These days, it’s not uncommon to spend much more time at home, especially if you work remotely. The situation can be tricky if you’re an individual with a disability and your house was not made with your needs in mind. Luckily, you can make many changes and upgrades around your home to be happier, healthier, and more independent. Here are some considerations to get you started.
Safety Options
You can add many different options to your home to make it safer for you as you’re going from room to room. Some, like softer LED lighting and non-slip mats, are typically inexpensive.
However, you may require more expensive repairs or a complete room redesign. For instance, some disabilities may require a fully accessible bathroom remodel. Such a project could include adding grab bars around toilets and tubs, newer accessible toilets, and wider entry doors to showers.
In the case of a larger project, you’ll want to plan and budget accordingly. If you find the cost too much, consider obtaining a line of credit. A lender would look at your credit history, annual income, and other factors and then offer you an amount to help with your project. A line of credit differs from a personal loan because you don’t have to reapply each time you borrow, which is a nice perk.
Other home safety ideas that may help you gain your independence include ramps, upgraded windows that are easier to lock, and devices that help you get up the stairs, among others.
Redesign For Comfort And Ease
As time passes, technology continues to advance, and now there are new smart home devices that can help with almost any need. If you have trouble getting around and cleaning your home, smart vacuum cleaners and mops operate on a timer, so you don’t have to worry.
There are also ways to redesign for sensory impairments. Voice assistants can help those with limited eyesight turn on devices and lights with only a few words. Smart smoke detectors can allow you to enjoy life knowing you’re safe even if your hearing is limited.
When you work from home, you want your workstation to be as comfortable and accommodating as possible so you can be efficient. Invest in an ergonomic chair and a proper desk. The right desk will have your screen right in front of you and slightly below eye level, so you’re comfortable for longer. If you have vision impairments, use screen readers to adequately review essential details.
Wellness And Exercise
If you cannot get out of the house to go to the gym or take walks, then it may be time to think about how to redesign your home so you can continue to focus on your health and well-being.
Eating right and getting enough sleep is essential, as is exercise.
You may have some limitations on what you can do, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get in a good workout. To do so, look into adaptive wellness. That’s essentially making adjustments so you can continue to stay fit. So, if you use a wheelchair, you can find weight-lifting equipment that provides more space to fit your chair and do the workout. Adaptive wellness could also mean getting different workout equipment to perform low-impact exercises that are easier but just as effective.
Flip a Garage
A great way to approach adaptive wellness at home is to set up the space just how you need it. One great way to do this is to turn your garage into a gym. When you don’t have to adhere to guidelines at a gym, you can set up your equipment as necessary. Doing so will require that you declutter the space so you don’t create extra tripping hazards. Then, consider laying down new flooring with foam tiles or rubber mats. This is a good idea if you want a space to sit for relaxation and meditation. Create a floor plan beforehand to set up your gym without hassle.
Conclusion
You can utilize many upgrades and redesign options to accommodate disabilities and make life easier and safer. Home gyms, smart tech, and more can change your relationship with your living space, giving you some room to breathe. Consider some of these ideas and feel more empowered within your own home.