Home Modifications for Accessibility

Home Modifications for Accessibility

Home modifications for accessibility not only enhance the quality of life for those with mobility challenges but also promote independence and dignity. This article explores essential modifications, practical tips, and valuable resources to help you create a welcoming and functional living space. By understanding the specific needs of individuals and implementing thoughtful changes, we can transform homes into places where everyone feels comfortable and capable. Here are Essential Mobility Products, we can help by providing guidance and completion of varying types of modifications to help make your home more accessible.

Identifying Individual Requirements

When it comes to accessibility, one size does not fit all. Everyone’s needs can vary significantly based on their condition, age, and lifestyle. Start by getting to know what specific challenges might be faced—whether it’s difficulty with mobility, vision, or cognitive functions. Consider creating a checklist of daily tasks to spot where obstacles exist. This will help you pinpoint modifications that will make life a whole lot easier.

Common Disabilities and Their Impact on Mobility

Disabilities come in many forms, and understanding the common ones can help guide your modifications. For example, individuals with mobility impairments may require wheelchairs or walkers, which necessitate wider doorways and smoother surfaces. Visual impairments might mean more tactile surfaces and better lighting, while cognitive disabilities may require a more intuitive layout. Recognizing these needs will help you create a space that’s not just accessible but also a breeze to navigate.

Recognizing Hazardous Areas

Hazards can be waiting in the most unsuspecting areas of your home. Think about areas where slips, trips, and falls could occur—like the bathroom or the dark hallway that could double as a pretend obstacle course. Identifying these hazards is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe environment. Once you know where the trouble spots are, you can strategize the best modifications to keep everyone safe and sound.

Entryways and Exits

Making sure entryways are wide enough and equipped with ramps or porch lifts instead of stairs along with installing sturdy handrails and ensuring doorways are easy to open with minimal effort, make getting in and out of the home much less stressful.

Interior Spaces: Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are prime candidates for modifications. In the kitchen, consider lowering countertops and relocating frequently-used items to avoid awkward stretching and reaching. Install pull-out shelves and lever-style faucets for convenience. In bathrooms, grab bars near the toilet and shower, a non-slip mat to avoid slips or even a wheel-in shower, to allow full access of a wheeled commode or manual wheelchair. Relocating toilets, sinks and showers/tubs for a more accessible bathroom area, to allow mobility devices ample room to maneuver.

Stairways and Elevators

Staircases can be a daunting reality for anyone with mobility challenges. If stairs are unavoidable, adding grab bars or a stairlift can make a world of difference. If you’ve been contemplating a bigger investment, consider installing an in-home elevator.

Collaboration with Essential Mobility Products

When contacting Essential Mobility, we will take all the pertinent information regarding the modifications that you are interested in. We will then make appointment arrangements that work best for your situation. Our staff will join you at your home to discuss all the changes you are thinking about. They will view all areas, make notes, discuss budgets, timelines and specifics with you. Each Home Modification completed by Essential Mobility has been unique, from simple changes to major modifications and room redesigns.

We have our own certified contractors that complete all the work. We are constantly in touch with the homeowners and completing onsite visits, making sure everything is running smoothly and to the plan.

Areas of Service

Essential Mobility Products serves the Hamilton, Burlington, Grimsby, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Dundas and Niagara Regions.

Funding Resources

There are a few different options available for funding of necessary modifications. March of Dimes, Seniors Home Accessibility Tax Rebate, Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, Easter Seals, Veterans Affairs, Ontario Renovates (IAH), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) to name a few.