4 Ways to Modify a New Home for Homeowners with Disabilities

With one out of every five people living with a disability in the U.S., it’s important to consider how that affects your daily life in a home. While for some, it might be a temporary situation such as recovery after a knee or hip replacement, many are permanent physical challenges. Either way, you want your home to be a safe haven you can navigate easily. With the principles of universal design as a foundation, here are four ways you can make your new home meet the physical challenges you face now, or later in life.

Enlist an Experienced Home Designer or Homebuilder

Utilizing the services of a professional is a good way to begin this process. Many designers and builders are well-acquainted with universal design (UD). UD is the design of products and environments for everyone – those with and without disabilities — without too much added cost. A well-versed designer can assess your situation and detail a home that will consider your needs. He or she will suggest modifications that will work well with the existing home plan and decor. If you are building a house from the ground up, a contractor will fill this role to help you create a home that you can get into and move around without hassle.

Eliminate Slip and Fall Risk Areas

Whether you have existing physical disabilities, are getting older, or both, the risk of slips and falls can compound already difficult situations. To address this matter, start by assessing how you approach and enter the home. Consider having at least one exterior entrance outfitted with a ramp or a flattened threshold with railings to hold onto. You can have texture added to let the soles of shoes, walkers and wheelchairs move along with better traction and without slippage. Take into account the weather conditions in your area, like heavy rainfall or snow, and make these additions able to withstand the seasons.

When it comes to inside your home, laminate and tile flooring are great surfaces that reduce the potential for accidents. You might want carpeting in your home, and that’s okay too – just aim to get low-pile carpeting that’s ¼ inch thick that can keep some warmth in the home and won’t impact your mobility. If you still have mats and small rugs and don’t want to toss them out, add non-skid material underneath them. For bathrooms, add grab bars around your shower, bathtub and/or toilet.

Optimize Your Kitchen Space

For some, physical challenges might make it hard to thoroughly enjoy the kitchen space. But a few fixes here and there can make a huge difference. Aim to have just one area in your kitchen easily accessible from a low position. If you’re building a new home, have your builder install lower countertops near your stove and tables. When it comes to your sink, think about extending the hose attached so you don’t over-exert yourself in washing dishes and utensils.

Renovate Your Restroom

We all spend a lot of time in the bathroom, and there’s a number of ways to make it easier to use if you also face physical challenges. Consider purchasing a toilet built to meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can also eliminate stepping over the edge of the bathtub with walk-in shower options. Taking the time to make your home a truly welcoming space no matter what physical challenges you or your family members face is a worthwhile endeavor. Make you home a space that will further allow you to express yourself in style, safety and comfort.

Have peace of mind knowing your home will be designed for any current or future needs with some forethought and planning.