Whether adapting your home is an immediate issue or something you need to consider a little way down the road, it is a good idea to be aware of the changes you can make so you can feel comfortable in your home.
Getting In and Out the House
If there is a step up to your door, think about attaching a handrail or building a ramp to make it easier. Placing a motion sensor light is also helpful for when it is dark, but make sure it won’t disturb your neighbours.
If you have difficulty getting to the door in time to answer it, you could install an intercom system or doorbell with entry phone. There are even video phones that allow you to see who is at the door, which provides some extra security.
Moving at Home
To move around easily at home, one of the first steps is to make sure it is well lit, and you may want to consider motion-sensor lights for indoors too, so they will automatically turn on when you move around, saving you the struggle of finding a switch in the dark.
Though it is a cost that requires construction work, widening door frames can help immensely, especially if you are using a wheelchair indoors. When it comes to stairs, adding an extra bannister rail or a stairlift can make getting up and down the stairs easier.
Getting Out of Beds and Chairs
If you find it difficult getting out of bed or chairs, there is furniture to invest in, from reclining chairs to beds which raise you up. Talk to us at Mobility Scooter Hire South West to find about the equipment we have you can rent out that can help with mobility around your home, such as rise and recline chairs, beds and walkers.
The Kitchen
When it comes to cooking, you are often on your feet for longer, but you can find perching stools that reach the height of the kitchen tops, so you are comfortable when working in the kitchen. Your kitchen equipment and utensils can also be adapted too. Invest in wide handled cutlery and utensils, high rimmed plates, big handled cups and easy-open bottles, jars and tins to make you feel independent and comfortable at home.
The Bathroom
Bathrooms are often the hardest to navigate for people with low mobility, as there are steps in and out of baths and showers and lowering onto toilet seats can be difficult. If you are over a certain age, you can get bathroom refits to help you access the room better, with costs discounted by your council. There are also seats you can add to shower cubicles, handrails to install and seat frames to put around your toilet.
Mobility Scooter Storage
For your all-terrain mobility scooter, you need to consider where you will be storing it, as it needs to be near a plug for charging overnight. Mobility scooters also need to be kept in cool, dry and ventilated areas while charging, with space around it for manoeuvring.
