Safety and security should be a top priority for every homeowner — especially in homes with older adults or residents with mobility issues. One area that often gets overlooked is accessibility. Can all the occupants move throughout the home without obstacles or hazards? Are the functions of the home available and reachable for everyone who lives there?
Thankfully, there are many cutting-edge home mobility solutions that can greatly enhance safety in your home, particularly for those with physical limitations. The following tips and guidelines can help any homeowner make their dwelling place a safer, more comfortable, and even more enjoyable place to live.
What Are Home Mobility Solutions?
Home mobility solutions refer to products designed to improve mobility and accessibility within a residence. These solutions help people move around the house effortlessly and safely, reducing the risk of accidents due to falls, trips, or slips.
Stairlifts, for instance, are designed to help people who have difficulty navigating stairs. They consist of a motorized chair attached to a rail track that can transport an individual up and down the stairs with ease. Wheelchair lifts, on the other hand, are ideal for wheelchair users. They facilitate easy movement between different floor levels in a home.
The Benefits of Home Mobility Solutions
Home mobility solutions can provide a number of benefits for people with limited mobility, including:
Increased Independence
Home mobility solutions help people with limited mobility to get around their homes more easily and independently. This is especially important for seniors who may no longer be able to climb stairs or walk long distances.
Improved Safety
Accessibility modifications reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. For example, a grab bar in the bathroom can help someone who is getting out of the bathtub to do so safely.
Enhanced Quality of Life
These types of home improvements help people with limited mobility participate more fully in activities they enjoy, such as cooking, cleaning, and spending time with family and friends.
Reduced Caregiver Burden
The right home mobility solutions reduce the burden on caregivers. A good example is a power wheelchair that allows a person with limited mobility to get around their home without assistance.
Increased Peace of Mind
The proper modifications can give homeowners peace of mind knowing that their older family members can age in place and remain in their homes longer.
Types of Home Mobility Solutions
Homeowners can find a very long list of different types of home mobility solutions for every area of the home. Some of the more popular examples include:
Walkers
Walkers are a great way to provide support and stability for people who have difficulty walking. They come in a variety of styles, including rollators, quad walkers, and folding walkers.
Ramps
Ramps provide access to areas that are not wheelchair accessible, such as steps or doorways. Different types of ramps are available depending on your individual needs, such as portable ramps, folding ramps, and permanent ramps.
Bathroom Modifications
Bathroom modifications make it easier for people with limited mobility to bathe and use the toilet. Some common modifications include brighter lighting, raising the toilet seat, or installing a walk-in shower.
Widening Doorways and Hallways
While on the most costly side of modifications, widening pathways throughout the home make it easier — and safe — for people in wheelchairs or walkers to move from room to room.
Lowering Counters and Appliances
Right-sized counters and fixtures make it easier for people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty reaching high objects to cook, eat, and do other tasks.
Installing Grab Bars
Grab bars are becoming standard fixtures for homes where stability is crucial for personal safety. They can be helpful in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas where people may need extra support.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Non-slip mats, adhesives, and flooring can go a long way in preventing falls in wet areas such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Light Switches and Doorknobs
Depending on your accessibility needs, you can install mobility-minded light switches and door handles to make it easier for people with limited hand strength or dexterity to operate them.
Doorbell with Visual and Auditory Alerts
These help people who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when someone is at the door.
These are just a few examples of home modifications that can be made to improve accessibility. The best modifications for a particular home will depend on the individual needs of the people who live there.
How to Choose the Right Home Mobility Solution for Your House
Most homeowners may be unable to afford to make all the possible home mobility solutions available to them. Unless you have an unlimited budget, it’s important to assess the specific needs of each resident in the home, the layout of your house, and your family’s priorities.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding which home mobility solutions you should add to your home:
Your Individual Needs and Abilities
The most important factor to consider is your own individual needs and abilities. What are your specific challenges with mobility? What areas of your home are most difficult for you to navigate?
The Needs of People Living in Your Home
If you have other people living in your home, you will also need to consider their needs. For example, if you have young children, you may want to make modifications that make it easier for them to get around the home safely.
The Layout of Your Home
The layout of your home will also play a role in determining which modifications are the most feasible. For example, if you have a small home with narrow doorways, you may not be able to make some modifications, such as widening doorways.
Your Budget
Home mobility modifications can be expensive, so you will need to factor in all possible expenses when making decisions. There are some government and private programs that can help you pay for home modifications, so be sure to do your research.
The Long-Term Impact of the Modifications
When making decisions about home mobility modifications, consider the long-term impact of the modifications. If you’re planning to make modifications that will make your home more accessible for people with disabilities, you will need to make sure that the modifications are durable and can withstand wear and tear.
Find Help at Omicelo Health
If you have any questions about home mobility solutions — including how to choose them, shop for them, or finance them — contact the experts at Omicelo Health. We specialize in helping homeowners make smart modifications to their homes to ensure the health and safety of their families.
Remember that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable home. By incorporating these mobility enhancements into your home, you’re providing a space where everyone can move freely without worry or fear of potential accidents.
