Around the House: Creating the Right Landscaping

Posted on: 18 January 2016

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a disability, you need a safe home that accommodates your needs. You will most likely have to remodel your home to make it accessible. Here are five remodels to make:

1. Flooring

The floor in your home must be stable and slip resistant. Hardwood flooring is the best choice, but it's also the most expensive. Vinyl and laminate are great choices since they are inexpensive, slip resistant, and allow wheelchairs easy movement. Carpet is a good choice for those who do not require a wheelchair. It's more slip resistant than hard flooring and feels better on the joints.

2. Bathroom

The bathroom is the most important area for people with disabilities. It's also the trickiest room to get right. Here is a guide for the bathroom remodel:

• Make sure there is enough space in front of the toilet that a wheelchair can turn.
• Install grab bars beside the toilet and in the shower.
• The shower should be a walk-in and have no curb.
• The shower must have a slip-resistant bottom.
• Install a handheld shower head.
• Install valves that are temperature controlled so the water can't reach unsafe temperatures.

3. Stairs

Stairs are trouble for anyone with a physical disability. If you have steps leading to the front entrance of your home, replace them with a ramp. If your home has two or more stories, there isn't much you can do about the stairs. However, you can set aside a room on the first floor that will be used as a bedroom. You can also have a stair lift installed. If the disabled person can use stairs, make sure they are made from hardwood flooring so he or she can't trip. Also, have easily gripped, sturdy banisters and hand rails.

4. Kitchen

Having an accessible kitchen is something many of us take for granted. If you have mobility issues or must use a wheelchair, kitchens present many challenges. Here are kitchen modification tips:

• Install a pullout counter and cutting board.
• Leave enough space beside the stove that a wheelchair or regular chair can fit.
• Remove base cabinets from underneath the sink to provide access for a wheelchair or regular chair.
• Store items within reach so that a step ladder is not necessary

5. Smart technology

Installing technology so that you have a "smart" home will make it much more accessible. This technology allows lights, fans, appliances, doors, and even security to be activated with just your voice. Many of the systems that control lighting and doors are also motion activated. Smart home technology also has the capability to detect when someone has fallen so that they can get medical assistance.

These are five ways you can modify your home for anyone who has a disability. For more information, visit websites like http://www.nationalcarpetmilloutlet.com.