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Accessibility is Indispensable for Comfort and Independence at Home

Most of us think of home as a place of freedom, but if your mobility is challenged, your living environment can be cumbersome. Through accessibility, your home can be sweeter than ever, promoting your comfort and independence instead of holding you back. Computer Coach Australia invites you to read on.

Find Accessibility

Finding a home with accessibility options already in place is easier than ever. Thanks to one of the hottest home design trends, universal design, more homes are being built with accessibility in mind. Universal design refers to a design movement toward creating environments supporting people of all ages, sizes, and circumstances. And, as the Centre for Universal Design Australia notes, universal design has become one of the fastest-growing trends, with kitchen and bathrooms at the top of the list for modifications and accessibility options.

Another growing trend is the desire to age in place, according to The CareSide. With the general population growing older, more Australians are adapting their homes to meet needs as mobility changes.

Thanks to the popularity of both ageing in place and universal design, there are more homes on the market with accessibility options already in place. Both trends embrace similar concepts with many desirable features, such as one-floor living areas, larger footprint bathrooms, and threshold-free entrances. Think through what will best fit your needs and desires and make some notes. Since your personal circumstances might not mesh with every home available, it can help to refer to a home modifications checklist when house shopping.

Create Accessibility

The first way to make your living space more accessible is by decluttering. Not only will removing clutter make the home safer, but stress will also be reduced. For those unused items that have piled up over time, either discard or donate them; you’ll find the extra space in the hallways, rooms, and the kitchen a big help as you get around.

For many reasons, you might prefer to modify an existing home rather than purchase a property already set up for accessibility. You might be in a location which is otherwise ideal, or perhaps your home’s layout is okay but could use some tweaking to make it great. Or, in the course of house shopping, you might find a home closer to work or in the right school district, but you need to make modifications for your comfort. Whatever your reasoning, altering a home to better suit your circumstances is a viable option.

While your specifics will vary by need and location, there are accessibility renovations and ideas to fit every budget. Living with contractors and remodelling can seem overwhelming. To make remodelling more liveable and to space out costs, prioritise where you need modifications the most and do one room or area at a time. If you prefer to live at home during renovations, look for ways to ensure this is easier by being prepared, creating a calendar with your contractor and sticking to your usual routine.

Prioritise Important Areas

Many homeowners focus on the bathroom first. Having an accessible bathroom can mean more comfortable living for the whole family, now and in the future. Bathroom doorways are typically around 24 inches wide, but for better accessibility, they should be around 32 inches at least. A raised toilet seat, grab bars, textured tile, and a threshold-free shower are other options many homeowners prefer.

Another area of particular importance is the entryway of the home. Being able to comfortably come and go is a boon to independence, whether you’re using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. Homes can be regraded with stone or concrete walkways added, or some homeowners opt to install a wheelchair ramp. For homeowners who DIY, although wooden ramps tend to be slippery, you can use textured tape to improve the surface or apply paint specially made for such projects which includes a gritty texture. For an added benefit, consider installing a doorbell video camera. This makes it easier to determine whether you should answer the door, or if you can simply respond by phone. An added bonus is that these doorbell cameras also provide a great safety feature, which can be especially important if you live alone.

Better Quality of Life Can Be Yours

Your home life should be comfortable, not cumbersome. If your living environment could use improvement, consider a home that is more accessible or remodelling to meet your needs. With the right modifications, life at home will be sweet!

The coaches at Computer Coach Australia offer computer training for aged persons and those with disabilities. Reach out today! computercoachaustralia@gmail.com