Home accessible sounds great in theory, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming. Not everyone has the time, energy, budget, or resources to make their home fully accessible. We’ve built a home accessibility checklist that looks at home modifications from all levels of accessibility, broken down into three categories:
- Good – Affordable DIY home accessibility solutions or low-cost changes, some of which may require a handyman
- Better – Updates that most likely require a handyman and are also slightly higher in cost
- Best – The ideal changes for a fully accessible home, requiring a contractor and a larger investment.
Front Entrance
The front entrance to your home should be a space you love coming home to. But too often, steps and uneven thresholds can make this a dangerous or difficult space. Here are three options for upgrading your front entrance for better accessibility.
Good
Looking for a simple home accessibility modification? An easy fix for an accessible front entrance is to add a handrail. Whether you install yourself or hire a professional, there are tons of handrail options that will complement your home.
Better
Whether you are looking for a temporary solution for guests or a permanent home accessibility solution, a mobility ramp is a great option for versatility. At Mobility City, we offer numerous mobility ramp solutions available for rent or purchase, and our experts are happy to help you find the right fit!
Best
If you are looking for a permanent accessibility home improvement for the entrance of your home, consider installing an outdoor wheelchair lift. Whether you have a few steps or a whole flight, these lifts are easily accessible platforms that can carry a wheelchair up and into your home. While they do require a professional installation, they are worth the investment if you or a loved one is a daily wheelchair user.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a place for fun and family – but many builder-grade kitchens simply aren’t designed with accessibility in mind. Here are three upgrade options to consider that will improve the access level of your kitchen.
Good
It wouldn’t be a home accessibility checklist without improvements in the kitchen! An easy fix for affordable accessibility is to purchase a small, portable workspace at a lower height. Whether you use a wheelchair or have difficulty standing for long periods of time, a lower, portable workspace is a quick-fix home accessibility product that can perfectly blend into your home aesthetic.
Pro tip – add roll-out drawers to lower cabinets and upgrade cabinet handles to a more ergonomic design for a big impact on a small budget.
Better
If a lower workspace and roll-out drawers aren’t enough when it comes to accessibility home improvements, consider removing the cabinets under your sink for better wheelchair access. With the help of a handy friend or family member, this can easily be done as a weekend DIY project.
And, if your upper cabinets are hard-to-reach, check out pull-down shelving systems. Installation is relatively straightforward with simple tools like a drill and a level.
Best
The best home accessibility solution is to customize your kitchen fully to your particular needs. If you struggle with grip strength, an ergonomic faucet and doorless cabinets might be best. If you use a wheelchair, consider a roll-under sink and cabinetry that allows easy access for independence in the kitchen. Remember, the best kitchen modifications are the ones that are right for you and your needs!
Bathroom
The bathroom is a place to take care of oneself as well as relax and unwind. Here are three ideas for making your space more safe, accessible, and peaceful.
Good
Bathroom home accessibility products are necessary to maintain independence and privacy in your home. The most affordable solution on our home accessibility checklist is what we consider a “starter kit” for your bathroom – a shower chair, toilet riser, and handheld shower head. These inexpensive items provide safety and stability as you take care of everyday necessities. And, they only require simple DIY installation.
For more tips on upgrading your bathroom with a few simple items, check out our blog on bathroom accessibility products.
Better
For more stability, we recommend safety rails as a low-cost home accessibility modification. These can be installed next to the sink or toilet or inside the shower on the wall. A handyman can easily install safety rails in just a few hours, or you can install them yourself with a little know-how.
Just like in the kitchen, a roll-under sink is another affordable option for the bathroom. They come in a range of styles, designs, and prices, so you have plenty of options to meet your needs.
Best
When weighing options for bathroom accessibility, a full bathroom modification is often the best permanent solution for those with limited mobility. Grab bars and toilet risers are effective, but a roll-in shower is the ultimate solution for continued safety. While a roll-in shower can be a costly solution, it is also a long-term investment in your ongoing independence and privacy.
Stairs
Stairs can be a massive barrier to living or aging in the home you love. But, with a few modifications, you can still enjoy your home to the fullest extent. Check out these three ideas for improving the accessibility of your staircase.
Good
The easiest home accessibility improvement for your multi-level home is to add sturdy handrails to both sides. If you have a traditional wooden railing, you may want to swap it out for a more durable, metal option. Carpet or rubber grips can also easily be added to stair treads to add stability and prevent slips and falls.
While these modifications will not be helpful for permanent wheelchair users, they may provide additional freedom for ambulatory wheelchair users, seniors, and individuals with limited mobility.
Better
Everyone wants to age in the home they love. That’s why mobility aids and home accessibility products are becoming increasingly popular for older adults. Stairs may be challenging for you (and scary for loved ones), but they shouldn’t be the only reason to leave your home.
Consider adding a stair lift to help you move between floors. Whether you need a straight or curved lift, or a transition from a landing, stair lifts are affordable and easily installed in your home. Some models even pivot at the top and the bottom of the stairs for safer transitions.
Best
Sometimes the easy fixes aren’t enough. If stairs are becoming your main challenge within your home but you aren’t ready to move, you may want to research options to remodel your two-story home to suit a one-floor lifestyle. Don’t be intimidated by the word remodel. Depending on your needs and lifestyle, a remodel can still be an affordable solution – especially when compared to the cost of an assisted living facility or nursing home.
