Improving The Quality Of Life One Senior Or Disability At A Time

One of the key ingredients in improving the quality of life with someone who is aging or living with a disability to is to create an environment in their home that allows independent mobility.  One freedom we take for granted is the ability to move freely about the home and be self-sufficient.  This actually is a bonus for caregivers and recipients.  It gives independence to those who live with limited mobility; a new lease on living life.  Handicap construction, age in place remodeling and barrier free living offer a less restricted more independent lifestyle.

Of course there are a number of products and aides that can be purchased and installed to help better the quality of life of someone living with continual mobility issues.  One of the ways to increase mobility in a home with stairs is to install a residential stair lift.  This is a universal solution that allows the stair way to be accessed by individuals who are able to use the stairs as they are and using the stair chair lift. 

A disability can affect anyone, anytime.  Whether you are living with a long term disability, issues with decreased mobility as you age or a disability that hits suddenly everyone has an experience with a mobility restriction and a decrease in independent living.   Residential solutions are becoming more common which also helps to decrease the cost associated with them.  This increases the likely hood one can be installed and give your loved one a full, independent life one that has always been in the picture. 

A stair chair lift is a secure and easily solution to the issue that comes along with owning a two story home.  The issue is common and easily resolved.  Most stair rails can be fitted to the staircase.  A slim design stair chair lift allows the stairs for other use.  Also stair chair lifts are battery operated which is a great feature for power outages.  There is no risk of being stuck.  Also a seat mounted control systems allows the operator the ability to use the lift easily.  A residential stair lift system is great for people of all shapes, sizes and mobility limitations.

Stair chair lifts should be installed by licensed age in place contractors.  There are certain requirements that need to be maintained for the integrity of the stair lift.  It is important to note that a load bearing wall is not needed to have a stair chair lift in place.  The lift fits directly onto the stairs. This is beneficial because the lift does not need to be taken into consideration ahead of time.  This means that any home can be fitted and independent living can be maintained while aging in the home environment that is familiar.  This saves costly home renovations to accommodate stair lifts. 

Creating a safe, secure home environment is the goal for all caregivers.  A stair chair lift installed in a home can give your loved one the thing they crave most, independence.  It is important to create a home space that fosters the ability to do things for one’s self.  A stair chair lift helps accommodate this.

Seniors At Home Living Safely With Handicap Modifications

When life deals a blow to the quality of life one is leading what can be done to keep and create independence in the home environment. The fact that we or someone we know will become disabled at some point or another is a vast reality.  How the event is handled to ensure that proper care is given to the home environment to will depend on the severity of the disability and the time frame of which the individual’s life will be affected.  When looking at people handling handicap disabilities or elderly individuals the prognosis is more severe and more permanent renovations need to be planned for independence within the home environment to be established.

The first question that usually arises is a question about whether or not it would be easier to move or modify the existing home.  It is important to remember that most individuals will probably want to live and retire within their own home rather than move to a facility that offers assisted living situations. Most homes will have to go through modifications and renovations to become modified for safety.

Seniors at home are more likely to hold on to their independent desire leading them to stay more physically active, leading longer lives.  The same is true for individuals living with a handicap.  Accessible living solutions and an abundance of home safety equipment in the market place make handicap construction a feasible option for almost everyone.  

One of the first steps in making a home wheelchair accessible is on the outside.  Handicap/wheelchair ramps, which are also useful for walkers and scooters, are the most desired additions individuals desire when research handicap construction contractors for their homes. Another key area where safety is at a premium and needs attention is home modifications to the bathrooms.  Bathroom safety solutions and aides can be purchased and installed for maximum safety throughout the homes bathroom. 

Mobility is a premium we take for granted until we have it no longer.  When injury, old age or illness that leaves us handicapped the need for independence does not dwindle.  It is important no matter our age or levels of maneuverability we still have a desire for privacy and the ability to do things for ourselves.   Handicap construction allows this to be accomplished within our home environment. 

Accessible solutions within the home are found in simple adjustments to the width of doorways and halls.  Simplicity can be found for opening doors and cupboards using open pull handles and lever instead of round hard to grasp knobs. Another accessible home solution that is often overlooked is the removal of carpet and the installation of tile or wood to allow for wheelchairs, scooters and walkers to move freely.  Outside wheelchair accessible ramps and walkways can be installed for ease of entering and exiting the home and enjoying the outside environment.  

Simple home solutions allow individuals the quality of life that is so important.  Without independence we rely solely upon others for our care. This is not the most feasible option for people in the society we function in.  Even when struggling with a debilitating illness, a handicap or aging we still desire freedom.  Freedom comes from not having to rely upon others for your care.  This is what handicap construction and modifications to the home can provide for you or a loved one.

Solutions To Adapt Your Home For Changing Needs

Disabilities, age and certain illnesses leave us clinging for answers when it comes to modifying our living environment to make the conditions safe and user friendly. At any season of life we could be facing the challenges limited mobility, loss of stability and decreased use of motor skills brings.  When this is the case it is evident that changes within the home environment will need to be made to encourage continued independence.  

When born with an illness or disability that lessens the skills individuals have changes are made right away to the home environment.  The learning curbs to adapt to the surroundings are simpler for those individuals who are raised adapting to the home space.  However, when the disability is sudden it is harder to change the behaviors that already exist.  Instead modifications need to be put into place to ease the existent behaviors.  

This is especially true for individuals who suddenly find they are using a wheelchair as their main form of maneuvering.  The adjustment is huge.  Mobility is suddenly not an afterthought.  It takes careful planning and maneuvering to navigate a space that was not designed for use with a wheelchair.  This is why many individuals who find themselves in this exact situation turn to handicap construction experts.  

Certain changes within the home environment make it more readily usable to wheelchairs.  One item that needs to be addressed is the entrance and exit of the home.  It is important that handicap wheelchair ramps be installed in more than one area of the home for increased safety.  Wheelchair ramps can consist of simple threshold ramps or elaborate porches that contain a ramp for wheelchair users and stairs for those with leg function.  Wheelchair ramps are also helpful for individuals with knee ailments.

Another area of the home that is especially difficult to maneuver for those with mobility and stability issues is the bathroom.  Bathroom safety solutions run the spectrum. The installation of bathroom safety aides is a fairly common job.  Bathroom safety bars can help with getting in and out of the tub, off and on to the toilet and for stability around the sink basin.  Other options include showers designed to for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility to be able to enter direct without any type of ledge to hinder the individual.  The bathroom area is the number one cause of injury.  It is of utmost importance to seek out handicap construction professional to help with the installation of safety aides.

Many times individuals do not consider future needs when purchasing a home.  This is true when purchasing a home with stairs.  It is not always feasible upon injury, illness or aging to up and move to a home without stairs.  Often the option includes adjusting the stairs to fir the new need.  This need can be met with a stair chair lift installation.  Whether needing to access the basement or top floor a stair chair lift can be installed to fit the individuals need. 

As with any renovation it is wise to seek the advice and assistance of a professional in the industry. With an increased senior population in areas such as Florida and Michigan professionals in the handicap construction industry are abundant.  If you are unable to locate a private handicap construction professional in your area contact state officials or local social workers who can help facilitate meeting your needs. 

Safety At Home Is The Number One Priority For Aging Adults

Safety is the number one factor seniors and their caregivers face when hoping to live within their homes instead of moving into nursing homes or assisted living facilities.  There are a number of safety items that can help to ensure a seniors safety as the age in place.  Handicap construction contractors can be hired to come into a home and revamp obstacles known to cause injury or harm to older adults.  Simple bathroom safety aides, handicap wheel chair ramps and room renovations can ensure the safest possible environment, within their homes, for seniors to age in place. 

As adults age little accommodations should be done to keep up with their changing needs.  This preemptive effort will alleviate a complete over haul and will allow the senior to feel more at ease with the changes occurring to them.  If caregivers come in and completely over take a home it is liable to cause a sense of uneasiness that can be avoided.  Below is a list of things to begin looking at as a caregiver of seniors approaching their golden years.

Flooring:

                The most common injury reported with senior citizens is from falls.  In order to prevent the most common falls it is important to address issues that arise due to flooring.  It is important that all rugs, runners and mats are removed from the home.  Some people recommend using sticky tape and slip-resistant backings however the safest home improvement for seniors is to remove them all together.

Bathroom:

                It is important that caregivers take a detailed look at the bathroom when thinking about the safety of loved ones.  Seniors living on their own will need to take care of all of their hygiene needs.  With this in mind it is important that the space is user friendly.  First check that bathtubs and showers are equipped with bath seats and non-skid bath mats.  The tub surface becomes slick when wet and soapy which could easily result in a fall.

                Bathroom safety aides can be purchased for all areas within the space.  Grab bars should be in place within the shower and around the toilet area.  Another suggestion that helps many seniors is the addition of a high rise toilet seat.  This makes getting up from a seated position more comfortable on the knees and other joints.  Also, turn the water temperature down to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kitchen:

                The kitchen is an area that concerns many caregivers.  There are many obstacles within the space.  It is important to prevent fires.  Ensure towels and combustibles are kept a distance away from stoves.  Place a sign with big bold letters exiting the kitchen to remind seniors to double check the stove to make sure it is off and that everything within the kitchen is back into the proper space.

                It is important to start the shift of everyday items into the lower shelves.  This eliminates the risk seniors take on when using a stool to grab something overhead.  Utensils and cooking aides should be kept within reach. The kitchen is a scary place for seniors.  It may be that eventually the caregiver sees fit to provide prepackaged food to be warmed in a microwave in disposable containers.  This alleviates the preparation of meals, use of the stove and utensils.  

Living Rooms:

                Chances are that most of your loved ones time will be spent in the family room.  Create an open environment that wheelchairs and walkers can navigate with ease. Check cords to make sure they are tucked in against walls and away from areas that they could become tangled within senior’s feet, wheelchairs and walkers.

General:

·         Check to make sure lighting is adequate throughout the home and that light switches are easily accessible.

·          Telephones should be in every room of the house.  Another aspect to think about is a cell phone small enough that can be placed in a pocket to be carried with them.

·         Medication should be clearly labeled and accessible.  Label containers with clear instruction.

Aging is the one thing all people have in common.  Clearly we will get older.  It is important to remember that as we age we will want to be treated with respect as our caregivers prepare us for our aging needs.  Not all seniors we go smoothly, renovating their homes.  Many feel they are just fine and totally capable of living as they have been.  As caregivers we understand as they age their needs will change.  Age in place remodeling should be done in a very caring, supportive and non invasive manner.  This will help keep a healthy balance to the wants and needs of aging adults.  

Home Alterations Seeking To Create Independence for Seniors and Handicap

Independent living is a must for many seniors and physically challenged individuals.  When you are using a wheelchair to access a home or vehicle that is not designed for those purposes the challenges may be a bit overwhelming.  It is important that individuals build and put in place wheelchair access points with the use of ramps or lifts to ensure access for wheelchair users.  

In order for bi-level access for wheelchair users wheelchair lifts are installed to make movement from one level to another simpler.  Chair lifts are also another option.  The disadvantage to this is that a wheelchair would need to be placed on each level.  This fixture allows total independence within the home for users of wheelchairs. 

Another room that is often brought up when it comes to independent living and access in the home is the bathroom.  Privacy is a continued desire for individuals in wheelchairs or not.  Access independently is a must.  Showering, bathing, hygiene needs and toilet issues should all be accessed independently.  This is a freedom as caregivers that should never be compromised.  There is something liberating about caring for one’s self.  Many fixtures exist to help keep bathrooms accessible and safe.  Bathroom safetyaids range from a threshold ramp to accommodate a variance in flooring to showers that individuals can roll directly into.  Counters are adjusted to fit the changing need, grab bars installed and high toilet put in to accommodate the different needs within the household environment.

The goal in home safety modifications such as wheelchair ramps and bathroom safety aids is to put individuals within the home in a comfortable, safe environment that is home to all occupants.  Ramps are a major area in providing home access to wheelchair users.  There are several different needs to fit the various uses one may be needed.

As mentioned earlier threshold ramps, the smallest of handicap wheelchair ramps, is the smallest of access ramps.  They are simple to use, easy to install and provide ease in transition between the doors and other raised areas.  They come in a variety of materials such as rubber, aluminum and wood.

Portable folding ramps are small, lightweight ramps similar to a threshold ramp.  These ramps are meant to collapse and be carried with individuals to help with access into rooms that have a small platform or areas with just one or two smaller steps.  Portable folding ramps can even be purchase for travel and put into a suitcase.  Technology advances are coming along in regards to access for individuals using wheelchairs.

Modular ramps are another option if an individual is looking for a fix that is permanent but that could easily move with them.  This is an option for more temporary, long term living arrangements that require a handicap wheelchair ramp access. 

Options within the wheelchair ramp industry are abundant. A little research into a client’s situation and needs should give any handicap wheelchair ramp seller and installer a clear picture of the ramps that should be installed.  The freedom of mobility and independence is a gift caregivers can give to their loved ones with the use of a few well thought of home safety modifications such as bathroom safety aids and wheelchair ramps.

Home Alterations Seeking To Create Independence for Seniors and Handicap

Independent living is a must for many seniors and physically challenged individuals.  When you are using a wheelchair to access a home or vehicle that is not designed for those purposes the challenges may be a bit overwhelming.  It is important that individuals build and put in place wheelchair access points with the use of ramps or lifts to ensure access for wheelchair users.  

In order for bi-level access for wheelchair users wheelchair lifts are installed to make movement from one level to another simpler.  Chair lifts are also another option.  The disadvantage to this is that a wheelchair would need to be placed on each level.  This fixture allows total independence within the home for users of wheelchairs. 

Another room that is often brought up when it comes to independent living and access in the home is the bathroom.  Privacy is a continued desire for individuals in wheelchairs or not.  Access independently is a must.  Showering, bathing, hygiene needs and toilet issues should all be accessed independently.  This is a freedom as caregivers that should never be compromised.  There is something liberating about caring for one’s self.  Many fixtures exist to help keep bathrooms accessible and safe.  Bathroom safetyaids range from a threshold ramp to accommodate a variance in flooring to showers that individuals can roll directly into.  Counters are adjusted to fit the changing need, grab bars installed and high toilet put in to accommodate the different needs within the household environment.

The goal in home safety modifications such as wheelchair ramps and bathroom safety aids is to put individuals within the home in a comfortable, safe environment that is home to all occupants.  Ramps are a major area in providing home access to wheelchair users.  There are several different needs to fit the various uses one may be needed.

As mentioned earlier threshold ramps, the smallest of handicap wheelchair ramps, is the smallest of access ramps.  They are simple to use, easy to install and provide ease in transition between the doors and other raised areas.  They come in a variety of materials such as rubber, aluminum and wood.

Portable folding ramps are small, lightweight ramps similar to a threshold ramp.  These ramps are meant to collapse and be carried with individuals to help with access into rooms that have a small platform or areas with just one or two smaller steps.  Portable folding ramps can even be purchase for travel and put into a suitcase.  Technology advances are coming along in regards to access for individuals using wheelchairs.

Modular ramps are another option if an individual is looking for a fix that is permanent but that could easily move with them.  This is an option for more temporary, long term living arrangements that require a handicap wheelchair ramp access. 

Options within the wheelchair ramp industry are abundant. A little research into a client’s situation and needs should give any handicap wheelchair ramp seller and installer a clear picture of the ramps that should be installed.  The freedom of mobility and independence is a gift caregivers can give to their loved ones with the use of a few well thought of home safety modifications such as bathroom safety aids and wheelchair ramps.

The Future Of Home Construction With Accessible Living Solutions

Considering that accidents happen at a fairly consistent rate it is probable that at some point a disability will hit with in the home that reduces a person’s mobility.  When an accident occurs it is likely individuals can find themselves dependent upon the use of a wheelchair, walker or scooter device.  Also, as people age the simple act of maneuvering around the home becomes trickier.  Often times these are the points in life that it is realized the space within the home and accesses in and out of the home are compromised and need to be updated. 

It is rare that a home is built with the limitations handicaps and aging in place bring.  Most traditional builders do not build with the foresight that narrow doors and an abundance of stairs might eventually be difficult for maneuverability.  Builders don’t build with questions such as “How would I access this narrow door?” or “How would I access this stairway?” with the same thinking as someone with a handicap or some years under their belt.  Consumers don’t often purchase homes thinking about the golden years or the what if’s accident bring. 

Accessible living solutions within the home is an industry in which is being grown out of a need that has not been filled with in the home construction industry.  Remodels of this magnitude look at all aspect of aging and handicap needs.  Handicap accessible renovations look into home modifications that make the difficulties aging and handicaps bring and work to lessen if not eliminate them.  Enhancements will improve not only daily life but overall safety as well.   

Aging in place is becoming a more viable option for seniors and their loved ones.  Many times people would rather not move late in life and prefer the idea of maintaining independence and caring for themselves.  As long as caregivers can keep them safe with simple modifications this option helps many dreams of independent living a reality.  The same is true when you think of individuals in which have been handicapped naturally or accidently.  Handicap is not a synonym for unable to.  In fact it often makes one more determined to be independent.

This was true when I broke my ankle.  I was handicapped by the fact I could not walk.  Crutches hurt, wheelchairs worked well outside of my home however inside the home was a complete disaster.  I can only imagine the same is true for others with disabilities. 

Everyone’s needs are a bit unique.  Some such as me only need to meet a temporary need while others need permanent solutions to everyday dilemmas.  It is important for us to be able to care for ourselves.  Privacy is a premium within the bathroom and dressing areas. Handicap construction teams come into homes and meet with clients to access their needs and values.  This in turn allows them to seek out areas modifications are necessary and ones that are not with accessible living solutions. 

A prediction for the future with life spans increasing is that awareness begins within the construction industry.  Homes will be seen with easier access in and out, wider doors will become standard and open floor plans will be on the rise.  It is also important to note that homes will be built with multiple bathrooms in which at least one is built with shower access that does not involve a traditional tub.  Small modifications such as these will allow the next generation to age in place with less issues then what faces elderly and handicap individuals today.