at least 80 centimetres between pieces of furniture. You might also need to buy modified furniture that is a bit raised. It helps the handicapped to sit comfortably. This can be done with small blocks of wood secured to the legs of furniture or using furniture coasters.
