There are plenty of great reasons for home renovation. To ensure that it’s accessible and functional for a person with disabilities. If you live with a disability yourself, it’s essential. Even if you don’t, you may have an elderly relative coming to stay at some point. Friends and family members who would love the option of visiting you. It’s also a smart move when it comes to your financial future, increase the value of your property.
You can start with some of these simple changes.
Create an accessible entrance
The first thing to take into consideration when assessing just how disability-friendly your home is will be its accessibility. Can a person in a wheelchair get in through your front door, or will they be unable to visit from the moment they arrive at your home? Ramps are very easy to install around the entrance points of your home, and will make it far easier for anyone who struggles to walk to visit or live in your home.
Upgrade the bathroom
Bathrooms can be a particularly dangerous space for those who struggle with a disability, so making some renovations in this area will be a huge help. You can get support from bathroom builders melbourne to create a bathroom with a specialised walk-in shower with no steps or obstacles in the way, as well as built-in grab bars and a comfortable shower seat to make the experience relaxing, rather than stressful. You may also need to consider the type of tiling or floor you have in your bathroom while renovating – certain types of flooring can become a real slip hazard, while others allow for a sturdy grip. The accommodations necessary will depend on your own needs and disability or the disability of the person in question, but this room should certainly be high on your list of priorities.
Consider your bedroom carefully
If you live in your home with a person with disability you need to think about him. Installing mechanical lifts in the bedroom will make life much easier for him. Even those with less severe disabilities can benefit from small adjustments with their needs in mind. Adjustable bedside table lamps or sturdy bedside tables that make keeping necessities within reach while bedridden simpler.
Upgrade your lighting
Proper lighting is essential for those living with a disability. It is also applies to those living with elderly who may not have specific physical disabilities. Make sure that hallways have sufficient lighting with switches that are accessible, and that staircases are easy to light. You should also keep your hallways free from rugs, wires, and any other trip hazards that could lead to serious injuries.
Lower your kitchen counters
It’s difficult to work comfortably from a kitchen in a wheelchair if the counter tops and appliances are out of reach. If you have somebody with a disability living with you long-term, you may want to renovate your home to allow for more accessible workspaces and sinks that can be reached from a lower position.
