There are a variety of reasons why you may need to make your home more accessible. Whether it’s to cater to a disability or to prepare for the future when you are older, it is vital to make an accessible home. In the UK, there are 14.1 million people with a disability which includes a wide range of conditions that need to be catered for in various ways.
An accessible home needs to have accessible environments and safety features to accommodate people with disabilities. For example, users of powered wheelchairs will need easy access to the home and suitable flooring so they can easily get around. Discover how to make your home more accessible to positively enhance the lives of those who need it.
What is an accessible home?
An accessible home has inclusivity in mind with any aspect of the design. Accessible homes create a user-friendly space for those with mobility issues and disabilities, allowing them to be safe and comfortable in their home. Users can easily navigate accessible homes and gain independence with daily tasks and general living, creating a sense of freedom and benefitting their mental health.
Ways to make your home more accessible
If you’re looking to make your home accessible, there are a few vital things to change and consider.
Provide ramps and stairlift
Swapping stairs for ramps is a wonderful way to make your home more accessible, especially for the entrance to your home. You could use a built-in ramp or a portable one if you can’t change the entryway to help wheelchair users and people who are unsteady on their feet. If you don’t need a ramp, you could make the stairs safer and more accessible by adding non-slip surfaces and handrails.
For indoor stairs, a ramp may be difficult, so installing a stairlift will help those with disabilities and mobility conditions navigate the stairs. Having a stairlift can enhance your living space as stairs pose a huge risk and problem to those with mobility issues.
Transform your living space
Choosing an open-plan layout for your living area is the best option for accessibility. This design allows plenty of room to manoeuvre each room, making it easier for those with mobility conditions.
Other considerations to think about could be the furniture placement. Ensure there’s ample space between each piece of furniture so users can manoeuvre around the space. You may also benefit from lowering shelves for users to reach items independently and low-hanging rails to store clothes rather than a wardrobe.
It is essential to ensure plug sockets are easy to reach and doorknobs are changed to lever handles for users to navigate from room to room with ease. Try to avoid rugs that can make it difficult to use a wheelchair and creates a trip hazard.
Widen doorways
Widening doorways can give users more space to move from room to room. It is ideal to do this as it accommodates the extra width of a wheelchair or mobility aid. Many doorways in the UK tend to be smaller and harder for those with accessibility needs to get around their home. Doing this simple change can enhance the user’s life, giving them independence.
Replace carpets with wooden flooring
It is vital to replace carpets with wooden flooring when it comes to making your home more accessible. This is because wooden flooring is easier to navigate with mobility aids as it is a smoother surface. Plus, choosing wooden flooring prevents the risk of trips and falls over the deep pile of carpet.
Make a user-friendly kitchen
Many kitchens can be hard for people with disabilities to use as they are designed at a standing height. Users may be in a wheelchair or may need to sit down while using the kitchen so they can’t independently navigate the space. To change this, a lot of work needs to be done but it will benefit users, giving them independence and boosting their mental health.
You should lower the sink and countertops to a seated height and ensure that there is nothing underneath. Replacing cabinets with pull-out drawers is also a great idea to make the kitchen easier to use. You may also need to reposition the fridge and oven so users can cook and get something to eat with ease.
Consider smart home technology
Using smart home technology can quickly make your home more accessible as having a smart home can do simple daily tasks for users. Some smart home technologies you can use are smart lights that can be scheduled to come on or activated with commands and smart plugs and switches to remotely control appliances. A video doorbell and smart locks can also be a good idea to make users feel safe and comfortable while being able to easily lock the doors when leaving.
Create a safe bathroom
A safe bathroom is imperative when it comes to accessibility in the home. Ensure the flooring is non-slip to avoid potential falls when the flooring is wet, making it easier for users to walk across the bathroom. Having a walk-in shower is ideal for those with mobility issues as it allows them to easily use the shower with no issues. Plus, they look smart and stylish in any bathroom.
Kitting your shower out with grab rails and a shower chair ensures safety for users, preventing any accidents. Ensure to also have cabinets with pull-out drawers and make sure they don’t create an awkward space in the bathroom so users can navigate the space.
Try some of these ways to create an accessible home to suit all sorts of mobility issues or prepare for the future. Ensure to carefully think through the layout in every room, making sure there is plenty of space between any furniture to use a wheelchair or other mobility aid.