<p>For many of us, our home is our safe space and the place we go to find comfort. But what if your home isn’t accessible to everyone? If you have family or friends with limited mobility, they may struggle to navigate your home safely and comfortably. Here are some effective tips to make your home more accessible for everyone in your life. </p><h2>Widen Doorways & Hallways </h2><p>Widening doorways and hallways is a must for people using wheelchairs or walkers. This will provide them with more room to maneuver and drastically increase their ease of access. You can do this by installing pocket doors instead of hinged types, as they provide greater space when opened fully as opposed to traditional types that open into the room. Removing any furniture from hallways will also create much-needed space for those who rely on mobility aids. </p><h2>Focus on Bathroom Safety</h2><p>As you make the necessary changes for your loved ones, it’s vital that you turn your attention to your home’s bathrooms. With limited space for movement and a large number of dangers to account for, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home to make accessible. Fortunately, there are several simple and <a href="https://hartmedical.org/blog/post/creating-an-accessible-bathroom-what-to-know">effective ways to make your bathroom more accessible</a>. </p><p>Consider installing lever-style handles on all doors and faucets, adding grab bars near toilets and around tubs or showers, using raised toilet seats, and installing a walk-in tub or shower. Making sure all surfaces are non-slip and that flooring is well-lit can provide a greater level of safety in the bathroom as well. </p><h2>Install Handrails </h2><p>Your loved ones can benefit from handrails in other areas of your home too. Installing handrails throughout your home will provide added support for anyone who requires assistance with balance or stability when navigating stairs and other pathways. If you decide to install handrails yourself, be sure they are securely attached so they won’t loosen after frequent use. Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable installing them yourself, be sure to hire a professional installer with experience in this type of work. </p><h2>Adjust Lighting & Switches </h2><p>Another important tip for making your home more accessible is to make it easier for guests to see. Adjusting lighting fixtures and switches can help those with limited vision better see at night or in dimly lit areas of the home. Consider adding nightlights throughout the home that turn on automatically when the overhead fixtures go off. These will shed light on pathways without the need for a switch. </p><p>Making your home more accessible doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive; even small changes can make all the difference. By making these changes, you’ll be able to better ensure a safe and comfortable visit for anyone.</p>
