Increasing Independence In The Home For Disabled People

Over the last few decades it has become easier for disabled people to get on with day-to-day life.

Public buildings are now required to install disability aids such as ramps and grab rails to increase accessibility allowing disabled people to go about their daily lives as much as an able bodied person.

There is a great range of independent living products on the market suitable for the home.

However, when it comes to the home many disabled people are not utilising these products available and are still finding it difficult to manoeuvre around.

If you, or someone you know is finding it difficult to live in their own home then consider making the following adaptations to rooms to increase independence around the home.

Bedroom

Often disabled people find it difficult to get in and out of bed. If this is the case for you then have you ever considered an electric bed?

This will not only allow the disabled person to get in and out with ease but it can be positioned to suit the most comfortable lying position for the user.

It has a mechanism where the upper or lower ends of the bed can be lowered or raised to suit comfort ability.

Lounge

If the disabled person finds it difficult to take a seated position then a remote controlled chair will do it for them. The chair rises into an upright position so there is no bending required. It will also recline or can be adjusted to suit the user.

Hallway and Stairs

One of the greatest challenges for a disabled person is being able to climb up the stairs easily but most of all safely. Not everyone can afford to move into a bungalow so have to deal with the great effort of climbing the stairs.

Stair lifts are one of the greatest inventions for disabled people because it will allow you to get from one end of the stairs to the other by the push of a button.

Placing grab rails along the hallway shall provide that extra bit of support.

Kitchen

Cooking for a wheelchair user is greatly difficult because nothing on the work tops can be reached.

Disabled kitchens have space under the sink, cooker and work tops where the wheelchair can fit underneath to allow the user to manoeuvre around and cook for their self.

Bathroom

There are loads of bathroom adaptations that can be put in place to make bathing, and using the toilet easy. Level access showers will allow the person to enter the showering area without having to step over a bath.

Higher toilets will mean that the user does not have to seat as low making it more comfortable.