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When you think of homes that are disability friendly, what comes to mind? Maybe you imagine a house with wide doorways and no steps leading up to the entrance. Or perhaps you picture a home outfitted with unique amenities like ramps or rails.
While these features can make a home more disability friendly, there are many other ways to make your home more accommodating for everyone – regardless of ability.
For those of us that need to use mobility aids like wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, it is important to have a home that accommodates our needs.
Thankfully, there are many tips for making your home more disability-friendly.
As you might know, I am a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded a groundbreaking video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love sharing tools to help people live their happiest and and healthiest lives.
With this mind, I created this article with ten ways to make your home more disability-friendly.
There are several ways you can make your home more disability friendly, whether you’re living with a disability yourself or accommodating someone else. Here are ten ideas to get you started.
This will allow easier passage through the home, especially if you’re using a wheelchair or walker.
Ramps can be placed at entrances and exits to make getting in and out of the house easier.
This will make them more accessible for those using wheelchairs or walkers.
Grab bars provide stability and support when getting in and out of the shower or using the toilet.
This can help prevent falls, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where floors can get wet.
Good lighting can help you see obstacles in your path and avoid accidents.
Clutter can be a trip hazard, so keeping things tidy and organized is essential.
Several products on the market can make everyday tasks easier, such as reachers and grabbers, dressing aids, and cooking utensils.
If you rely on electrically-powered equipment, make sure you have a backup plan in case of a power outage.
In case of an accident or other emergency, it’s essential to have emergency numbers readily available.
Making your home more disability-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many small and cost-effective changes to your home that you can make that will make a big difference.
Doorknobs can be difficult to grip for those with arthritis or limited hand mobility. Swap out traditional doorknobs for lever handles, which are much easier to grip and turn.
Lower shelving can make it easier for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to reach items. Consider adding a few lower shelves in the kitchen or bathroom or throughout the house if needed.
Adding additional lighting, or swapping lightbulbs for higher wattage bulbs, can make it easier to see obstacles and avoid accidents.
A cluttered home can be a safety hazard for anyone, especially those with limited mobility.
There are several ways that technology can help make a home more disability-friendly.
For example, there are now apps that can help with turning on lights, opening doors, and even calling for help in an emergency.
Some products can help with everyday tasks, such as dressing, cooking, and grooming.
It is also essential to know if you rely on electrically-powered equipment, there are now backup systems that can keep things running in case of a power outage.
So if you’re looking for ways to make your home more accommodating, don’t forget to consider the role that technology can play.
In some cases, Medicaid can help pay for modifications made to a home to accommodate someone with a disability.
However, each state has different rules about what is covered, so it’s essential to check with your local Medicaid office to see if you qualify.
It should be known that Medicaid could help through the Waivers Program. This is in place so that you or someone you know with disabilities can have in-home support.
This would allow you to stay in your home, as opposed to being placed in a long-term care facility.
You may also be able to get help through other government programs, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Housing Assistance Program.
Making your home more disability-friendly can seem like a daunting task, but there are many small changes you can make that will make a big difference.
With a little bit of planning and some help from friends and family, you can make your home a more comfortable and safe place for everyone.
There are several home improvement grants available for people with disabilities. These grants can help you make your home more accessible and comfortable.
There are several ways to make your home more disability-friendly. These include grants from the government, as well as other organizations.
Making your home more accessible can make a big difference in your quality of life and make living with a disability easier while aging in place.
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