Ways You Can Adjust Your Home To Be Mobility Friendly, According To A Mobility Equipment Supplier
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If your mobility-related condition has gradually got worse over the years, the thought of moving house, perhaps to a bungalow, has probably crossed your mind. However, this may not be necessary, in fact, with the wide range of mobility aids now available you can transform your property into a safe and functional home at half the cost.
But, you don’t have to have a diagnosed condition to be able to use mobility aids and adjust your home to your needs. As we get older our bones and joints can stiffen, which makes getting around the home a lot harder and this can mean that we rely on family and friends for support. For many, being able to live independently is not out of the question, and with the use of mobility aids around the home you can continue caring for yourself.
With around 1 in 5 people in the UK classed as disabled, mobility shops play an important role in making homes mobility-friendly for all homeowners. So, how can you adjust your home? Read on for all you need to know.
Mobility aids and adaptations: making your home more mobility-friendly
Depending on your condition, you may require bigger alterations to the inside and outside of your home or simple additions that will make daily tasks that little bit easier. Whatever your situation, you can find a mobility aid that suits your needs and is within your budget. Making your home more comfortable and practical is beneficial in so many ways. For one, you will relieve the amount of pressure on your body. Moving up and down the stairs, for example, could be doing more harm than good by causing swelling and joint pain for conditions such as arthritis – however, that’s not to say that all movement and exercise should be avoided.
Always follow advice from your doctor or medical professional. If a condition has gradually got worse over time, it can be a difficult prospect knowing your mobility is limiting, however mobility aids are a great way of supporting your body and giving yourself a better quality of life.
Here we explain some of the adaptations and aids that can be used in your home.
When you’re unsteady on your feet or have lost the use of your lower body, getting up and down the stairs can be very difficult and unsafe. Probably the hardest area of the home to navigate, for those whose lives are limited by mobility, you don’t always have to move your bedroom downstairs to get around this problem. Stairlifts are designed to make moving between floors safe and practical for those who need a little extra help. All you need to do is strap yourself in, sit back and relax as the lift takes you upstairs and downstairs. With many options available, you can also rent stairlifts for a short period of time if you’re having someone to stay in your home for example.
Simply lifting yourself out of a chair can be hard, but with a reclining chair you can slowly raise yourself up until you feel comfortable enough to stand. Motor chairs work in one motion whereas dual motor chairs allow the legs and back to move independently – a good choice for those with respiratory illnesses. Here at A Mobility Shop, our chairs are made to measure so they can meet your exact needs, and with a range of designs they’ll fit right in with your current décor. Designed to support those with back problems or recovering from surgery, an orthopaedic chair can benefit you in so many ways.
Mobility bathrooms
Washing and using the bathroom is often a major concern for disabled individuals or those suffering with limited mobility. In many cases, assistance is needed from family members or carers each day, and while this is nothing to be embarrassed about, doing these tasks more independently is a common goal. With a new bathroom design and practical installations, the space can be made into an accessible room that can make using the bathroom a lot easier. A wet room can include walk-in baths for ease of access, bath lifts and shower stools. Alternatively, if you only require small alterations to your bathroom, aids such as grab rails, padded seats and inflatable sinks can make things a little less challenging.
Door ramps
If you already have a wheelchair or you plan on buying one, then your home will need to be adapted slightly to be able to get in and out of your property safely. Door ramps mean you can safely get yourself in and out of your front door or out in to your garden, so you are not restricted to being indoors. It’s important that you don’t feel trapped in your home, as being able to get out and about allows you to socialise and maintain independence, however, if stepping out of your front door is not possible you may see a change in your overall well-being.
Widening your hallway
As well as ramps, if you’re using your wheelchair in the house too, then you may need to widen the hallways in your home to give you the extra space you need to maneuver around with ease. If you rely on your wheelchair, scooter or walking frame then it’s important that your home is adapted to your requirements.
Hardwood floor
It may seem like a simple change, but swapping carpets for hard floors can make a big difference in your home. Mobility equipment such as scooters and wheelchairs can be difficult to use on carpet, whereas hard floors prevent wheels from getting stuck. You will be able to wheel yourself through each room, reducing the need for assistance from day to day.
Converting your garage
If you’re looking for an alternative option other than a stairlift, converting your garage could provide you with an extra room downstairs which allows level access throughout your home. Why not build a new bedroom that’s easier to get to? You can regain your independence and feel a lot more comfortable in your home.
Personal care
Even personal care products can make your home more mobility friendly. Incontinence is more common than you may think, and with the right products you can protect your furniture and feel more confident. If you struggle getting to the bathroom on time then you may benefit from mattress protectors, washable seat pads or bedpans. Equally, stairlifts and wheelchairs can also help with this, making you more mobile around the home so you can get to the bathroom quickly.
A Mobility Shop: High-quality mobility bathrooms and stairlift suppliers
Here at A Mobility Shop, we’re dedicated to improving the lives of those with mobility-related illnesses. It’s important that you feel safe and comfortable in your home, and with our range of mobility aids you can enhance your lifestyle, boost your confidence and become more independent. Our qualified team can help you find a solution to your needs, whether that be installing a wet room, purchasing reclining chairs or adding a stairlift. You can be rest assured that we have your best interest in mind, so get in touch today and find out more about our available products.
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