Essential Home Additions to Support Mobility

Mobility challenges are a lot more common than we think. In fact, across the UK, millions of people are affected by a range of mobility issues that have direct consequences on their daily routines. Nearly 1 person in four has a form of long-term disability, some of which can be linked to mobility issues. To put things into perspective, around 7.5 million people in the UK experience mobility challenges.

It is important to mention that it can affect people of any age, and it doesn’t have to be linked to old age. For the individuals affected, maintaining independence can be extremely difficult, but with the right additions, they can improve their quality of life and live longer at home.


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Making stairs accessible

Stairs can be one of the biggest challenges for people with reduced mobility. Something most of us take for granted can quickly become unsafe or just plain exhausting to someone else. This is why you want to look for appropriate solutions, such as stairlifts, that let you continue to live at home without worrying about accessing the top floor.

Stairlifts typically present themselves as a chair that allows people to get up and down between floors without the risks of slips or falls. It means the whole house remains accessible, not just the ground floor.

Interestingly enough, the biggest advantage is peace of mind, even before accessibility. You don’t have to worry about stair accidents, especially for family members who are less steady on their feet.

Making bathrooms accessible

Bathrooms are often the trickiest rooms in the house, even if you don’t have mobility issues. It is the most common room for serious accidents, with 8 in 10 individuals experiencing a slip in the shower. For elderly people or those with debilitating conditions, even a slip can be fatal. So you want to make the bathroom safe, and this starts with switching your tub or shower for walk in baths (or showers). These become safer as there is no step to take to either climb into the bathtub or the shower.

So instead of navigating a high edge, the low threshold makes entry effortless, which also reduces the risk of falls.

You can pair it with non-slip flooring and sturdy grab rails to make the entire bathroom more manageable.


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Making the living room accessible

Living rooms should feel welcoming for everyone. But the traditional furniture isn’t always designed with mobility issues in mind. Someone who struggles on their legs may find sofas and armchairs too low. That’s where investing in a riser-recliner armchair can be a practical solution. This type of chair is designed to gently accompany the user to their feet when they stand up. Similarly, they also ease people into a seated position.

It is a great addition for those with joint and muscle pain or stiffness too, as it reduces the need for assistance.

Additionally, you also want to consider your layout. You need to make wide pathways a priority to help the passage of walking aids or wheelchairs. Keep the floor clear of obstacles that might be difficult to avoid.

Making your home accessible for people with mobility issues doesn’t have to mean major renovations. Thoughtful improvements can be a game-changer without compromising on your decor. More importantly, mobility-friendly improvements are also bringing comfort, safety, and independence to people who, otherwise, wouldn’t be able to stay in their own home.

K Elizabeth xoxox

*Collaborative Post