Injuries, chronic conditions, and the effects of aging can forever change the way you live and move around your home. But mobility issues shouldn’t force you out of the home you know and love. So, what are some ways you make your home accessible, safe, and functional?
When living in your house becomes unmanageable and unsafe, Mission Health + Home can help. As a premier mobility equipment supplier in Rochester, NY, we provide accessible remodeling services for residential and commercial properties throughout Central and Western New York.
Your home and mobility needs are unique. The first step is to reach out and schedule a home assessment. From there, we can design and customize accessible remodeling solutions that will restore the safety of your home, as well as your peace of mind.
In the meantime, let’s explore 6 easy ways to make your home accessible & safe!
Stair Lifts
Do you or a loved one have trouble getting up and down the stairs? Whether you have a straight or curved staircase, stair lifts are highly customizable and will give you the freedom to move between the upper and lower levels of your home.
Contrary to popular belief, stair lifts won’t damage or come into direct contact with your walls. The lift track itself attaches to your stair treads (not the wall), allowing the chair to glide up and down smoothly with minimal noise and disturbance.
Mission Health + Home supplies and installs both straight and curved stair lifts by Bruno®, a leading manufacturer with innovative stair lift technology. Easy and fast to install, Bruno® stair lifts also come with obstruction safety sensors, adjustable armrests, a 90° swivel seat, and are built to carry up to 300 pounds.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can accommodate a stair lift to your home and mobility needs, contact us today. We can also install handrails on staircases, patios, in bathrooms, and other parts of your home where you may require assistance.
Wider Doorways
Unfortunately, most standard residential doorways aren’t wide enough to accommodate those who use wheelchairs and mobility devices. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a door opening must have a minimum of 32” of clear width to accommodate standard wheelchairs.
If you’re reliant on a wheelchair or scooter, adjusting your doorway can make a big difference for your mobility around the house. From installing offset door hinges to removing doors and trims, there are ways we can widen doorways and minimize construction.
Wheelchair Ramps & Vertical Lifts
Even a few steps can make it near impossible for someone in a wheelchair or mobility device to enter and leave a house. If you or someone in your household relies on a wheelchair or mobility device, installing the right solution for your home’s entryways is imperative.
In recent years, vertical platform lifts have grown more commonplace in homes, businesses, and no shortage of other commercial properties. But wheelchair ramps are still a viable option for homeowners who are looking for ways to make their homes safe and accessible on a budget.
Not sure if a wheelchair ramp or vertical lift is right for you? Check out this article and explore the differences between wheelchair ramps vs. vertical lifts. Whether you decide to install a vertical platform lift or a wheelchair ramp will largely depend on aesthetics and budget. If you’d like to explore your options with our assistance, schedule a home assessment today!
Tub to Shower Conversions
Proper bathing is essential for our health, and for those with mobility issues, it can also help tremendously with pain relief. However, slippery, narrow bathtubs increase your risk for falls and injuries. By converting your bathtub into an accessible shower, you can maximize your safety and bathe comfortably without worry.
Accessible showers are highly customizable with a variety of options. Mission Health + Home offers a range of access heights, including zero barrier, low curb, and walk-in tubs. We can also install grab handles in showers and bathtubs.
Explore your options for accessible bathroom remodeling and contact us today to schedule a home assessment!
Lower Counters
Simple kitchen tasks like chopping vegetables or washing dishes can become overly complicated and uncomfortable for someone who is disabled and confined to a wheelchair or mobility device.
Universally designed kitchens should have counters that are no higher than 34”. Depending on your needs, your counters may need to be as low as 28”. With that said, universal kitchen sinks also need to be positioned properly to minimize bending, reaching, and straining. The ADA recommends that accessible kitchen sinks be no higher than 34” above the floor with knee clearance of at least 27” high, 30” wide, and 19” deep.
When considering the height and accessibility of your countertops, you should also consider the space in the rest of your kitchen. Are you able to move around and navigate the kitchen easily? If not, you may want to schedule a home assessment to help determine ways to make your kitchen more spacious, accessible, and safe.
Accessible Cabinets
If you plan to lower your countertops, chances are you’ll also need to lower the cabinets in your kitchen. But high, hard-to-reach bathroom cabinets can be extremely difficult and awkward for someone in a wheelchair, as well.
How low you set your kitchen or bathroom cabinets will depend on the individual and whether or not they can stand out of their wheelchair or mobility device for short periods of time. Ultimately, you want to minimize the need for a person to stand on their tippy toes to open a cabinet.
You’ll also want to consider the hardware on your cabinets. Even if you or a household member don’t have mobility issues, chronic conditions like arthritis can make it challenging and painful to open cabinet doors. Bar or looped pull handles are one option, and open shelving is another.
It’s Time to Make Your Home Accessible & Safe
Mobility issues, whether due to age, chronic conditions, or injuries, shouldn’t force you out of the home you love. If you’re looking for ways to make your home accessible and safe, Mission Health + Home is ready to help.
For more information or to schedule a home assessment, contact us today!