Living with a disability can mean facing challenges that many others won’t have to deal with.
It can make it tougher – or even impossible – to do even simple, everyday activities that we often take for granted. But there are many things you can do to make it easier for you or a loved one to overcome those challenges – such as alterations and adaptations to your home.
Now, this doesn’t always have to end up being a major, expensive renovation project. All it can need to make a lasting difference are a few minor tweaks and improvements here and there. It doesn’t have to cost you the earth either. While you can get financial support from your council to make changes to your home, some adaptations might be more affordable than you thought.
Rails and ramps
A grab rail, bannister or outdoor ramp can be so crucial to help you get in, out and around your home easily and safely.
If you’re living with a disability that restricts your ability to move, these aids can be used for different reasons – from creating an easy route up the garden path door to getting in and out of the shower.
Widen door frames
Do you use a wheelchair or a walking frame? If your home has narrow doorways, just the mere idea of going from one room to another can be a logistical nightmare. This can be so frustrating and upsetting to say the least. You can, however, widen your door frames to give you plenty of room to pass through your home without any restrictions.
Building or extending the garage
When thinking about the changes you need to make to your home, it can be easy to forget that you also want to get out and about. You may already have a specially adapted car designed for drivers with a disability. But you need to keep it somewhere safe. So, why not consider building or extending a garage? This can be a great way of providing safer access into your home too.
Smart devices
It feels like smart devices and voice-controlled assistants are everywhere these days. But these tech innovations can be superb around the home for people who live with a disability.
No longer do you have to stretch and strain to operate appliances when it can all be done with your voice. Just asking for the weather or streaming music is the tip of the iceberg as to what’s possible.
Lower counters
It’s vital that you don’t overlook the importance of the surfaces you use every day for whatever reason. Life with a disability can make it much harder to reach across or up to any surface. One thing you can do, however, is lower your countertops and reduce the height of certain areas. It can do a lot to help you to complete essential daily activities – such as prepping food.
Stairlifts
If your home has stairs that become much harder to negotiate due to the impact of a disability, a stairlift can be such an effective solution. No-one should ever feel as if a part of their home is off-limits.
And that’s what a stairlift can help to avoid – ensuring the seemingly straightforward act of going upstairs isn’t a challenge that you can’t overcome.