Many people with physical disabilities or mobility challenges hesitate installing a stair lift because they think stair lifts damage stairs or the wall in their home. There is a myth that stair lifts are attached to the wall and that when it comes time to remove them, they damage the wall. The truth is that a stair lift does not …
One common way to make a home handicap accessible is by overcoming the steps at the garage entrance. Steps are an accessibility barrier that are typically made of concrete or wood, and railings are not always installed. The construction quality may also be low, which poses injury risks from slips and falls. Here are the top 4 solutions to help …
Great design should be part of every home, and two schools of thought have emerged. Everybody is talking about Universal Design, which is changing both commercial and residential construction for the better. Focused on principle of universal use, Universal Design dramatically improves the use by everyone, children, people with disabilities, the aging population, and everyone in between. However, Accessible Design, …
As we age, our flexibility, balance, and mobility change. The National Safety Council estimates that more than one million injuries occur each year as a result of falls on stairways. Even using a simple staircase in your home can be dangerous if your eyesight is failing, your stability has diminished, or you have balance problems. Many older homeowners purchased their …
Dale is a senior that is wheelchair bound and will soon be discharged from the hospital. He doesn’t have a lot of support at home, and because of his disability, his immediate concern is not being able to get his pants up on his own after toileting. Accompanied by his OT, Whitney of Spalding Rebah PSL, and her OTA student, …
Charlie, an Army Veteran, can still walk to a certain degree, but he knows that his ALS will one day limit his mobility. His balance is already off, and the risk of falling grows by the day. Working with his case manager from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and taking advantage of the VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant, …
The early signs of ALS are when muscle cramps and twitching, weakness in hands, legs or ankles or difficulty speaking or swallowing begin. Loss of movement follows, and then moving around the home becomes progressively more difficult. The help of a caregiver, whether that person be a professional or a family member, is eventually needed. Home accessibility is better when …
Does falling in your home worry you? Every year, for people over 65 in the U.S.: 1 in 3 will have a fall 1 out 5 falls will cause a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury Falls are the number reason for emergency room visits While these statistics can be scary, there are actions you can …
When contemplating home modifications for seniors, or home modifications for disabled people, the TOP 4 accessibility barriers faced are 1) the entrances and exits, 2) levels and stairs, 3) bathrooms and 4) physical transfers. Each barrier is described below and home accessibility solutions are recommended to help overcome each one. Finding the right mobility solution will depend on one’s personal …
Home improvement is synonymous with spring cleaning, and for the mobility-challenged, a bathroom remodel is an ideal project to enhance the beauty, comfort, accessibility and safety of a home. Here are TOP 10 IDEAS for home bathroom improvements to help attain optimal accessibility: 1. Shower Seats – More than just a comfy place to relax while showering, adding a shower …
