If you’re one of the 2.2 million people in the United States who depend on a wheelchair for mobility to aid in your day-to-day life, you know just how important quality home access is. From exterior gravel walkways and driveways, elevated entrances, and narrow doorways, to impossible flooring surfaces and inaccessible counter tops, your home can be filled with challenges.
In a 2016 study published in the International Journal
of Environmental Research and Public Health, participants with various
functional limitations saw major benefits from home modifications. They
included a reduction in falls and injuries, improved psychological effects that
came with feeling more safe, and a positive effect on their quality of life.
With these great benefits in mind, it might be
time to consider some ways you can decrease your frustration and increase your
mobility. Let’s examine some cost- and eco-friendly accessibility home
modifications.
One of the easiest things you can do to get
started on your accessibility project is to remove hazards. Long electrical
cords, precarious or oversized furniture, throw rugs, and any item that poses a
risk or is an obstacle should be discarded.
Build a
Sustainable Wheelchair Ramp
Aluminum and concrete ramps can both be
costly, and neither are a great friend to our environment. Instead, consider building a wooden ramp from sourced
sustainable wood. Wood is a durable product that can be stained or painted to
be more aesthetically pleasing at your home’s entrance. Consider adding sand in
the paint to prevent slipping. A wooden ramp will cost between $100 and $250
per linear foot.
Switch
to LED Lighting
If you’re not already using LED lights, switch
now. LED bulbs provide a one-directional light source that is brighter than
traditional incandescent bulbs. Besides the safety perks of seeing better, they
last longer and are one of the most efficient forms of lighting. According to the
U.S. Department of Energy, you can save $75 a year by replacing your five most
frequently used light fixtures with an energy-efficient bulb.
Install
Eco-Friendly Flooring
Traveling over carpets can be virtually
impossible, and ceramic tile can make for a slippery, bumpy surface. Consider
these eco-friendly flooring substrates instead:
●
Cork floors are a cost-effective
and eco-friendly way to have a smooth surface throughout your home.
Manufacturers now offer cork products in engineered panels that simply snap
together without the need for glue or nails, making this a much easier installation than a hardwood
floor. Note that cork floors won’t work
in your bathroom as they are susceptible to swelling from water.
●
If you want to stick with the look
of hardwood, laminate flooring is a cost-effective,
durable, and more stain-resistant option. The ⅜” boards come in a
tongue-and-groove style and lock together so glue is not required. This allows
for errors and reinstallation as much as needed. And if you’re not a hardwood
fan, laminate flooring comes in a tile look as well.
Add
faucet aerators
Being in a wheelchair can mean extra time at
your sink, and one easy economical fix to save water is to add inexpensive
faucet aerators. These allow water to flow without having to turn water on full
blast. The estimated savings from these devices is around
$110 per year for each faucet, so it’s worth the roughly $2 to $5 you’ll spend
on each.
Replace
Standard Door Knobs
Doorknobs require a tight grip and a twist of
the wrist that can be complicated. Lever pulls, on the other hand, can be
operated with a single closed fist.
Install
180-Degree Cabinet Hinges
These concealed hinges allow for cabinets to
close themselves automatically. And by increasing the degree level, you’ll be
able to open your cabinets wider for easier access.
Making your home more accessible will lead to
less frustration, improved mobility, and a higher quality of life. You’ll be
able to enjoy day-to-day activities with more efficiency, leaving time for more
enjoyable activities. Above all, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re
self-sufficient and safe.
About the Author:
As a parent and teacher, Caroline Hampton strives to promote cultural
awareness through the power of information. She is passionate about
helping parents and teachers spread knowledge to their children.
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