Practical Ideas For Making Your Home More Accessible

For millions of older homeowners, interior design is about making their living space look good and achieving a certain level of safety at the same time. It’s important not only to be safe, but also to maintain physical independence. For those individuals who face mobility issues, the good news is that there are numerous design modifications that can make a huge difference in navigating their living space with security and comfort.

The ideas listed below can help owners build a safer and more accessible environment for themselves or their loved ones. Not only do these ideas, like home lifts, ramps, and no-slip flooring, add to the comfort level, but they also promote general well-being, everyday safety, and independence. Remote switches, wide doorways, and low shelves are three other design features that get the job done. Here are details about the most popular ways older adults are making their houses more accessible and safe.

Ramps

One of the easiest ways to boost a structure’s accessibility is to add a basic ramp. The beauty of ramps is that they are relatively inexpensive, work for both wheelchairs and walkers, and accommodate individuals who simply want to avoid walking on stairs. If you want to supplement the entry steps and other areas of your living space, consider adding a permanent or lightweight temporary ramp. If you build or design your own unit, don’t forget to choose a substantial surface material and decide on a slope that suits your needs.

In most cases, a gentler slope is much safer and minimizes strain on the ankles, knees, and hips. Professional designers recommend one inch of rise for every 12 inches of length. Try a non-slip surface so users can get good traction, even in damp environments. For an added measure of stability, include handrails. There are portable models that you can move whenever the need arises, like when traveling or visiting houses that have lots of steps.

Home Lifts

For so many homeowners who deal with mobility issues, lifts can be game changers. But, home lift or stairlift that’s the question for those who aren’t sure which device is most appropriate for their situation. Living in a multi-story structure can be a major hassle for people who don’t want to use stairs, who currently use wheelchairs, or who just want a safer way to get around the house. Fortunately, the vast commercial marketplace has responded to these needs by offering a wide variety of home lifts for every situation and budget.

Installing a home lift can add value to your property in addition to giving you a reliable, totally safe way of moving about the living space. There are numerous styles and sizes to choose from, and the latest models on the market can be customized to suit older or newer structures. For individuals who want to maximize the safety of their everyday lives, installing a lift is a win-win. The addition makes any room look more elegant, too, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with having an efficient, modern way to travel from floor to floor without using staircases.

No-Slip Floors

It’s easy to overlook the concept of floor-related safety, but the issue is a very significant one for homeowners who have balance issues, are not steady on their feet, or simply fear taking a tumble. Flooring is a crucial part of home safety for older individuals. Any slippery surface can cause life threatening falls. That’s why choosing a non-slip floor surface is a wise interior design decision. Fortunately, there are multiple options for consumers who want to avoid slipping on floors going forward.

Vinyl, cork, and rubber all have their advantages as flooring options, with vinyl being perhaps the most durable. It’s also water resistant and allows for excellent traction. Cork, while quite soft and having a natural cushioning effect, is good for those who don’t want to strain their joints. Cork prevents slips by providing a high degree of grip. Rubber is the covering of choice for though who want a lot of shock absorption and slip resistance at the same time. In kitchens, bathrooms, and anyplace where moisture can build up, rubber is an ideal choice. Always strive to adhere loose rugs to floors. The same goes for mats, which can be a major source of trips and falls. Minimizing the amount of clutter on floors is another way to make rooms safer.

Low Shelves

Interior design plans that incorporate low shelving are ideal for owners who want more accessibility. High shelves might look nice, but they can be a pain for anyone with limited mobility or balance. Consider putting frequently used items on low shelves until you have time to redesign your home’s shelving arrangement. Also, explore pull-out drawers and shelves in bathrooms and kitchens. They allow seniors to gain easy access to the contents of cabinets without having to reach far into the back of a cupboard or bend over to retrieve items from storage areas.