Mobility issues can happen to anyone at any age and any activity level. You may want think about how accessible your home would be for you or your loved ones if one of you were temporarily or permanently less mobile than you are now. In particular, if you plan to stay in your home after you retire, you may want to think about alterations you could make. Even if you are very active, you might be more prone to injury as you get older, and making some adaptations can help ensure that you even if you are only temporarily unable to move about with your usual ease, your home remains comfortable for you. These alterations could also help other older adults who visit your home.
Smart Home Alterations
Smart home products are not just for those who always must have the latest technology. They can also be wonderful for people who may have issues with dexterity, vision or hearing. For example, voice-activated devices can make it easy to do a number of tasks without having to fumble with buttons or other types of controls, including turning on lights in a room. Robot vacuums can keep your floors cleaner while smart doorbells allow you to see who is visiting you without having to get up. Smart curtains or blinds make it easy to control how much natural light you are getting. Smart technology is a burgeoning market, and devices that help you do everyday things are being developed and improved at a very fast rate.
Adding a Home Lift
The idea of adding a wonderful home lift can be a game changer in a two-story home. If you or someone else in your home breaks a leg or has surgery that makes stairs difficult, it allows movement between the bedrooms upstairs and the more social spaces downstairs to be carried out with ease. It can also be a big help in moving heavy objects. If you or anyone in your family is in a wheelchair, a lift can make an independent lifestyle much easier and can mean staying in the home instead of having to move.
Bathroom Changes
If you are prone to falls, bathrooms can be a hazard area, but there is a lot you can do to improve the space as well as automate many functions. For example, altering your shower so that it is like a wet room as opposed to a structure that you have to step into can reduce the likelihood of tripping. Bars and a seat can also help you feel steadier. There are safety plugs that can help prevent the sink or bath from overflowing, splashing water on the floor that could be hazardous.
Kitchen Changes
The kitchen can be another area where accidents are more likely to happen. Making changes so that the room is brighter, both with artificial and natural light, can make it easier for people to use even if their eyesight is poor. Putting pots, pans and cooking tools where they are easy to reach instead of hidden in the back of drawers and cabinets can reduce the need to stretch and bend while searching for them.