J.P. Gallagher Construction Inc.

A Guide to Home Accessibility Modifications

kitchen countertop design

If you have an elderly or physically disabled family member, we suggest that you do consider home improvement tips in Coeur d’Alene  to create a more accessible space for your family as well as provide safety. Doing this intervention will not only allow the family member with specific needs to have more privacy but also restore the social meanings of your homes and save more in long-term paid residential care services.

How to Modify Your Home for Family Members with Physical Disabilities

People with limited mobility find it more difficult to go about their daily lives than those who can move freely. So to make it easier for them to move around the house without  being assisted, here are some home remodeling ideas to equip them. 

  • Stairlifts or Ramps

Some porches have stairs leading to the front door , and this can be a problem for people with bad knees or in wheelchairs. But with ramps, it’ll be easier for them to get in and out of the house anytime. On the other hand, automatic stairlifts can make it easier for them to get to the house’s upper level without using the stairs.

  • Widening Doorways

A standard doorway is usually too narrow for an electric or normal wheelchair to get through. By widening your doorways, you’ll allow mobility aid users to steer from room to room without help.

  • Brighter Lighting

You can increase visibility for the elderly members of your family through brighter lighting. It will also help them to  locate objects better or read appliances and prints. Brighter lighting will also improve  visibility at night, which can lessen possible fall risks for seniors.

  • Stair Railings

People with mobility disabilities have difficulty  balancing and are at  high risk of falling. Having sturdy stair railings at home can assist them to walk and navigate up and down the stairs safely.

  • Roll-under Sinks

– Roll-under sinks are among the home improvement ideas in Coeur d’Alene that feature a compartment beneath to allow more legroom for wheelchair users.  They will no longer need to get out of their chairs to access sinks, vanities, and counter spaces around their home.

  • Shower Seats

Shower seats for elders, those  with knee problems and those who are unable to stand will make it easier and safer for them when taking a bath. You can either purchase a removable freestanding shower seat, or you can hire a contractor to create a built-in shower seat.

  • Non-slip Surfaces and Materials

Many people, disabled or not, slip in the bathroom and break their  hips or ankles. As a solution, you can either install non-slip mats, tapes, and such or you can hire a professional to remodel your bathroom.

  • Adjustable Beds

Senior citizens and loved ones with mobility issues may find it useful to have an adjustable bed. For those who require special equipment at night, being able to raise or lower the bed can make getting in and out of it easier. It also promotes better ergonomic sleeping patterns.

  • Lowered Countertops and Cabinets

Lower kitchen cupboards and countertops may allow people with limited mobility to access food, dishes, and other kitchen necessities.. This will allow them to eat and cook independently.

  • Take Out Any Obstruction-Causing Furniture

Moving around  places with mobility aids like a wheelchair or walker can be difficult , especially in crowded or blocked walkways. A living room that is safely accessible must have unobstructed passageways and uncluttered furniture.

What to Do?

Implementing some of the aforementioned  home improvement ideas in your home in Coeur d’Alene will bring a huge relief to loved ones with limited mobility. If you’re planning to remodel your home, hire a professional who’s fully licensed, skilled, and insured like us in Gallagher Construction.

Give us a call today so we can make plans for your home remodeling project and set an estimate!

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