Creating a safe and comfy space is important for the elderly or those with disabilities. As age or certain diseases can limit mobility, home modifications for elderly or disabled individuals become a priority.
These adjustments, whether minor or complex, like grab bars to wider doorways, enhance safety and accessibility, helping to prevent accidents and improve daily living. It considers various aspects of a person’s needs and environment.
Ready to explore how you can make a home safer and more accessible? Read on to discover the best home modifications for elderly or disabled for enhanced comfort and security.
Why are Home Modifications for Elderly or Disabled Important?
Home modification is an alteration of the interior and exterior of a living space to enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for elderly or disabled individuals, allowing them to live safely and independently.
These changes range from simple adjustments to more extensive renovations.
A recent study suggests the importance of accessible home environments by modifications to minimise physical strain and enhance safety.
It shows that these modifications are important because they enable people to live independently in their homes. For the elderly and disabled, these adjustments reduce the risk of falls and accidents inside and outside the house.
Minor Home Modifications
Minor home modifications (MHM) are changes made to a home that do not affect its structural parts and cost no more than $20,000.
Based on the NDIS category, there are two categories of minor home modifications:
- Category A: Costs under $10,000, such as widening an interior doorway that isn’t load-bearing.
- Category B: Costs between $10,000 and $20,000 or involve minor changes, like modifying a bathroom floor.
Complex Home Modifications
Conversely, complex home modifications (CHM) involve significant changes to multiple home areas to accommodate specific needs.
Examples of complex home modifications include:
- Combining a bathroom and toilet creates more hoist or shower chair space.
- Knocking down a wall to increase room sizes.
- Installing home automation, like an automatic door.
These modifications require an assessment by a specially qualified occupational therapist who ensures the changes meet current and future needs.
When is a Good Time to Consider a Home Modification?
The best time to consider home modifications for elderly or disabled is when mobility, balance, or daily tasks become challenging due to ageing, illness, or disability. Making changes early helps create a safer and more accessible environment, reducing the risk of falls and accidents.
There are different “best time” across families and conditions:
- For the elderly, modifications like grab bars, grab rails or non-slip flooring should be added before safety becomes a concern.
- Those diagnosed with progressive conditions should plan for changes like wider doorways or ramps to maintain independence longer.
- Families with disabled members should act when mobility issues arise, ensuring accessibility and comfort with modifications such as ramps or stairlifts.
- After a hospital discharge or during a move, it’s a good time to adapt the home for safety and recovery needs.
Planning home modifications for elderly or disabled in advance ensures they are tailored to current and future needs.
Process of Home Modification for Elderly and Disabled People
Easily Accessible to Wheelchairs
Widening doorways and hallways to ensure easy movement is one way of focusing on making spaces accessible to wheelchairs.
In addition, installing ramps at entrances and exits is recommended for safe access. Lowering countertops and light switches also helps make everyday tasks more manageable.
Do Not Keep Wet Floors
Wet floors are a major hazard, as they are slippery and increase fall risks, especially for seniors. It is important to keep floors dry in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Non-slip mats and proper drainage systems can help prevent accidents. Additionally, installing grab bars near wet areas provides additional support, making it safer for everyone.
Safe Staircase and Hallways
Safe staircases and clear hallways are vital for those with restricted mobility. Ensure hallways are clutter-free to allow easy navigation and help individuals move around safely.
Staircases should have secure handrails on both sides. Please also consider having carpeted stairs in your home locked with carpet tape to reduce slipping, or don’t use it at all.
Toilet Areas
Bathroom modifications are also vital. Your toilet areas should be equipped with non-slip flooring to prevent falls, and grab bars around the toilet and shower provide extra stability and support.
Remember, raised toilet seats and adequate space for wheelchair access are also important. These changes make toilet areas safer and more accessible for daily use.
Work On the Kitchen
Kitchen modifications should focus on accessibility and safety. For example, countertops and sinks should be lowered to help wheelchair users access them easily. Pull-out shelves and reachable storage should also minimise bending and stretching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home modification?
A home modification is a change made to a living space to enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for elderly or disabled people.
How do we create a welcoming environment for persons with disabilities?
Creating a welcoming environment involves ensuring accessibility with ramps and clear walkways. It also includes offering support and fostering respect and understanding, which is crucial in aged care.
How do you create an inclusive environment for people with disabilities?
An inclusive environment provides accessible spaces, clear communication, and necessary accommodations. It ensures equal access, respect, and full participation for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Conclusion
Home modifications are crucial in creating safer and more accessible environments for elderly or disabled individuals. Adjustments from simple changes like grab bars to complex renovations help maintain independence and prevent accidents.
Besides home modifications for elderly or disabled individuals, prioritising the health and well-being of your loved ones is important. For expert healthcare support in leading a healthy, independent life, call Wells Road Medical Clinic for professional assistance and care services.
