How to Modify Your Home For An Aging or Disabled Family Member

For some, there comes a time in life when a family member you live with ages or becomes disabled with a unique set of needs.

For some, there comes a time in life when a family member you live with ages or becomes disabled with a unique set of needs.  Or, perhaps, a family member that does not live with you is elderly or disabled and a time comes when they need to move in to your home.  Whatever the circumstances are, when you have a family member in your home that is elderly or disabled the reality is that they may have mobility or motor control issues that make a typical home difficult to maneuver and possible unsafe.  Do not worry, there is no need to move to a home designed specifically for someone who is elderly or disabled.  With the help of a skilled handyman or contractor your can adapt your home to meet the needs of your elderly or disabled family member so that they can feel safe and comfortable in your home.

First thing is first, it is important to assess the specific needs of your elderly or disabled family member as well as take a comprehensive look around your home to search for areas where improvement would be beneficial.  One of the biggest problems for both elderly or disabled family members is homes with multiple levels.  If your home is already multi-level, there is not much that can be done about that but there are still ways to adapt it that can make it function for your needs.  Even if your home is one level but has small steps up or down near entryways or certain rooms it could pose a problem but luckily there are a few solutions to the problem.  First, if you have a sunken room in your home, such as a living room, it may be better to have it filled in so that the entire floor is all one level.  If you have steps near an entry you may consider adding a ramp or at a minimum a handrail near any steps.  If you have a multi-level home and a large flight of stairs is too difficult to maneuver for your elderly or disabled relative consider setting up their bedroom on the first floor.  If there is no bedroom but adequate space, a bedroom can be added onto the first floor.

Additionally, it is wise to make any bathrooms that might be used by your elderly or disabled family member safe.  Bathrooms can be slippery and dangerous for someone that is not steady on their feet so handrails near the toilet or in the shower or bath are very helpful.  Additionally, a walk-in shower as opposed to a shower/tub combination is much more easy to use for the elderly and disabled. A bench in the shower where they can sit may make bathing much easier.  If your family member needs a wheelchair, a wide enough opening to get into the shower will make a world of difference.  There are many ways to remodel a bathroom or shower to make it both stylish and elderly/disabled-friendly with wide openings and railing but sleek and aesthetically pleasing finishes.  If your home has knob-style doorknobs and your family member has difficulty with motor movements from a disability or something like arthritis a lever-style handle will make opening and closing doors much easier.  As we mentioned early, if a family member uses a wheelchair it is important to ensure that not only the shower is wheelchair accessible, but that all doorways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.  Finally, consider adding lighting throughout your home because a well-lit home can prevent bumping into things and unnecessary falls.  These small adaptations for your home are easy to make with a trusted contractor or handyman but will make a world or difference for family member and give everyone peace of mind.