Few things symbolize independence quite like owning and managing your own house. Owning or renting a property implies that you are capable of looking for yourself and are free to live your life as you choose — but this isn’t true for every homeowner or renter.
Many residences are not intended to be accessible or accommodating, thus people with disabilities or the elderly may not feel autonomous or even happy in their homes. Modifying or remodelling a home, on the other hand, isn’t always simple. When you’re making a property more accessible rather than just making cosmetic modifications, the procedure might get more difficult.
Fortunately, this guide on home remodelling for people with disabilities and older folks will teach you all you need to know about making your house, or the home of a loved one, more accessible.
Ramps
A properly built ramp is required for someone in a wheelchair to enter a structure. A ramp can be used to replace stairs or to create an accessible path to a building’s entrance. The quickest path from a disabled parking place to an accessible entrance is known as an accessible route.
Wood and concrete are the two most popular materials for ramp building. Wood is easier to work with than metal, is less costly, and may last for years. All ramps and landings should have a non skid surface and be designed to keep water out. The surface of concrete ramps must be textured to do this.
Kitchen
Cabinets and countertops: Adding lazy-susans, pull-out trays, storage shelves, and pot racks; U-shaped handles for simple usage to prevent grabbing a knob. For easy access and optimum leg room around the disposal, the sink’s drain should be at the rear.
It is also critical to have a functional food preparation space. Remove extra cabinet doors and other elements of the base cabinets to provide the individual a front approach to a counter and a work space
Bathrooms
Two issues plague both home and business restrooms: small doors and a lack of grab bars. The walls in the tub area, as well as the walls behind and next to the toilet, should have extra blocking if the house is relatively new or the geographic region employs accessible housing requirements. Blocking is a type of structural reinforcement that allows a grab bar to be firmly connected to a wall.
Mirrors and Storage
Small mirrors and/or high medicine cabinets might also be an issue. If you can’t reach the medicine cabinet, a shelf in the base cabinets or objects on the counter might help. The medicine cabinet mirror may be removed and lowered, or a wall mirror can be utilized. It can be put at an angle if it can’t be lowered.
Empowered Liveability caters to complete specialist disability accommodation in Melbourne and provides the best living solution for special tenants with provision, property management and other services. To get to know more about us, please contact us at admin@empoweredliveability.com.au or call now at 1300-974-912.
