If there is ever a time of year to open your home and say, all are welcome, it's the holidays. Sadly, for those needing handicap accessibility, the holidays can be a very difficult time. Many will decline invites to avoid the the embarrassment and trouble to the host. Which, is crap! If you have a relative that uses a wheelchair or close family member Here are a few ways you can Make Your Home Handicap Accessible For The Holidays.
Car parking
We all know how frustrating it can be if you can’t park outside your own home! Frustrating as it may be, for someone who needs more room to park and get out of their vehicle as well as being able to get inside quickly and safely it can be disheartening and even dangerous.
One way to combat those ignorant or sometimes just forgetful drivers is to invest in a disabled parking space signs. By placing these in front of your home, you’re giving other motorists the information they need to make the right parking decision. Companies like smart sign can give you a little inspiration and a few ideas.
Remove obstructions
Thoroughly check each room in your home. What are the access obstructions and where are the potential hazards? Rugs or loose carpets should be taken away. Make sure that all floor tiles, lino and carpets are securely fastened and that there are no loose or rough edges. Rearrange furniture to make access through a room easier. Remove and store any furniture that is not needed. Clutter is not access friendly.
Make small changes and improvements
Making some little changes can go a long way towards improving quality of life for a disabled person. Braille signage on cupboard doors could be a huge help. Portable wheelchair ramps can be used at home as a temporary solution or when modifications are not possible – however, you probably don’t want to be forever picking it up and putting it back, so it’s best to look for a ramp that can be left in place and that won’t prevent the door from opening and closing. Well organized cupboards and drawers make cooking, cleaning and relaxing much more enjoyable!
Introduce modifications
There are a number of modifications that can be made to a home but before you start, consider whom you are making them for. With the person in mind, introduce suitable equipment and aids. Disability-friendly items that can be brought into a home are:
- Handrails and / or grab rails
- Ramps
- Automatic doors and entry systems
- Wheelchair friendly flooring
Undertake renovations
To make a home fully accessible you may need to undertake some renovations. Hallways in many houses are not wide enough for wheelchair users to pass through. The bathroom and / or kitchen may need to be improved or completely changed. These are large-scale jobs and you will need to plan for any temporary disruption and consider how it will be managed.
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