Living with a disability shouldn’t prevent someone from taking full advantage of their home. People with disabilities can maintain their independence and move about their homes conveniently and comfortably by making their environment handicap accessible. Making your home accessible is a wise investment, whether you’re living with old parents, a caregiver, or a disabled person yourself.
Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all homes be accessible to people with disabilities, every household must comply with this law. Tucson is not an outlier, with a percentage of 15.0% of people living with disabilities, even though 12.5% of US citizens live with disabilities nationwide. No matter their physical or mental limitations, everyone can safely and comfortably access all areas of their home by making it handicap accessible.
Tucson’s median home value has grown by 0.7% in the last 12 months, averaging $318,279. In addition, homes in this area frequently sell within nine days of being listed. As a result, making your Tucson home more accessible is a wise investment that could raise the property’s value.
Here are some suggestions to make your home more handicap accessible.
Make the space wheelchair-friendly
When making a home handicap accessible, wheelchair accessibility is a crucial factor to consider. Here are some pointers to increase wheelchair user accessibility:
- Bathrooms with access: Install grab bars, lower sinks, and roll-in showers with fold-down seats to make bathrooms wheelchair-friendly. To avoid accidents, use non-slip flooring materials. A barrier-free shower does not require a lip, making it simple for wheelchairs to enter. Choosing a low-threshold shower will significantly lower the risk of falling. No more bending over to climb a tub wall. Walk-in showers with zero thresholds offer seamless wheelchair access. You can, without a doubt, contact Home Concepts Custom Remodeling for your home improvement needs if you’re looking for the best Tucson walk-in showers. They provide high-quality, ADA-compliant walk-in showers that are tastefully created to match the interior of your home.
- Widening hallways and doors: Ensure that hallways and doors are large enough to fit wheelchairs. For doorways, set a minimum width of 36 inches and a minimum width of 42 inches for hallways.
- Ramps and lifts: To remove obstacles brought on by steps or uneven surfaces, install ramps or wheelchair lifts at entrance points. Think about both indoor and outdoor spaces where difficult elevation changes may occur.
- Kitchen modifications: For wheelchair users, install lower countertops and create space for the chair to slide under sinks and stovetops. Install pull-out shelves and drawers for simple access to kitchen appliances and utensils.
Increase safety and mobility
For people with disabilities, improving mobility and safety inside the home is crucial. The following advice can help you create a safer environment:
- Install strong handrails along stairways and grab bars in bathrooms and other places where support is required. To ensure stability, make sure they are mounted firmly.
- Pick slip-resistant flooring materials to lower the risk of falls. Wheelchair movement can also be made easier by level, slick transitions between various flooring types.
- Good lighting is crucial for people with vision impairments. Utilize contrasting colors and bright, uniform lighting throughout the house for improved visibility of doorways, switches, and other crucial components.
- Take out any obstructions to the path of travel, such as loose rugs, cords, or furniture. Keep the living area neatly organized and clutter-free.
Use home automation technology
Thanks to developments in smart home technology, numerous options are now available to improve accessibility and convenience for people with disabilities. Think about incorporating these technologies:
- Voice control systems: Voice-activated gadgets and smart assistants let people with limited mobility use voice commands to operate various home features like lights, appliances, and security systems.
- Home automation: Automated systems make it simple for people with limited physical abilities to operate door locks, window coverings, and temperature controls.
- Add assistive devices: Use devices, such as smartwatches or smartphone apps, to remotely control lighting, climate control, and security systems in the home.
Modify fixtures and furniture
You can significantly increase accessibility and comfort in your home by changing the furniture and fixtures. Think about the following ideas:
- Furniture with adjustable height features, such as tables and desks, should be purchased to accommodate people with different mobility requirements.
- Lift chairs and recliners give people with limited mobility extra support and make it easier to move around, enabling them to sit and stand with little effort.
- Check that the bed’s height makes it easy for people to shift on and off the bed. And to find a comfortable position, adjustable mattresses and bed rails can both be installed.
- D-shaped levers are more user-friendly than round doorknobs because they are easier to grasp and turn. Consider fitting D-shaped handles on cabinets and drawers for simple opening and closing.
Increase outdoor accessibility
Don’t undervalue the significance of designing a handicap-accessible outdoor area. Here are some suggestions to improve accessibility outside:
- Accessible Entrances: To remove obstacles caused by stairs, install ramps or lifts at the entrance. Make sure the entrance-facing pathways are wide, level, and slip-resistant.
- Outdoor living spaces: Create outdoor seating areas with wider walkways and level surfaces to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to maneuver. Include ramps or elevators to access raised garden beds or different levels.
- Lighting and landscaping: Adequate outdoor lighting is crucial for visibility and safety. To illuminate pathways and remove potential hazards, use landscape lighting. Maintaining the landscaping will help to ensure easy movement.
Consult a professional
Even though many changes can be made without professional assistance, doing so can offer valuable expertise and guidance. Occupational therapists, architects, and builders with experience in accessibility modifications can evaluate your home and recommend the best modifications in light of your unique needs and regional building regulations.
Conclusion
Making a home more accessible for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers is a kind and empowering endeavor. You can improve accessibility, comfort, and safety in your home by putting the advice in this blog post into practice. Don’t forget to evaluate your unique needs. With some planning and appropriate modifications, you can make your home a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
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