How to Make a House More Accessible
If people in the home have mobility issues due to aging or otherwise, but want to stay in their current home, there are solutions that can help. This guide will share some accessibility and aging-in-place solutions that can help make a home much more accommodating and suited to personal needs. Not only are these solutions available, but other custom modifications can be made to make the home more accessible.
Accessibility Solutions Throughout the Home
Some design modifications can transform the house into an accessible home that adapts to changing mobility needs. These comprehensive solutions go beyond single-room improvements to create seamless navigation from room to room. Smart planning makes the difference between costly renovations and strategic investments.
Widening doorways to 36 inches provides ample wheelchair accessibility while benefiting everyone who carries laundry baskets or furniture through the home. Installing ADA-compliant levered door handles throughout the home to replace traditional round knobs can also help with accessibility. They can reduce strain on arthritic joints while maintaining the home's aesthetic appeal.
Beyond standard modifications, countless custom accessibility solutions can be made to address specific challenges or needs. Lowered light switches, accessible storage systems, and modified cabinet hardware can create independence in daily activities. Grab bars in unexpected locations, like hallways, can help provide stability where it’s needed.
Accessibility Solutions for Stairs
Mobility challenges can make a home’s stairs into dangerous obstacles for many homeowners seeking to age in place safely. Installing proper stair accessibility modifications can eliminate fall risks while preserving independence at home. These solutions range from simple handrail upgrades to comprehensive stair elevator systems.
Stair elevators, also called stair lifts, represent the gold standard for mobility assistance, operating on a track system mounted to the existing staircase. A modern stair lift system can feature battery backup systems, safety sensors, and weight capacities up to 400 pounds or more, making them suitable for all users.
A stair ramp installation offers a great accessibility solution for homes with exterior steps leading to the front porch or front door. Professionals can design stair ramps that blend seamlessly with a home's architecture while meeting safety standards. Additional accessibility modifications for the home’s stairs can include installing contrasting stair nosing and adding continuous handrails on both sides. These improvements significantly reduce fall risks, allowing people to age in place safely.
Accessibility Solutions for Bathrooms
Bathroom accessibility modifications can help transform bathrooms into a safer environment, allowing people to remain independent for longer. The bathroom presents unique challenges, including wet surfaces and tight spaces, that require specialized solutions to address.
Curbless roll-in showers can eliminate dangerous step-over barriers while providing seamless wheelchair access. Shower seats can increase safety by helping prevent falls when the shower is slippery. Walk-in bathtubs offer an alternative solution for bathing with low-threshold doors and built-in seating, though they require waiting for the water to drain before exiting.
ADA-compliant toilets feature comfort-height seating of around 17-19 inches that reduces strain during transfers, while adjustable shower heads can accommodate users of varying heights and mobility levels. Additionally, the strategic placement of grab bars and railings, such as near toilets, showers, and bathtubs, provides essential support throughout the bathroom. Combining multiple solutions can help with independence and is a crucial investment in long-term safety and home accessibility.
About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions
A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving the Austin community since 1977. They provide fast, friendly service, financing solutions, and flat-rate pricing. Call them for aging-in-place and accessibility services in Austin, TX.
