So you’ve decided it’s time to bring your loved one home from a nursing facility, but before you can do that you need to get your home ready. Where should you start? Here are some tips to modify your home for a disabled loved one.
Getting In & Out
Can your loved one physically get into your home? Do you have an entrance without steps? If not, can they navigate those steps? If the answer is no, you’ll want to consider a ramp. Ramps come in many styles from wood to modular aluminum to portable folding suitcase ramps No matter what style you choose, make sure it follows ADA standards. This will help ensure both you and your loved one stay safe as you come and go from the home.
Getting Around Inside the Home
Now that you’ve gotten them inside, how will they maneuver? Do they need aids for balance? You might need to consider handrails or grab bars in strategic locations.
Are they wheelchair-bound? If yes, you need to consider:
- Are your doorways wide enough for the chair to fit through? If not, they can often be widened by a professional.
- Are they able to get into the shower or tub? If not, consider a walk-in/roll-in shower or tub. If so, are there sufficient grab bars?
- Are they able to transfer in and out of bed? If not, consider an overhead patient lift to safely transfer your loved one from the bed to their wheelchair.
- Will they need to access more than one level of your home? If so, consider a stairlift or an incline platform lift. Stairlifts can be used in almost any staircase, whether it’s straight, curved, or even spiral.
Need more help determining the best solutions to bring your disabled loved one home? Ask us about our homeward bound bundles and free home assessment.
Read more: Covid & Nursing Homes: Are they safe?
Read more: Aging in Place Guide 2021
Read more: Ultimate Wheelchair Ramp Guide 2021
