Some people are born with a disability, others develop it naturally throughout their life, while some become disabled after a traumatic incident. Whatever the reason it can make a variety of everyday tasks challenging. That includes simple things like getting around your own home.
If you are suffering from a disability then you should note you’re not alone. There are approximately 4.4 million Australians with some form of disability. The good news is that you can adjust your home to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their disability.
You should note that it’s also possible to get a house specially designed for people with disabilities. All you have to do is check out what NDIS property investment has to offer.
Add Ramps
The first step is to look at the entry to your home. You’ll want to eliminate any steps and change them for ramps. This is much easier for anyone in a wheelchair and people with other mobility issues. Make sure there is a guard rail, it offers support and can be used as guidance by anyone with sight issues.
Make Your Home A Smart Home
You probably have an internet connection and a wi-fi network inside your home. This means you can connect any smart appliances you have to your network. That includes lights, the heating, the doorbell, and even the cooker.
You can download an app to your phone and visitors can do the same, allowing any disabled person to control almost everything in the house from their phone. That makes life a lot simpler.
Electronic Doors
This is something that most people associate with shops. But, it is feasible to add electronic doors to any room in your house. In fact, it’s much easier than you think as it simply requires an electronic lock and a sensor.
This allows people to move around the house without having to reach for door handles and risk overbalancing.
Widen Doorways
While looking at fitting electronic doors you should consider widening all your doorways. This will make it much easier for people in wheelchairs and with walkers to get through without bashing the house or their fingers.
In most cases, this is surprisingly easy to do.
Add Grab Rails
Anyone can slip and this is particularly worrying if your sight is failing or you have mobility issues. By placing grab rails in strategic positions throughout the property you will increase safety for everyone in the house.
Consider A Lower Countertop
If you’re in a wheelchair you’ll struggle to reach the standard kitchen counters or any cupboard above them. You should create one section of the counter that is dedicated to being lower than the others, allowing a wheelchair user to prepare dishes and make drinks safely.
Change The Shower
You can get walk-in showers and baths. These eliminate the need to step up and in, reducing the likelihood of injuring yourself. They are often incorporated into wet rooms but you can simply fit the walk-in shower or bath if you prefer.
Alongside this, think about the specific disability people you know have and make sure you’re catering for it