“I have lived in this house for the past 30 years and I have no intention of moving. It’s a fine home!” Many of us have heard these words uttered by our own parents, elderly friends and acquaintances, and perhaps our spouses. Or maybe we have already said these words to ourselves. But let’s be real. We all may experience at least some physical limitations as time marches on. Whether they are temporary or permanent, those limitations can have serious effects on our ability to live comfortably in a safe environment.
Here is some information on home modifications that may be helpful in adjusting, tuning up, or adapting living spaces to meet the needs of people with physical limitations. Changes can range from something as simple as replacing cabinet door knobs with pull handles to full scale construction projects that require installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways. And why not do it now before a problem occurs?
Common home modifications:
- Levered doorknobs
- Grab bars in the bathroom
- Levered faucets in the kitchen sink
- Handrails on both sides of stairwells and on front and rear steps
- Grab bars in showers
- Removal of any door threshold
- Movable shower heads for those who must sit
- Portable shower seats
- A bathroom with a bath/shower on the first floor
- A bedroom on the first floor
- Widened doors to accommodate wheelchairs
- Ramps for those using walkers or wheelchairs
There are many services available that specialize in making a home more livable. Sure, there’s a cost, but it may be a bargain when compared to the cost of having to move. The goal is to allow that person who says, “I’m not moving!” to continue to live independently and safely in his or her home.
The following information by Palma DiFranco, a home safety specialist, will give you some ideas on a few of the more extensive modifications that can be used to make life at home safe and possible.
Stair Lift
If you feel unsafe on your staircase, have stumbled or fallen, cannot use the stairs due to an injury, or otherwise feel compelled to stay on the first floor of your home for fear of the stairs, you can benefit by installing a stair lift. All it takes are a few hours to restore independent mobility throughout your home by installing new or refurbished indoor and outdoor stair lifts, chair lifts, wheelchair lifts, and ramps. There are also rentals for short-term use. There are also free safety evaluations of your home and free quotes for the purchase and installation of new or refurbished stair and chair lifts.
Wheelchair ramps
A wheelchair ramp gives you more than just a way in and out of your house – it can give you back your independence. If you or a loved one face mobility issues, the installation of a semi-permanent or portable wheelchair ramp can help provide access to previously inaccessible areas inside or outside your home. Ramps and other mobility devices are designed for wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters, and they can be installed in both residential and commercial spaces. Whether you need a ramp installed permanently or temporarily, you’ll find a solution:
- EZ Access aluminum, modular and portable ramps-
- Threshold ramps
- Suitcase ramps to assist with getting up curbs and short steps
- Tri-fold ramps for accessing vans
- Platform lifts or stair lifts for locations where ramps are impractical or unwanted.
Wheelchair lift
A platform that lifts a wheelchair along with its occupant from the ground to another level. These are similar in nature to an elevator. They are mostly used outside to ascend steps leading to a door where a ramp is not feasible. Wheelchair lifts are designed for those confined to their wheelchair. They have a platform where one can safely be lifted to the next floor in their wheelchair.
Installing a wheelchair lift will help you to ascend to upper levels of your home or business safely.
If you or someone you love is temporarily or permanently wheelchair-bound, you should invest in a sturdy and dependable wheelchair lift. Everyone deserves the freedom to easily access his or her home or property independently and without worry, and wheelchair lifts make that possible.
Additional resources
The AARP offers an extensive list of resources, including “Home Modifications for Vision, Strength and Mobility Difficulties: AARP HomeFit Guide,” the “Home Safety Checklist” and more. Go to the AARP homepage (www.AARP.org) and type “home modifications” in the search box.
Palma DiFranco is a home safety specialist at A LITTLE LIFT, a home health care service in northern NJ that specializes in personal mobility. She can be reached at 973-839-0625 or / 862-307-6518.
