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Home Improvement

Making A Home Comfortable For The Elderly or Disabled

Whether you have a disability due to an injury or are elderly and have trouble getting around, being able to live on your own is a daily challenge. The good news is that there are alterations and modifications that you can make to your home that can make it possible for you to enjoy it and sustain your independence.

Declutter and Organize

One of the hardest things for a person with limited mobility to do is to get around. Having things neat and organized regardless of the size home you live in, is of the utmost importance. A cluttered space can not only limit your access to certain areas, especially if you use a wheelchair to get around, but also take a lot out of you to locate the things you need from day to day.  If you have a friend or family member who can help you declutter your home this will help to provide you with additional space and create a sense of calm in knowing exactly where everything is located. Translucent storage containers with locking lids are wonderful for packing away out of season holiday decorations, clothing and items you know longer use. They also allow you to quickly identify the contents easily when the seasons change. With the extra items removed, you’ll now have more room to get around.

Installing a Stair Lift or Home Elevator

As you grow older your reflexes and movements naturally become slower. Because of this climbing a set of stairs a few times a day can become a difficult task that you’ll try to avoid at all costs. If you use a wheelchair you may not even be able to get upstairs at all. Luckily, there are ways to improve your current status by making a few modifications to your home. Installing a stair lift can give someone who has trouble climbing a way to now enjoy the second half of their home. In addition to the stair lift, many elderly people are now opting to install a EasyClimber home elevator instead. The second option offers an excellent option for those who are not able to climb without discomfort.

Grab Bars

Remaining independent and continuing to reside in your home is important to you. It’s the place where you feel most comfortable and have tons of happy memories. Even if you only have a single story home, going down long hallways or through multiple doorways into the various rooms can become frightening in you have trouble walking or bending. Grab bars installed in hallways, bathrooms and your kitchen can make to feel more secure. They give you something to hold onto or grab onto if you become unsteady on your feet. In the bathroom, they are an essential aid for getting in and out of the tub or shower and lowering yourself and lifting yourself from the toilet.

Adjustable Chair or Bed

For the elderly or disabled getting comfortable in their bed can become nearly impossible. Because of this many opt to create a make shift bed on their couch, rather than spend time tossing and turning. An adjustable bed benefits nearly anyone but can have significant health advantages for the elderly. Many who are on their feet for even just a couple of hours experience swelling in the ankles, feet and even the legs. With an adjustable bed, they can raise their feet above the heart to improve circulation and reduce the swelling. Also, cartilage and ligaments thin as you age putting stress on the vertebrae, having the ability to raise your head and your feet takes the pressure off making you comfortable. It also benefits seniors with arthritis, allowing them to achieve a position that allows them to rest.

Staying in your home as you age or become disabled is possible. Making a few modifications can restore your freedom and give you the confidence, as well as the ability to enjoy your entire home. If you live on a fixed income and don’t have the money to invest in these needed modifications, there are federal grants available. Contact the federal government to see if you qualify.

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