If you have limited mobility or you live with someone who does you may be interested to know that you can make your home safer so there are fewer trip hazards and falls are avoided.
Many people assume that someone with mobility issues needs to install a walk in shower and use grab rails to help them stand up, but there is a lot more to it than that. The bathroom is not the only place in the home that needs a bit of adjusting, every other room in the home does too.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can make your home safer:
The Entrance to your Home
Keep the entrance to your home well lit and free of anything that could be tripped over or slipped on. If there are some steps up to the front or back door please get some handrails added on both sides of the steps. The handrails can help to keep you upright and steady.
Some people like to paint the steps to their front door white so they are easier to see. This will prove particularly helpful if the individual with limited mobility also has sight issues.
The Stairs
If there are some stairs in your home, chances are they are going to be quite a barrier to getting around the home. If there is still some mobility, it may be worth your while having handrails installed on both sides of the stairs. This can help people to keep their balance and feel more confident.
If there are a lot of stairs and there’s enough room for a chair in between staircases, why not add one? You may need to make sure that you can get out of the chair easily, so add a few grab rails so it’s easier to stand and get your balance.
Stairlifts
If mobility is quite limited, you may want to think about investing in a stairlift as they can prove to be something of a lifesaver. Stairlifts can usually be purchased or rented, and they are usually fairly easy to use, no matter how many stairs you have, and whether they go straight up or around a corner.
The Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most important places in the home when it comes to safety. Add that walk in shower, install handrails and non-slip mats. Shower seats are also ideal if you are no longer able to get into the bath. Seats can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, meaning they can be as comfortable as you need them to be.
You may also want to think about putting grab rails around the lavatory, making it easier to get down and back up again.
The Living Room
When it comes to making the living room safer, you may want to remove any trip hazards such as carpets and rugs as well as furniture. Install handrails close to chairs that tend to be sat in, and a panic alarm in case of a fall.
As you can see, there are some great ways to keep someone safe in their home. A lack of mobility does not mean you cannot stay in your home and enjoy living there for many years to come.