Home Accessibility Guide
Add Safety and Accessibility to Your Home
This Home Modification Assessment Guide from BLACKBURN's is designed to help homeowners evaluate their living spaces for potential safety hazards and identify areas that may benefit from modifications. By systematically going room by room through your home, you can make informed decisions to enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort. This guide is particularly useful for older adults, individuals with mobility challenges, and caregivers looking to create a safer living environment. Whether you're planning to age in place or simply want to improve your home's safety, this guide provides practical steps and considerations to help you achieve your goals.
General Home Safety Assessment
Begin by examining the overall safety of your home. Identify areas where falls or accidents are more likely to occur, such as stairs, bathrooms, and kitchens. Keeping pathways clear of clutter is crucial to prevent tripping. Ensure that all areas, especially stairways and entryways, are well-lit to enhance visibility.
General FAQs
Are there any places where you or others have previously tripped or fallen?
Mark these areas for further inspection and potential modification. Consider adding non-slip mats or adjusting the layout to reduce hazards. Evaluate if additional support, such as handrails or grab bars, might be needed in these areas.
Are walkways and common areas free of obstacles?
Clear pathways and consider adding storage options like shelves or cabinets to keep items off the floor. Regularly check these areas to ensure they remain clutter-free. If space is limited, think about vertical storage solutions to maximize space.
Are there any dark corners or poorly lit areas?
Install additional lighting fixtures or replace current bulbs with brighter ones. Motion-sensor lights can also be a great addition for added convenience and safety. Consider using LED lights for better energy efficiency and longer-lasting illumination.
Bathroom Safety Assessment
Bathrooms can pose significant risks, so it's essential to evaluate them thoroughly. Ensure that grab bars are installed near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to assist with standing and sitting. Non-slip mats or strips should be in place in the shower and bathtub to prevent slipping. Check that faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures are easy to reach and use.
Bathroom Safety FAQs
Are there places in the bathroom where you feel unsteady or need support?
Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub. Consider a shower chair or bench for added stability. Evaluate if a raised toilet seat might be beneficial for easier use.
Are the shower and bathtub floors slippery
Add non-slip mats or strips to the shower and bathtub. Ensure they are securely attached and regularly cleaned to maintain effectiveness. Look into textured flooring options that provide better grip.
Are faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures easy to reach and use?
Replace fixtures with more accessible options if needed. Lever-style handles are often easier to use than traditional knobs. Consider installing a handheld showerhead for greater flexibility and ease of use.
View Our Bathroom Safety Checklist
Stair Safety Assessment
Stairs are a critical area to assess for safety. Determine if a stair lift is needed for safe navigation between levels. Ensure that sturdy handrails are installed on both sides of the stairs and that they are at a comfortable height. Check if the steps are clearly marked and well-lit.
Stair Safety FAQs
Do you have difficulty climbing stairs
Consider installing a stair lift for easier access between levels. Evaluate the space and consult with a professional to find the best solution. Look into other options like ramps or elevators if a stair lift is not feasible.
Are handrails sturdy and available on both sides of the stairs?
Install or reinforce handrails on both sides of the stairs. Ensure they are securely fastened and at a comfortable height. Regularly check the handrails for any signs of wear or damage and repair as needed.
Are the steps clearly marked and well-lit?
Improve step visibility with better lighting or reflective tape. Consider adding contrasting colors to the edges of steps to enhance visibility. Ensure that light switches are easily accessible at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
Find the Right Stair Lift for Your Home
Living Room Safety Assessment
In the living room, focus on the arrangement of furniture to allow for easy movement and accessibility. Ensure that there are no sharp corners or unstable pieces. If you have difficulty getting in and out of chairs, consider purchasing a lift chair for better support. Rugs and carpets should be secured with non-slip pads or tape to prevent slipping.
Living Room Safety FAQs
Is the furniture arranged to allow easy movement and accessibility?
Rearrange furniture to create clear pathways and secure any unstable pieces. Consider the use of furniture gliders to make rearranging easier. Evaluate if any furniture pieces need to be replaced with more stable options.
Do you have difficulty getting in and out of chairs?
Consider purchasing a lift chair for easier sitting and standing. Look for chairs with sturdy armrests and a comfortable height. Test different models to find one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Are rugs and carpets secured to prevent slipping?
Secure rugs and carpets with non-slip pads or tape. Regularly check these to ensure they remain effective. Consider removing rugs altogether if they pose a significant tripping hazard.
See If a Lift Chair is Right for You
Bedroom Safety Assessment
In the bedroom, check if the bed is at a comfortable height for getting in and out. If needed, adjust the bed height or add a bed rail for additional support. Install nightlights to illuminate the path to the bathroom, making it safer to navigate at night. Ensure that a phone or emergency alert system is within reach from the bed and create an emergency plan.
Bedroom Safety FAQs
Is the bed at a comfortable height?
Adjust the bed height or add a bed rail if needed. Consider a bed with adjustable height features for added convenience. Evaluate if a different mattress might improve comfort and ease of use.
Is the path to the bathroom well-lit at night?
Install nightlights to illuminate the path to the bathroom. Motion-sensor nightlights can provide light only when needed, saving energy. Ensure that light switches are easily accessible from the bed.
Is a phone or emergency alert system within reach from the bed?
Ensure emergency devices are accessible and create an emergency plan. Keep a list of emergency contacts nearby. Consider using a wearable alert device for added safety.
Outdoor Safety Assessment
Finally, assess the outdoor areas of your home. Check that walkways and driveways are even and free of cracks. If you use a wheelchair, determine if ramps are needed for access. Ensure that outdoor areas are well-lit to prevent falls.
Outdoor Safety FAQs
Are walkways and driveways even and free of cracks?
Repair or replace uneven or cracked surfaces. Regular maintenance can prevent larger issues from developing. Consider using slip-resistant materials for added safety.
Do you need to accommodate mobility devices?
Install or repair ramps as needed. Ensure they meet accessibility standards and are properly maintained. Evaluate if additional handrails or support structures are needed for safety.
Are outdoor areas well-lit?
Add or improve outdoor lighting to enhance safety. Solar-powered lights can be an eco-friendly option. Regularly check and maintain lighting fixtures to ensure they remain functional.