Accessibility in the Home

Accessibility isn’t a requirement for everyone, but it begins to become more of a factor to keep in mind as you get older. Setting up your home to ensure your needs are met is a huge step in remaining independent. Here are some suitable measures you may want to take:

• Access ramp. Again, whether it’s for wheelchair access or just to help reduce the strain on your knees, an access ramp is a good idea. If your home doesn’t have one, it’s relatively simple to have a ramp installed over any existing steps leading into your house.
• An inclusive kitchen. To make a kitchen more easily accessible for your needs, it helps to have the worktops and appliances lowered. This makes cooking more accessible, while giving someone with a mobility impairment the chance to move around the kitchen independently.
• Widened doorways. This is a must if you use a wheelchair. Doorways need to be wide enough to allow entry and exit with minimal restriction on a person’s movement. This is most important for areas like the bathroom and bedroom but should be something to think about all throughout the home.
• Single-level home. While this is definitely not something you can fix in a pre-existing home, it’s a key consideration for any senior to make when choosing where to live. One-level homes, such as a bungalow, remove the need for climbing and descending stairs every day. Although, you could install a chair lift to help you go up and down the stairs if you’re unable to move house.
• Portable hoist. This kind of device makes it a lot easier for someone to lift themselves up off a bed or sofa. While ideal for wheelchair users, hoists are also a good option if you have back or joint issues but are still able to move around freely once you’re on your feet.

CAPS Remodeling provides free home consultations for a full range of barrier-free home modifications and durable medical equipment solutions that allow seniors to age-in-place with peace of mind.

Jeff Cates

Introducing Jeff Cates, the visionary Founder and Owner of CAPS Remodeling. After experiencing a profound personal event involving his son in 2007, Jeff was inspired to serve a higher purpose: to create safer, more comfortable, and independent living conditions for the elderly and disabled by modifying their current homes. Jeff’s deep-seated religious beliefs form the moral compass that steers CAPS daily operations. Apart from his unwavering dedication to his work, Jeff finds joy in boating and cherishing moments with his family.