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I’m not saying I’m ready for retirement or anything, (although quite frankly I AM, emotionally at least), but accessibility in the home is not necessarily something that just becomes an issue with age. Disabilities and accidents can play a part, as can consideration for elderly friends and relatives. Having accessibility in mind can help inform your decision making when it comes to remodelling your home or buying new home furnishings.
Here are some things you might want to think about if you need to make your home more accessible for you or a loved one:
Consider a downstairs toilet
You might already have one, which is great for guests, but if not, is there a space in your home that could be turned into one, like a forgotten about under stairs cupboard perhaps? Installing a small downstairs toilet might not be as expensive as you think but it would be hugely appreciated by guests who find stairs unmanageable. (Or just handy for you when the kids are taking up the bathroom.)
Or how about a stairlift?
If mobility is an issue but you need to be able to access a first floor, how about a stairlift? Check out the options available at Fenetic Wellbeing and while you’re there you might be interested in their other products, such as recliner chairs that make it easier to get in and out of your favourite comfy chair.
Think about your kitchen design
If you’re due for a kitchen restyle, think about how cupboards and appliances are positioned to make them as easy to use as possible. For example, kitchens can easily be built without any high units, so that all cupboards are reachable from a wheelchair. Think too about things like your fridge freezer – can you reach into it if it’s a very tall model or would you be better having separate under-counter appliances?
Outside the home
As well as what’s going on indoors, you’ll want to consider how you get in and out of your home. Are there any steps up to your front door and would a hand rail make these easier to navigate? How accessible are the gardens and how safe are they to walk around? Decking for example looks great, but can get very slippery when it’s wet. If it’s a large garden, you might like to add some additional seating at strategic points.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but hopefully that’s given you something to think about.