How can I make my home accessible?
To help homeowners make their home handicap accessible, we asked interior designers and senior care providers this question for their best tips. From using lever door handles to planning on a single story home, there are several strategies that may help you create a handicap accessible home.
Here are seven ways to make a handicap accessible home:
- Plan on a Single Story Home
- Choose Ergonomic Furniture
- Keep the Floors Clear
- Add Grab Bars to Stay Steady
- Use Lever Door Handles
- Create Ramp Access
- Invest in Smart Technology
Plan on a Single Story Home
When designing a home for accessibility, I keep a few things in mind to design a beautiful home that improves my client’s quality of life. Open, spacious interior design is key. It’s also important to eliminate any unnecessary obstacles in favor of wide-open spaces. I select furniture, decor, and appliances that are low enough to the ground for easier access. These features are not only excellent choices for clients with limited mobility, but they make for gorgeous interiors!
Alisha Taylor, Alisha Taylor Interiors
Choose Ergonomic Furniture
Without a doubt, a well-designed chair can make all the difference in your home. Our chair is built to make working from home more pleasant as it is composed of high technological components that make the job easier to get done. At the same time, this chair makes a home much more accessible as it can be used by anyone and everyone.
Bing Howenstein, ALL33
Keep the Floors Clear
One of the best ways to make your home more accessible is to add a ramp to your entrance and exit ways to make it more easily wheelchair accessible. Aside from this, it’s important to clear the floor of debris, dog toys, children’s toys, power cords and more to make it easier to navigate for wheelchair bound friends and family. Ergonomic chairs, pillows, and furniture are also a great way to improve the comfort of your home.
Darryl Higgins, Athlete Desk
Add Grab Bars to Stay Steady
While making a home accessible can seem difficult, it ultimately comes down to a few simple principles. My biggest suggestion is to think of grab bars wherever lifting off a wheelchair or letting go of a cane is required, primarily around toilets, sinks, and showers. This will ensure you are always able to hold yourself steady while completing tasks that are meaningful and important for your self-care.
Pricelda Cid, ErgoTherapy
Use Lever Door Handles
Replace the doorknobs in your home with lever-style handles. The ADA approves these because they’re easy to operate, even if you don’t have full use of your hands. People with arthritis, in a wheelchair, or who have general mobility issues will retain their independence to move about the home. Lever door handles can also add a feeling of elegance to your home.
Andra DelMonico, Trendey
Create Ramp Access
Stairs are a hazard for many with disabilities. Consider investing in portable ramps for those who rely on a wheelchair and scooter. A portable ramp easily folds away and can be used when on the go. Install a stairlift, they come in a variety of styles to easily modify your home. Outdoor
stairlifts are available too and are made to withstand the weather elements.
Meg Marrs, Safer Senior Care
Invest in Smart Technology
There are a host of smart home devices that can make life easier for those with disabilities. Smart devices are typically voice-controlled, through Alexa or Siri, which is a major benefit for those with mobility challenges. Smart lighting, particularly on occupancy sensors are important to avoid accidents when navigating the hallways at night.
Daniel Walsh, Smart Home Perfected
