6 Quick & Easy Accessible Home Modifications
Creating an accessible environment in your home for guests with physical disabilities and limited mobility can be simpler than you might think.
If making extensive ADA-compliant renovations isn’t something that’s within your means, there are a few straightforward changes that can ensure that your living space is not only welcoming but also more accessible.
Below, we’ll explore easy yet impactful home modifications for the disabled you can make right away—like rearranging furniture and enhancing lighting—that help improve your home’s accessibility. These practical accessibility modifications are designed to help you make your home more inclusive without the need for major construction, enabling guests with limited mobility to better navigate and enjoy your space with ease.
#1 Clear Pathways
Ensuring that your home is easy to navigate is crucial for guests with limited mobility. Start by assessing the layout of your rooms and identifying areas where furniture can be rearranged to create wider walkways. Aim for paths that are at least 36 inches wide to accommodate mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs.
Additionally, look for everyday items that might become obstacles, such as electrical cords, loose rugs, or low-lying furniture. Consider securing cords along baseboards using clips, taping down the edges of rugs, or removing them altogether to minimize tripping hazards. Clearing these pathways not only enhances accessibility but also contributes to the overall safety and comfort of your home.
#2 Optimize Kitchen Storage
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can present challenges for guests with physical disabilities. To make this space more user-friendly, begin by reorganizing your kitchen storage. Move frequently used items like dishes, cooking utensils, and food staples to lower shelves and drawers that are easily accessible without the need to stretch or bend. If you have adjustable cabinetry, consider lowering it to a more convenient height.
Another helpful addition is a sturdy, adjustable stool, which allows guests to sit comfortably while preparing food or engaging in kitchen activities.
Lastly, investing in kitchen tools with easy-grip handles and touch-free appliances, like sensor-activated faucets, can greatly enhance usability and independence in the kitchen. These simple modifications can make a significant difference in making your kitchen a welcoming space for all.
#3 Improve Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for safety and accessibility in any home, especially for guests with physical disabilities or limited mobility. Begin by assessing the lighting in key areas of your home, such as hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. Consider installing motion-activated lights that automatically turn on when someone enters the room, reducing the need to search for switches in the dark.
Additionally, ensure that all areas are evenly lit to prevent shadows or glare that could cause confusion or missteps. For table and floor lamps, add switch extenders or replace traditional switches with larger, toggle-style switches that are easier to operate. These home improvements not only enhance visibility but also foster a safer, more navigable environment for everyone.
#4 Modify Doors
Improving accessibility in doorways is a vital step in creating an inclusive home. Replace round door knobs with lever handles, which are much easier to operate for someone with limited hand strength or dexterity.
For guests who use wheelchairs or walkers, consider installing swing clear hinges on doors. These hinges allow the door to open fully out of the doorway, maximizing the available space and making it easier to maneuver through.
If a door leads to a frequently used area, you might also want to add a small ramp if there’s a step involved, ensuring smooth entry and exit. Simple changes like these can significantly reduce the physical effort required to move around the house, allowing guests to feel more independent and at ease while visiting.
#5 Secure Flooring
The flooring in your home plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and accessibility for guests with physical disabilities or limited mobility.
Start by securing all area rugs firmly to the floor using double-sided tape or a non-slip backing. This prevents the corners from curling up and becoming a tripping hazard.
If installing non-slip flooring is not an option, consider placing non-slip mats in high-traffic areas to provide additional grip and stability, especially in places like the kitchen or bathroom where floors can become slippery when wet.
It’s also beneficial to adopt a clear floor policy, encouraging family members and guests to keep walkways free of clutter and personal items. These simple measures can greatly reduce the risk of falls and make your home safer for everyone.
#5 Upgrade to Smart Devices
Incorporating smart home technology can greatly enhance the independence and comfort of guests with physical disabilities who find it difficult to access light switches or other controls. Smart speakers and voice-activated systems allow individuals to control lights, thermostats, televisions, and other appliances without needing to physically reach for switches or remote controls.
For example, voice commands can easily adjust lighting, change the temperature, or turn on a TV, providing a sense of autonomy and ease. Additionally, consider installing smart doorbells equipped with video displays, which enable guests to see who is at the door and even communicate without moving.
Remote-controlled window treatments, such as blinds or curtains, can also be adjusted via a smartphone app or remote, eliminating the need for reaching or pulling. These smart devices not only offer convenience but also support a safer and more accessible living environment.
#6 Access-ify Bathrooms
Enhancing the accessibility of your bathroom is crucial for ensuring the safety and independence of people with disabilities. Start by installing grab bars around the toilet and within the shower area to provide essential support, aiding balance and preventing falls.
Consider adding non-slip mats inside the shower and on the bathroom floor to further reduce the risk of slips.
For a significant upgrade, replace your current bath or shower with an ADA-compliant shower system. These curbless showers feature built-in seating, and ample space to accommodate wheelchair users if necessary. The durable, easy-to-clean acrylic material allows for quick installation, making it a practical choice for immediate enhancements.
Upgrade to Our Easy-to-Install ADA-Compliant Showers Today
Making your home more accessible doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Simple home and bathroom modifications, like installing grab bars and non-slip mats, can help to make your home more welcoming and accessible.
One of the most transformative updates you can consider is upgrading to ADA-compliant acrylic shower system from American Bath Enterprises, Inc. Our shower systems are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with limited mobility, providing features like low-entry thresholds, built-in seating, and ample space for wheelchair access. These high-quality, easy-to-install units not only ensure compliance with accessibility standards but also offer a sleek and modern look to your bathroom.
Choose American Bath Enterprises, Inc. for a bathroom solution that combines safety, style, and superior functionality, making it easier than ever to accommodate all your guests with comfort and dignity.