Improving Accessibility
A home owner may have many reasons for improving accessibility in their home. Whether it’s a parent or other relative that is moving in and requires a bit more accessibility due to age or some type of mobility issues, or you want to do it for yourself as you are having trouble getting around your own home. Whatever the reason, there are many ways we can begin to increase the ease that those with decreased mobility are able to move around the house. We’re going to give you 5 of those ways, although there are many more to explore!
Install a Residential Elevator
The easiest way to improve the accessibility for someone with mobility issues is to install a residential elevator in your home. This will help them to move with ease between each floor. With almost all house in Canada now having basements, and many having an upper level as well, there’s no doubt that a residential elevator would be helpful. Besides, who would want to live in a house and not have limited access to half, or even two thirds of their house simply because stairs are difficult.
We understand that installing a residential elevator in your home just for the sake of improving accessibility is not always a realistic option for everyone. But if it’s seriously something that would benefit you, there could be financial aids available through insurances of many sorts that could help you make it a reality. If you’re interested about knowing more about residential elevators, give Western Elevator a call today.
Install a Ramp for Improving Accessibility
This idea would apply to the exterior of your home. Whether you have 2 steps up to your front door or you’ve got 9 steps, installing a ramp will allow those with wheelchairs to become independent and access the house on their own. It can also make the lives of those who are with someone who has limited mobility easier as pushing someone up a ramp is much easier than up the stairs. A ramp will even help those who are not in wheelchairs but rather just can’t move as well as they maybe used to be able to. A ramp can be an easy instal and may help more than you might know!
Installing Walk-in Showers
Walk-in showers might make a huge difference for someone who has limited mobility. The small task of stepping over the side of a bathtub to get into the shower might not seem very difficult at first, but for someone who has troubles with their mobility, it can be a tough, even dangerous task. When you consider the risk of also slipping when getting in and out, a walk-in shower is almost a necessity. There are many professional contractors that can get you a gorgeous looking walk-in shower so you won’t have to worry about yourself or a loved one.
Moving Furniture to Begin Improving Accessibility
When there is someone living in a house with a wheelchair, it’s often a good idea to move around your furniture a little bit in a way that allows the individual in the wheelchair to be able to easily get through to every area of the house. A wheelchair can be anywhere from 2-3 feet wide. So do those people a favour and ensure you leave at least about 3 feet in between things like couches and tables. It can make a hug difference in the ease people have with getting around.
