As the winter days wind down and the sun starts to stay out for a little bit longer each day (we know, winter is still too long), many of us find ourselves thinking about the spring. One of the best parts about spring is that we get back to doing projects around the house. And while it’s fun to think about spring cleaning projects, or planting some new seeds in the garden, there are several changes you can make that can improve your home’s function by making it accessible to individuals with mobility devices. EZ-ACCESS is here to present you with 10 tips to make your home more accessible.
- Add ramps to entrances. The cost of this solution will vary based on the size of the ramp. Regardless of cost, though, ramps are an easy way to make your home accessible without having to do any heavy remodels.
- Install a platform lift. For home entrances where a ramp is impractical or difficult to install, a platform lift can be installed to easily lift mobility devices to a desired height.
- Remove rugs. While pretty to look at and valuable for decorative purposes, area rugs and throw rugs make it difficult for people with mobility devices to navigate.
- Change your flooring surface. While more expensive than removing a rug, getting rid of thick carpet in favor of hardwood or tile will make it much easier for people with limited mobility to get around your home.
- Install threshold ramps. Whether they’re being used to go from outdoors to inside or between rooms of your home, threshold ramps help make your home safe by easing transitions between surfaces at different heights.
- Cordless phones are important. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many homes still have telephones with cords. Cordless phones or using only cell phones means you won’t be confined to one room if you have limited mobility.
- Lower the countertops. You may not think about this one very often, but for people who use the kitchen a lot, it’s obvious. Lowering countertops will make life easier for you to cook if you have limited mobility.
- Open doors easier. Lowering door knobs or putting automatic openers on your doors can be a huge added convenience.
- Install a walk-in tub. Bathrooms can be a dangerous place for anyone due to the slippery surfaces. A walk-in tub allows for an easy transition from wheelchair to tub.
- Make stairs safer. Install a stair lift to allow for easy transport up and down stairs in your home to reduce the risk of a fall.
If you or a loved one lives with limited mobility, these ten tips can help make life a little simpler at home. If you have questions about the solutions available through EZ-ACCESS, please feel free to contact us.