Provide a handicap accessible home when physical needs change

Making small changes can mean the differance between frustration and independance

Because mobility and independence have a major impact on our quality of life, it is important to move quickly to implement ways and means of helping our loved ones move around and help themselves as soon as possible after they become disabled or handicapped.

Many handicap accessible changes can be accomplished immediately

Small changes can be implemented without any cost or inconvenience. The most immediate change would be to clear the paths and walkways. Whether it is crutches, walker or wheelchair being used, be sure the pathways are wide enough and cleared of obstructions. Safety and ease of movement are your first consideration at this time. Prevent tripping and falling by keeping an eye out for loose rugs, sharp corners or furniture legs that may extend into the walkway and making sure children do not drop items into the walkways.

Helping a loved one conduct her daily activities in a way that reinforces her feelings of independence is also of first priority in making a home handicap accessible. Rearrange the dishes and coffee cups, along with the sugar and other often used items to lower draws and cupboards within reach. Place often used items on lower shelves or the door of the refrigerator for easy access. Go through each room in the house and rearrange all the necessary items for ease of access.

Handrails add safety and reassurance and help make your home handicap accessible Adding handrails to the home offers support and extra security to the elderly and disabled. The height of the handrails could vary according to the needs of the person. Wheelchair users could use a rail height of 27-29" high. Children need lower handrails of about 24". Most building codes specify heights of 34-38" on at least one side of every stairway.

Whatever height you need the diameter should be from 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Choose a size that is easy to grab and be sure it is smooth and well finished. Be sure the railing is securely attached and can be used with confidence.

Below is a listing of changes to make daily life easier and handicap accessible

The kitchen as the heart of the home is often the main gathering place for the family. Making changes to make the kitchen handicap accessible will aid not only the disabled, but also make the kitchen safer and easier to use for the entire family.

Since much of the work in the kitchen is done standing, choose cushioned flooring material such as cork or vinyl that will minimize leg fatigue for the elderly or people with leg or lower back pain. Choosing neutral colors with a glare-free finish will help reduce eyestrain. A non-slip finish will help those using crutches, a walker or wheelchair.

Under cabinet lighting will make life easier for the cook with limited vision. Adding contrasting borders around the edge of a room can also aid the vision impaired mark boundaries. The same technique could be used to mark the edges of counters and islands.

Install a scald-guard valve on your kitchen faucet to protect the young and the elderly from sudden changes in water temperature. If limited hand or wrist strength is an issue, use single lever style faucets that are smooth and easy to adjust. A hot water dispenser installed at the sink will make it easy to prepare coffee, tea, or soup without having to turn on the stove.

Create a continuous work surface between the sink and the stove to that people with limited strength can slide heavy pots instead of lifting them. Choose a cook top with front mounted controls for easy access for wheelchair uses. Fold away doors under the sink and stove counter provide roll under access for wheelchair users. A tilted mirror installed over the stove makes it easier for wheel chair users to see into the pots as they are cooking.

Kitchen items to make life easier and handicap accessible include plate guards, scooper plates, scooper bowls, adaptive utensils, arthritic utensils, jar openers, no spill cups, and ergonomic knives. Utensils with large handles, angled handles or added weight make dining easier. Jar openers, bottle opener, bag openers, box openers; any of these helpful aids would be of use to a person with limited strength and ability.

Check out the book below for more ideas

For more hints, ideas and projects you can use to make your home handicap accessible, look at the book below available through Amazon.com. You will find ways to update your home for changing physical needs that will benefit all family members.

Check this link for information on how to make bedrooms, bathrooms and the outdoor areas safer and handicap accessible

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