Despite the fact there are more than 14 million people living with disabilities in the UK, many of whom are physically impaired, not all homes are built with accessibility in mind. For these individuals, everything from the widths of stairs and doorways, to unreachable kitchen units and high bathtubs can present problems.
Thankfully, there are various adjustments that can make a property more accessible. Here are five ways of doing just that:
1. Install a home lift

Home lifts allow those with mobility issues to rest easy when it comes to navigating the floors of their property. While chair lifts can be effective, home lifts take it to the next level in terms of comfort. Beyond wheelchair use, there are a number of less visible conditions that can inhibit a person’s capability of moving between floors, such as problems with vision or balance. A home lift immediately makes a property more accessible for those with such conditions.
If you’re thinking about getting a home lift yourself, it’s worth talking to an expert lift designer or architect as there are many factors to consider, such as why you need a lift, who it is for and how many people will be using it. Other things to take into account include the exact suitability of a model for your home based on scale and the amount of usage, and certain safety standards.
2. Add an access ramp to the property

Being able to easily get in and out of your home is something many people take for granted. Not everyone is able to do so though, particularly those that use wheelchairs. By building a ramp up to the property’s entrance, you immediately provide a simple access solution for such people.
In order to install an access ramp, it’s likely you’ll need a permit. You’ll have to meet various regulations, so ensure your plan is compliant before beginning construction. You may also be able to get council funding to help you finance a ramp.
3. Add a wet room

Being able to access your bathroom with ease is a top priority for many with disabilities. Not only is it important to have a sink that wheelchair users can reach, but the rest of the bathroom layout and features are also fundamental. Some may require a wet room with a roll-in shower and suitable commode chair, as this offers unrestricted access to all areas of the bathroom. Like with ramps, you can request council funding to help you out if you’re concerned about the cost.
You may not picture accessible rooms as stylish, but these designs can actually look very slick and fit seamlessly into the interior of your home. Be sure to consider other elements when planning, such as grab bars next to the toilet, shower and roll-under sink area — a standard 1-1/2-inch diameter bar works for most people’s grip.
4. Keep flooring flat

A small but highly effective change is keeping a clear and tidy floor space. This will help reduce the everyday obstacles met by those with disabilities, such as the blocking of wheelchairs or surfaces that inhibit the use of other mobility aids. For example, thick carpets and rugs can pose a real problem for wheelchair users, as do wide and low coffee tables.
Instead, it’s optimal to have wooden flooring that provides a flat, firm surface for easy movement without resistance. This also has the benefit of being much simpler to clean, which will prove helpful during winter months when a wheelchair may bring in extra dirt and outside debris.
5. Make your kitchen inclusive

The kitchen is often the centrepiece of the home, whether it serves as an area for family meals, drinks with friends, or an open space for homework or chit-chat. As such, this space should be highly accessible.
Having an adaptive and accessible kitchen with lowered worktops and appliances gives disabled people the ability to cook and move around the kitchen with freedom and independence. Worktop rise-and-fall systems, for instance, allow the height of a surface to be adjusted so it’s within reach. Meanwhile, larger kickboards create plenty of room for wheelchair footplates, and features like hand grips and grab bars are beneficial for movement and ease of living too.
We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with Premier Lift Group. For more features, please pay a visit to our lifestyle page.