Put yourself first with these straightforward disability home adaptations

Updated on November 25, 2020

Life can change in a heartbeat. What started out as a regular day could be turned upside down in an instant and things may never be the same again. So, if you’re someone who is now left picking up the pieces after an accident or a sudden illness, then you may be wondering where to begin. 

Having a strong circle of family and friends is key during this difficult time, especially if your accident or injury could have been avoided and you’re mentally struggling with the injustice of what occurred. Your health should always come first, and then you should be looking at your finances – speak with a Pittsburgh SSD lawyer as soon as possible if you’ve had your SSD denied and want more information. Another aspect you need to consider is how you’re going to access your home and still maintain a high quality of life. 

You may need to make some simple adjustments so you can go about your day and go back to enjoying what you love. Here we’ll explore how you can put yourself first with these straightforward, disability home adaptions. 

Main access

Whether you’re in a wheelchair, or you now have mobility issues to consider, gaining access to your property should be your first consideration. If access to your front door has a set of stairs, then installing a ramp or a state-of-the-art platform lift, will make things much easier. Grab rails can also be helpful if you need to step over the door frame and you’re worried about falling or tripping. Your front door should be kept clear of debris and clutter and always be well lit. Automatic lighting options are probably the most practical solution. 

The doorframes

Again, if you’re using a wheelchair to get around or a walker, then you’ll need to be able to move from room to room effortlessly. Widening the doorframes in your home will give you access and independence and allow you to continue about your day without too much hassle.

Lowering your worktops 

Being able to cook and clean like anyone else means you can retain your independence and do the things you love! So, having your kitchen counters lowered so that you have easy access means you don’t have to rely on grabbers or other people to help you in the kitchen. Moving shelving units to lower levels and some simple aesthetic changes will make all the difference.

Your bathroom

Using the bathroom and being able to wash and look after yourself is imperative and when it comes to independence and quality of life, so adjusting your bathroom to suit your needs should be a priority. Safety features are key in an adjusted bathroom so expect plenty of handrails, assistance poles and non-slip flooring solutions. Level access showers mean you can simply enter the bathroom space without assistance, bath lifts are another popular option. And again, lowering sinks and mirrors makes all those other personal jobs a little easier.

And finally, a stairlift

Being able to access all the areas of your home is crucial for your independence and your well-being. So having a stairlift installed that is user-friendly and reliable will ensure your quality of life and your freedom are maintained.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.