Do you or one of the people living in your home require a mobility-friendly environment? Mobility-friendly features have come a long way and are not only useful but quite creative. Today, they can work with the design of your home to look beautiful and ensure everyone can use the space as intended. Whether you have just minor mobility issues or more pronounced ones, there are plenty of ways to address them in the home. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ways you can make your home mobility-friendly.
Focus on the Entryway to the Home
One of the most important updates people can make is to ensure that the entry into their home is functional and safe for all, which means mobility-friendly features. If you currently have stairs that lead to the front door, a re-design may be necessary. You may require a ramp for those in a wheelchair or who find stairs difficult, or an outdoor stairlift.
It may also be necessary to widen the front door if it doesn’t allow for wheelchair access.
Bathroom Updates are a Must
The next area to focus on renovations and updates should be in the bathroom. Without mobility-friendly features, the bathroom may not be very functional, and can even be hazardous. Some of the most useful and popular mobility-friendly updates and features include:
- Mobility-friendly toilets that sit higher
- Detachable shower head to make showering easier
- Lever taps rather than twisting taps
- Walk-in baths to prevent falling
- Wet room showers for those who require a flat surface, ideal for people in wheelchairs
- Non-slip bath mats
- Grab bars
- Change the height of the counter
- Change the height of the towel rack
There are many different features and tweaks you can do in a bathroom that will make it a comfortable room for all to use. You can look into what companies like beautifulbathroom.net are doing.
Is the Kitchen Accessible for All?
And then we have the kitchen, which can likely benefit from updates. Think about food preparation, cooking, and eating. How can you make each of those activities safer and more comfortable for those with mobility challenges? Keep in mind with kitchen updates, they can get pretty expensive depending on how much money you are willing to spend.
Ensure Hallways and Doorways are Clear
Sometimes a major renovation may not be necessary; rather, it is about decluttering spaces to ensure you can move through the home unimpeded. All hallways and doorways should be open and free of clutter so those who require assistance when walking, such as a cane or walker, can move about with ease. If a resident requires a wheelchair, it may be necessary to make more drastic changes, widening doorways, and perhaps opening up hallways.
Ensure the Home Is Functional for All
Living with mobility issues can be challenging, but your home should be a place where you feel comfortable and safe. This means taking the time to invest in mobility-friendly updates and renovations, no matter how minor or major they may be.
