Safety, Mobility, And Accessibility At Home

Patrick Young

The Mid-Century Meditations Blog welcomes Guest Blogger Patrick Young of the AbleUSA Blog - https://ableusa.info/blog/

​Edited and Formatted by Dawn Torres-Reyes

Photo Credit: Pexels

Safety, Mobility, and Accessibility for the Disabled at Home

If you live with a disability, you know the value of a comfortable, supportive home. Accessibility at home means that you can get around safely and independently in your day-to-day life, without relying on others or worrying about accidents. Whether you are newly living with a disability, or you have lived with one for years, here are some factors to consider as you hunt for an accessible home, courtesy of Danish Modern San Diego.

Finances First

Prospective buyers must consider their finances and what they can afford before they can invest in a home. It is also a good idea to research home prices in your target area.
 
Qualifying for a loan means having a financial cushion and a strong credit score. You may not need a big chunk of change for a down payment, but a good credit score can help you qualify for a mortgage loan. Focus on a low income-to-debt ratio, paying off your credit cards, and never missing a payment. 

As you budget, remember any renovations you intend to make. Finding a home that offers all the features you desire can be a challenge, and remodeling expenses can add up. With substantial changes in mind, it can even be worthwhile to purchase a home as-is. If you go that route, however, just make sure you realize all you’re getting into. As-is homes can come with unseen issues, so adjust your buying strategy accordingly.

Examine Important Elements

Everyone has specific needs from a home, and you will want to alter your search criteria to meet your personal needs. Not every home comes move-in ready, but if you start with the basics, you can modify it to fit your exact needs. However, some features are more common than others:

Steps

Single-level homes are the way to go so that you never have to walk up steps, but many homes still have steps at the entrances. If your disability affects your mobility or vision, consider buying a home with zero-step entry. A zero-step home includes a walk-in (or wheel-in) shower rather than a traditional step-in tub. If you are moving into a home that has steps, you have the option to add a ramp or a chair lift to the staircase.

Mobility

Mobility extends beyond steps. Getting around on flat, even surfaces can be a challenge if you don’t have the right layout and enough space to move. Design Sponge explains wider hallways make it easier to get through with a walker or wheelchair, and fewer rooms and walls mean fewer corners to navigate. After moving in, you can also knock down walls and open the home to make it more accessible for your mobility needs. And if you need to replace your furniture with pieces that are more suitable for the space, consider compactly designed vintage furniture from Danish Modern San Diego.

Reachability

A big part of having access in your home is being able to reach everything. Tall counters and high storage spaces, for instance, don’t make much sense for someone in a wheelchair. Look for a home with lower kitchen counters and shelves, cabinets that are lower to the ground with sliding doors, and open spaces beneath counters for a wheelchair to fit.

Safety

To promote safety in your home, you will want to pay attention to how you can eliminate falls. Grab bars in the bathroom and hallways can help you get around when you need something to lean on, and they are easy to install after you move in if your home does not come with them. Anti-skid flooring can prevent slips, while the removal of rugs and thick carpeting can make it easier to get around in a wheelchair. 

​If you use a home security system to protect your home (security cameras, a doorbell camera, etc.) and to alert the authorities in the event of an emergency (panic buttons, for example), then you need to ensure you have a reliable internet connection to support that system. Check local internet packages for the best speeds and availability, as well as affordably, before you decide. Kate Matthews from Internet Advisor shares tips for securing a reliable and stable internet connection for your Smart Home: https://www.internetadvisor.com/how-much-internet-speed-does-your-smart-home-need

Moving Assistance

Planning for the move itself is just as important as finding a safe, accessible home. Ensure the big day is as stress-free as possible, and that your safety is prioritized. One way to achieve this is by hiring local movers for assistance with your transition. Take some time to research moving companies before settling on one to ensure that you are spending wisely. Consistently high ratings and positive reviews are good indicators that the moving company is reliable and trustworthy.

Finding an accessible home does not have to be an impossible feat if you know what to look for and where to begin. Prioritize your comfort and safety, and the rest will fall into place.