As we grow older, mobility starts to become a thing of the past. Whether its due to the aging process or because of injuries or illnesses we’ve sustained over the course of our lives, we just don’t get around the way we used to. Now it sounds like I’m talking just about the elderly here, I’m not. Disability is something that happens to young and old alike and to varying degrees. The reasons why we no longer have the mobility we used to are irrelevant. The challenge has been handed to us and we must do something about it in order to live our lives with as little assistance as possible. There are some simple and inexpensive things you can do (or have someone do for you) to make life easier and safer.
1) One of the easiest things you can do is to have someone move the things you need the most throughout the day down lower. Make a list. Note the things you have trouble getting to on a daily basis and create a new space for them. Get a quality grabbing device for the things that are harder to reach.
2) Install better lighting. Replacing low wattage light bulbs with brighter more efficient fluorescent bulbs can bring things into view. Those who use canes or walkers especially need to be able to see any obstacles that are in their way. If there are not enough fixtures or lamps to sufficiently light pathways, install them. They are a inexpensive way to keep accidents from happening.
3) If you use a walker, there are some accessories you can purchase to help keep your hands where they should be, on the grips. Trays for meals, clip-on cup holders and item bags that hang from the crossbar, let you take things with you without dropping them. If something does get dropped, use that gripping device I spoke of earlier. Bending down cannot only be painful, but could cause you to lose your balance.
4) Get a medical alert button. Should something happen, chances are you will need some assistance immediately. You may not be able to get to a phone to call for help. These devices are used for all kinds of emergencies. With a simple press of a button you can summon police, firemen or paramedics. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing to have.
5) Replace the doorknobs in your home with lever type handles. Round doorknobs require you to grip and twist the knob in order to open the door. If that process is difficult or painful for you then lever type handles will be much easier. Simply place your hand on the lever and pull down. Usually just the weight of your hand is enough to activate these devices.
6) Pulling a door open is no easy task when you are using a mobility device. Unless you can get off to the side of the door, you will have to get out of its way. Pushing it open is much easier. Install hinges that swing both ways and keep the areas on both sides of the door clear of obstructions. They can be spring loaded to close the door behind you and when pushed all the way open, stay open. If choose to use these hinges make sure the spring tension is not so strong as to try to push you backwards or to cause you to lose your balance. Also, if you want the door to open both ways some modifications may be necessary to the door jamb to allow this.
7) Install a higher toilet or get an elevated seat. Even if you are temporarily disabled, say from having surgery, you will really appreciate the elevated seat. Sitting down is one thing, getting back up is a another! These seats straddle over the toilet and are adjustable in height. They are easily moved out of the way for family members that don’t require them.
8) Speaking of seats, get one for the shower too. The shower seat sits in your shower or tub and allows you to sit instead of standing. They too are adjustable in height and in conjunction with a hand-held shower head makes personal hygiene a lot easier and safer.
9) A hand-held faucet for the kitchen allows you to fill things up without holding them over or setting them in the sink. Say for instance you need a pitcher of water, it’s easier to fill it up while it’s on the counter than to lift it out of the sink. They also make cleaning the sink or rinsing dishes much easier. These faucets come in different styles and lengths and some have filters built in.
10) Grab bars can be installed just about anywhere. In the bath or shower, by the toilet, (remember that getting up part?) or by your bed for getting in and out of it. Any place you need to get up or down, in or out, or just to have something to hold on to so you can steady yourself, grab bars are the ticket. Make sure they are installed properly. Improper mounting can cause accidents. These devices are meant to be pulled on sometimes with a lot of force. They will not do you any good if they pull out of the surface they are mounted to.
11) If you use a wheelchair or scooter, mobility ramps are a big help. There are many kinds to choose from based on what your needs are. Most are made of aluminum but you can build your own out of wood. If you want to build your own, they need to have the right slope and smooth transitions. Use the guidelines set forth by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). If you want to view this document, click here. Remember that wooden ramps require more maintenance to keep them in a safe working condition. If you have the time and ability to maintain them they are one way to cut costs.
12) Chair lifts assist you in getting out of a chair. Some are cushions that can be used with a variety of chairs and others are chairs that have the lift built-in. These come in a multitude of designs, styles and prices. Shop around to make sure you get the one that best meets your needs.
These are just some of the things you can do to make your home easier and safer to live in. There are many more. Widen doorways to at least 36 inches to allow wheelchairs to pass through. Lower counter tops and cabinets. Install zero threshold tubs and showers. Install stair-lifts or elevators in homes with more than one story. Enlarging bathrooms to allow you to turn your wheelchair around. Install bathroom sinks that have room for a wheelchair to fit under. These things will cost more money and require someone who is good at remodeling, preferably a licensed contractor.
If you need to have these things done there is help. Grants are available if you know where to look. Do your research but be careful! There are many scams as well. If you purchase something to help you in this endeavor, use a pre-paid debit card. If something cost $10, get a card with $10 on it. Some companies will sell things ridiculously cheap and then start charging you a monthly membership fee without you even knowing it. If you want to pay the membership fee, simply put more money on the card every month. That way, when you want to cancel it, it will be canceled.
