Whether you are hoping to care for an aging parent at home, a family member has been diagnosed with a disability, or you have friends who would find your home more comfortable if it were more accessible, there are tons of reasons to modify your home for accessibility.
A handrail kit or two, non-slip flooring, grab bars, larger showers, walk-in bathtubs, automatic doors, rocker light switches, lighting upgrades, and home monitoring systems are all worthwhile home upgrades. Most of these home improvements are affordable and can be managed with a DIY approach; others are a bit more costly and require professional installation.
Nevertheless, here are five compelling reasons to make your home more accessible.
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Your Home Will Be Safer
It’s not only seniors and disabled individuals who are at risk of accidental slips and falls that can sometimes dangerous; homes that are not accessible are somewhat dangerous for anyone. Handrails, grab bars, walk-in bathtubs, and non-slip flooring can all effectively reduce slip and fall risks at home.
Installing grab bars and handrails at key points throughout your home where slips and falls are a concern is crucial. The bathroom, kitchen, and stairs are all key points.
Enjoy Heightened Convenience
While some home accessibility upgrades focus on reducing the risk of accidental injury, others aim to make homes more convenient. Smart lighting, automatic window shades, smart door locks, and automatic doors are all examples of home improvements that will make it easier for seniors and disabled individuals to get around your home. At the same time, you can enjoy the heightened convenience these upgrades have to offer.
Boost Home Value
Even though most accessibility upgrades won’t impact property value, some can make a difference to the value of your home. Large showers, walk-in bathtubs, automatic doors, and smart home upgrades can increase value.
These upgrades will also make your home more appealing to the buyers’ market because these upgrades improve convenience and quality of life.
Aging-In-Place
One of the more common reasons homeowners upgrade their homes for accessibility is to make aging-in-place possible. When deciding to grow old in the comfort of your home, it’s crucial that your home is safe enough to be comfortable.
That said, it’s still wise to consider live-in care if you are thinking about retiring at home. Live-in care is an affordable alternative to retirement communities and nursing homes.
Inclusivity
Even if you aren’t comparing retirement options, it’s still worthwhile to make your home accessible for family, friends, and acquaintances who visit. Various parts of a home can be impossible to navigate when living with mobility problems safely, so it’s positive to inclusivity to make sure your home is comfortable for anyone who visits.
Whether you decide to install a few handrails and grab bars or invest in smart home upgrades, there are many reasons to make your home more accessible. Moreover, you don’t need an extensive budget either because you can gradually add accessibility to your home as your budget allows.
