How Mobility Issues Affect Life and the Modifications to Accommodate Them

Many people struggle with mobility issues, especially as they age. These struggles can have a major impact on every aspect of life, from where you sleep to what daily medications you need to take, and more. Fortunately, some modifications can be made to the home to help accommodate a lack of mobility and ensure a better quality of life overall. You may also consider to get a stairlift installed by thyssenkrupp

Struggling to Climb Stairs Means It May Be Time for an Elevator

A lack of mobility would make it difficult for individuals to walk up and down their stairs. If they once slept upstairs, a person may now be inclined to make a room for themselves downstairs to avoid them. Rather than avoid an entire floor of the house, a home elevator may be a possible solution. Easy Climber residential elevators can take just days to install and will provide a means of transport from one floor of a house to the next. It even comes with a built-in phone system in case of an emergency and has grab bars inside to allow a person to steady themselves when in motion. Then there are Stiltz residential elevators which can just one day to put in with no hydraulics or supporting walls required this makes for a quick and easy option for homeowners who may have an immediate need for a home elevator.

Frequent Falls Means Removing Rugs

Individuals having a hard time getting around may find themselves falling more often than usual. Falls can easily lead to broken bones and other severe injuries if people aren’t careful. It’s best to find ways to prevent them. Removing rugs is one of the best options, as these tend to be hazardous for anyone with mobility issues. They can be tripped over easily as the edges come off the floor and catch the feet. Adding non-slip mats to certain areas of the home may be wise as well, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

Wheelchair Use Means Creating an Open Floor Plan

Some people require the use of a wheelchair to get around since they have little to no use of their legs. Wheelchairs need a lot more room to move around effectively, making it necessary to have a pretty open floor plan within the home. Walls may need to be knocked out to provide wider spaces, or it could be as simple as moving furniture to create bigger paths. Home design is important for proper wheelchair access.

Trouble Rising From a Seated Position Means Adding Grab Bars

Trouble sitting down or getting up is common in senior citizens. Many lose their strength and muscle mass, making it difficult to get themselves up or down without help. Adding grab bars is one of the best safety measures in this instance, as the bars provide a support system that people can use to pull themselves up from where they’re seated. These work well next to toilets and in showers, and can even be placed in other areas of the home if desired.

Difficulty Turning Knobs Means Switching to Levers

With mobility issues comes trouble with strength. While people already have trouble walking due to poor lower body strength, they may also experience problems with upper body strength. This can make it difficult to twist doorknobs and push open doors to get through. Not only should door handles be moved lower so people in wheelchairs can reach, they should also be changed to levers instead that are much easier to manage. A simple downward push opens most of these doors instead of having to twist and turn.

With these modifications made, individuals struggling with mobility can have some of their problems solved. There will still be struggles and dangers to watch for, but making modifications to the home is the best way to ensure a better quality of life and a more secure environment. It’s wise to start making some of these changes before mobility becomes such a problem and makes them difficult to accomplish.