4 Quick Modifications You Can Make For Physical Limitations

Whether you are not allowed to make modifications to your current residence or they are not affordable, you may need temporary fixes to make your living situation more accessible. There are ways you can make your residence adapt to your changing needs without significant renovations.

Change Your Seating Areas

A common problem with seating areas is they are too low to sit down comfortably or once you are seated, you may have difficulties standing up. If you can afford to invest in a chair specifically dedicated to your needs, invest in a lift recliner. Many models allow the entire recliner to incline so it is easier to sit in the chair. Once you are seated, you can use a button to make the chair return to its normal position. Although this an excellent option, you may have other seating areas that need modifications. Check out a company like Corner Home Medical for more information on lift chairs.

You can change almost any seating area by adding height to the seat cushion or including a seat cushion if one does not exist. Wedge cushions can be placed under the cushions of a sofa or added to a dining room chair to make them more accessible. The additional benefit of this type of modification is the cushion can be moved aside if anyone living at your residence or a visitor does not need the extra help.

Add A Portable Ramp

Exterior stairs can also be a challenge with mobility limitations, even if you are not using a wheelchair. A portable ramp is your best solution to increase wheelchair accessibility or if you have joint pain and range of motion concerns. A small metal ramp can be installed immediately outside of exterior doors if they are not flush with the porch or walkway. Larger portable ramps can be used to cover small exterior staircases. If you live in an apartment, talk with your property manager about the best location to include a portable ramp, especially if the stairs do not immediately lead to your apartment. Since portable ramps are designed to be lightweight, a friend or family member can usually help with the setup.

Keep The Bathtub Accessible

There is no reason to skip soaking in the tub or find alternative ways to bathe. Bathtub lifts can be a more affordable solution over installing a walk-in tub. Additionally, since bathtub lifts are not permanently affixed to the wall, they work well for apartments or if you do not own your residence. There are several styles of bathtub lifts, with most using a rechargeable battery to power the lifting mechanism. You can sit in the bathtub lift without trying to step over the tub. Once you are properly seated, the lift will gently lower you into the tub. Bathtub lifts give you the best of both worlds. They can be used as a shower chair and also allow you to take a hot bath. If there are other people inside your home that do not need the extra help, the bathtub lift can be removed and set aside for full use of the bathtub.

Make Personal Care Easier

In addition to showering, there are other aspects of personal care that can become more challenging with physical limitations. Inflatable basins are one option to make simple personal care tasks easier when standing up at the sink is difficult or your current sink is too high to be accessible. Some inflatable devices are made specifically to help people wash their hair when they are confined to the bed or need to remain seated. Similar devices can be used to wash or soak your feet while seated or as a bedside sink for brushing your teeth or washing your face. The drainage tube makes it easy to remove the water in nearby sink, bathtub, or toilet.

When you are faced with changes in your mobility or physical needs, it is not always possible to have permanent household modifications. There are several temporary fixes you can make to create more accessibility in your current residence.