Making your UK home more accessible and accommodating for family members with special needs can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.
No matter what the project entails, there are six basic things you can do to make your home more convenient for everyone in the family.
Stairlifts
These are a great way to make your home more accessible for those with mobility issues. If you have a loved one in a wheelchair, installing a stairlift can make it much easier for them to get around the house. There are many different types of stairlifts on the market, so be sure to do your research to find the best one for your needs. You can also count on stairlift grants in the UK as a way to make your home more accessible. These grants can help you cover the cost of installation and help make your home more convenient for everyone.
If your loved one can use stairs but has difficulty doing so, a stairlift can still make life much easier. If you have a hard time carrying things up and down the stairs, a stairlift can help take some of the strain off of your back and make it easier to get around the house.
Ramps
Another great way to make your home more accessible is to install ramps. Ramps can be placed at the entrance of your home or in any other areas where there are stairs. They can also be used to provide access to different levels of your home, such as a deck or patio.
However, ramps can also be a great addition to your home even if you don’t have anyone in your family who uses a wheelchair. If you have young children, they can use the ramps to play on. Ramps can also be used by people who have difficulty walking up and down stairs or by those who use canes or walkers.
Get Organized
Another great way to make your home more convenient for family members with special needs is to get organized. This can help everyone in the family know where things are and make it easier to find things when they’re needed. For example, you might want to create a special place for frequently used items, such as the remote control or the phone. Or, you might want to label cupboards and drawers so that everyone knows where things are.
You might also want to consider using baskets, bins, and other storage solutions to help keep your home organized. This can be especially helpful if you have young children or family members with special needs.
Grab Bars and Handrails
Grab bars and handrails can be placed in the shower, next to the toilet, or in any other areas where someone might need extra support. Grab bars and handrails can provide extra stability and help prevent falls. And, if you have young children, grab bars and handrails can also be used to help them get in and out of the bathtub or shower. Handrails can also be placed in hallways to provide support when walking.
Additionally, if you have older family members who are starting to experience problems with their vision, grab bars and handrails can help them get around the house more easily.
Lever Handles
If you have doorknobs that are hard to grip or turn, consider replacing them with lever handles. Lever handles are much easier to use, especially for those with arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to grip small objects. Let’s say you have a family member who is blind. In this case, you might want to consider installing lever handles that make a noise so that they can easily find their way around the house.
On the other hand, if you have young children, you might want to consider installing lever handles that lock. This can help prevent them from getting into rooms or areas of the house that they’re not supposed to be in.
Walk-in Ttubs
If you have a family member who has difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub, a walk-in tub can be a great solution. Walk-in tubs have doors that allow you to simply walk in and out, making it much easier to get in and out of the tub.
Walk-in tubs also have several other features that can make them more convenient for those with special needs. For example, many walk-in tubs have built-in seats, which can make them more comfortable for those who have difficulty sitting or standing for long periods. Some walk-in tubs also come with jets, which can provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
If you’re considering a walk-in tub, be sure to do your research to find the best one for your needs. There are several different factors to consider, such as size, shape, and features.
Making your home more convenient for family members with special needs doesn’t have to be a big project. By making a few simple changes, you can make your home more comfortable and accommodating for everyone in the family.