Although it’s not something we like to admit, there will eventually come a time when we’re old and grey and won’t be able to do things for ourselves – like navigating the stairs or staying on our feet without holding onto a grab rail.
While residential care homes are a great option and offer plenty of at-home comforts, many of us would rather adapt our homes so that we can stay there for as long as possible.
Home modifications can help to make your home safer and easier to move around. Something as simple as adding a handrail, or installing a platform lift, is often enough to delay (or avoid) the need to move into a care home or sheltered accommodation.
Here we take a look at just five ways you can adapt your home, ready for later life:
- Widen doorways
When you rely on mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or walker, having wider doorframes will make it easier for you to get in and out of rooms. And if you’re rearranging your home, they allow whoever is assisting you to move things safely.
- Bathroom adaptations
There are many ways you can modify the bathroom – making it safer and more accessible. Depending on your needs, you might choose to install grab rails by the toilet, bath or shower for extra support, whilst walk-in baths and showers make entering and exiting easier and, in turn, prevent slips and falls.
- Kitchen modifications
Lowering the kitchen counters, cabinets and sinks can be especially useful for those who use a wheelchair and cannot reach the areas they used to be able to. Touch-sensitive taps are also a great option (not just in the kitchen!) for people who suffer from arthritis and find it difficult to grip traditional faucets.
- Put in a ramp
For people who struggle to maintain their balance, both indoors and outdoors, stairs can be a challenge. If you have space, and your budget permits, we suggest installing a wheelchair ramp. Ramps allow elderly or disabled people to remain independent and access all levels of the house.
- Install a platform lift
Although a major investment, platform lifts can be the ideal solution for someone living with a disability or mobility problems – allowing them to travel between floors with ease. They can be installed inside or outside, on their own or beside a flight of stairs.
Find the perfect platform lift for you
There are several types of platform lifts on the market today, including open vertical platforms, inclined platforms (stairlifts), step lifts and wheelchair lifts. Although it’s great to have options, choosing one can be easier said than done.
Luckily for you, Level Access Lifts is the UK’s leading provider of platform lifts and we have the skill – and experience – to offer a lifting solution for all challenges. Our team has unrivalled knowledge of the products available and will be more than happy to advise on the best one for your needs. Feel free to call 023 8081 4924 or drop us an email at info@levellifts.co.uk, and we’ll be in touch.
