In recent years, people have grown progressively more sensitive to the plight of people with disabilities. Aside from offering care and support, there is nothing a disabled person appreciates more than having the opportunity to be as independent as possible within his or her own home. And, with 1 in 5 families already having at least one person that suffers from a long-term disability, seniors included, taking the right measures at the right time can dramatically improve the level of comfort for everyone involved. As someone who has already gone through this situation, I can give you a few tips that will help increase the living standards of those afflicted with disabilities, without sacrificing style or making things more awkward for any able-bodied person living in the same house:
1. De-clutter
Due to wheelchair size and other factors, disabled people often require a sizable amount of room in order to operate comfortably. One of the easiest things that you can do lies in analyzing your home and seeking ways in which to de-clutter as much as possible. Take out extra furniture, fold things that you don't use and generally keep everything tidy in and around the most heavily trafficked areas in the house.
2. Widen doorways
Facilitating movement sometimes requires more than just de-cluttering the house. Australian doors normally come with a standard 820mm width, which is not the optimal size for wheelchairs. Try to widen them by at least one and a half feet and consider removing doors altogether wherever a simple open path might be a better option.
3. Handrails and handles
Anybody who is forced to use a wheelchair will obviously have to rely a lot on their hands to get around. Thus, handrails can provide much needed support along ramps and pathways, while handles can be either wall-mounted or inserted directly into the furniture at key spots. A good example of the latter would be a smart insertion into the counters located in the kitchen area, which will then allow disabled persons the freedom to reorient themselves on the fly and access everything they need.
4. Showering amenities
As age takes its toll on joint flexibility and reaction speed, shower accidents tend to become a common and often painful occurrence. An ideal solution would lie in inserting a bariatric shower chair that will permit the person inside to be comfortably seated without compromising their ability to wash themselves adequately. As an added bonus, transforming your shower into a walk-in cabin makes it more accessible by eliminating unnecessary barriers.
5. Adaptable beds
Sleep is essential both for recuperation purposes and for providing a decent level of comfort to any person, disabled or not. But people with disabilities tend to have more specific needs that cannot be fulfilled by an ordinary bed. From beds with adjustable heights to dynamic mattresses and even fully functional home care systems, Acute Healthcare can provide everything you'll need for a comfortable rest with all the amenities of professional care.
6. Customized furniture
Being independent means having access to the same kinds of options as an able-bodied person. That's why adapting your furniture is a must if you want to make your home disabled-friendly. Simply installing low counters, storage cabinets and tables can make a real difference in the life of a disabled person. Additionally, it's a good idea to carve some slip-in space in important spots such as in front of the stove, allowing disabled people to cook for themselves.
7. Friendly floor finishes
An oft-overlooked aspect lies in providing the disabled person with a floor that won't work against them. Carpets, for example, make it hard for wheelchair-bound people to get around, whereas ceramic tiles and sheet materials harbor no such issues and can also be easily cleaned and replaced if necessary. For best results opt for non-slip surfaces that are as visually appealing as they are safe.
As you can see, the things required for someone with a long-term disability to live comfortably aren't necessarily expensive or difficult to install. And, once implemented, they will continue to provide support in the years to come, thus raising the value of your home and giving your family a safety net for the future.
0 Response to "Home Redecoration Tips for the Disabled"
Post a Comment