How to Make Your Home More Accessible for a Senior Relative in a Wheelchair
Making a home more accessible for a senior relative in a wheelchair can seem like an overwhelming task, but with careful planning and consideration, it's something that anyone can do. In this blog post, direct from Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville, we will discuss the primary areas of concern for wheelchair accessibility and how to make changes around your home to ensure that your senior loved one is able to move freely.
Widen Hallways and Doorways
One of the most important changes you can make when creating an accessible home is widening your doorways and hallways. This will give your senior loved one ample room to maneuver around the house with ease. If you need help determining how wide these spaces should be for optimal accessibility consider consulting with an experienced contractor or interior designer who specializes in accessible design.
Use Non-Slip Flooring and Low-Pile Carpets
You should also take care to ensure that all floor surfaces are non-slip so as not to cause any slips or falls. This includes both hardwood floors as well as carpets; opt for low pile carpet options which provide more stability than high piles do for wheelchairs navigating on them. Using area rugs can add texture which helps reduce slippage from wheelchairs on hardwood floors too!
Install Grab Bars in the Bathroom
To make your bathroom wheelchair accessible, you should consider installing grab bars near toilets and showers/baths. These provide additional stability while entering/exiting these locations; many even come equipped with rubberized grips specifically designed for use by those who use wheelchairs regularly! Ensure shower doors have handles at each side so they may easily open outward rather than sliding inward where they could get stuck if closed unexpectedly by someone else while inside (this also applies outside tubs).
Lower the Bed
If necessary, lower the senior's bed frame slightly closer to ground level so that transitioning into bed will be easier – this also helps prevent strain caused by having to reach upwards every night before going to sleep (which may occur due to higher raised frames). Make sure the mattress type selected accommodates the senior's physical needs best. Memory foam mattresses tend to work great here since their unique material conforms perfectly to body shape thereby providing extra comfort and support.
Senior Helpers Offers Compassionate Care Services
If you need assistance making your home more accessible or are considering moving to an assisted living facility that can better meet your needs, contact Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville. We provide professional in-home care services tailored to seniors in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, Loudon, and the surrounding areas of Tennessee. Our caregivers are available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring and mobility assistance, toileting and incontinence care, medication reminders and so much more. Contact us today to learn more about our premium senior caregiving services and to discover how we can best help you!