Creating a Safe and Healthy Home Environment

You want your home to work with you, not against you. The home should be a safe, comfortable environment that provides the support you need; and if you’re physically disabled, you may have found that your home’s default settings don’t necessarily do that for you.

Let’s talk about changes you can make to help make your home a supportive environment where your needs are taken care of.

Auditing Environmental Quality

The climate our home creates is something that can have serious effects on our mental and physical health – and these effects are often subtle. Water quality, for example, is something that not many of us think about – the quality of water we get is affected by our location, our service provider, and the state of our utilities. But poor quality water can cause all kinds of health issues, from short-term concerns like headaches and skin rashes to chronic conditions such as reproductive issues and cognitive impairment.

Similarly, poor-quality lighting can lead to an uptick in falls and injuries, making it more difficult for you to navigate your home. It can also cause or amplify certain mental health concerns, like depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Poor air filtration can lead to lung disease, infections, and even lung cancer – and it can be a persistent nuisance for those with allergies, as a greater quantity of allergens tend to linger in such homes.

That being said, not all environmental concerns are so difficult to detect. If you have a disability that affects your mobility, you may require additional support as you traverse your home. An abundance of stairs, high bathtub walls, and inaccessibly placed cabinets are all extremely common elements of housing that can cause distress, or even injury, if not dealt with.

Before we dive into recommendations for renovations, we want to acknowledge that when the list is complete, reshaping your home to your needs can feel like a monumental task. Rest assured that there are accessible solutions available for every line item on your list and that you’ll find employing them well worth the effort.

Making Changes

First, consider the physical elements of your home: how can you make it easier to navigate? You might try:

Adding bars and handrails to bathrooms, especially near the toilet and in the shower. You might also consider adding a seating area in your shower, as this will allow you to shower comfortably without putting too much strain on yourself.
Replacing stairs with ramps, widening your stairs to provide more surface area, or adding guard rails and handrails to reduce your risk of falling. Your method of addressing the stair issue will vary depending on your budget and the modifications you wish to make.
Purchasing furniture that makes room for your assistive technologies, like dining room tables that accommodate wheelchair seating or couches with adaptive seating options.
Eliminating trip hazards, replacing old carpeting and covering hardwood floors. Stick your new rugs to the floor with adhesive, especially if you plan on employing area rugs, as you want to limit the possibility of raised carpeting as much as possible.

After making these physical modifications, consider how you can make changes to your home’s climate. These changes can include:

Adding water filtration systems throughout your home. From filters that attach to faucets to tank-like systems for water processing, these systems will make sure the water you use throughout your home is clean and ready for use.
Installing new air filtration systems. Whether you opt for high-efficiency filters, UV lights, or HEPA filters, air filtration systems can reduce the pollutants inside your home. In addition to helping filter out allergens, pumping your home with clean air reduces your chances of contracting any number of nasty physical conditions.
Implementing new lighting systems. Smart lighting options can automatically adjust lighting inside your home to illuminate spaces thoroughly and as needed.

Remember too that if you are working alongside a caregiver, they can help you make some of these adjustments. They may also benefit from using some of the technologies and modifications themselves.

With physical and environmental obstacles to happiness out of the way, you’ll be comfortable in a home that adequately supports your needs. Stay responsive as those needs change, and be open to continuing to adapt, and you’ll be in a home that empowers you to be happy and healthy.

About Amanda Winstead

Amanda Winstead has written 4 posts in this blog.

Amanda Winstead is a writer focusing on health, wellness, and the healthcare industry. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on X.