Like all things disability related, there's no one-size-fits-all accessible home. Even little changes can make a big difference to your safety and independence, as well as the enjoyment of a home especially for those experiencing reduced mobility, sight impairment or even dementia.
Kati Innes is a specialist housing occupational therapist (OT) who helps clients make all kinds of adaptations. "There are lots of great temporary solutions for renters or those saving towards a renovation," she says. "Modular ramps are often quick to install and being able to get in and out of the house easily benefits both mobility and mental health." She also suggests looking at better lighting and voice-activated smart appliances, heating controls and lights, which are operated through an app. Adding handrails on the stairs can make a home safer. Think about your flooring switch to hard flooring for wheelchairs, or carpets for people with dementia to soften any overwhelming noise.
Bathroom and kitchens ideas
In bathrooms, taps with levers are easier to use and adding a darker toilet seat can help those with visual impairment. A shower seat or stool and grab rails can make people feel more secure. Horizontal rails offer support when pushing up or lowering down and with side transfers, while vertical rails can help when pulling up into a standing position or needing to stay balanced.
"WashPods can be fitted to properties internally or externally and provide access to showering and toileting facilities with minimal adaptations to a property. Plus, I like wall-fixed hoists. There is no need for structural works to ceilings and they are easy to remove," says Kati.
"In a kitchen, something as simple as one lowered surface or a pull-out table gives a wheelchair user the ability to prepare food or make a cup of tea," she adds. You can often install pull-out wicker or wire baskets and carousels to existing kitchen cupboards to make access easier. If you are able to fit a new kitchen, look at rise-and-fall worktops that can be adjusted for different family members.
Whatever changes you're thinking of making, it's a good idea to seek advice from an OT or trained assessor. Contact the social care department of your local authority for a needs assessment or approach Adapt & Live, a charity that supports independent living. Depending on where you live, local authorities may provide some equipment or fund smaller adaptations.
Daily gadgets
Small, affordable gadgets can aid daily tasks. For example, a kettle tipper can help with the pouring of a kettle for people with limited dexterity or a weakened grip. There are also long-handled products designed for people with limited reach or flexibility. If you have reduced strength in your hands or fingers, plug pulls and tugs can help you remove standard plugs out of a socket, and tap turners can help grip standard taps. You can create kitchen aids with 3D printing such as bottle/can openers and accessible handles. Search for designs to download at printables.com/model and you can find 3D printing services on etsy.com as well as ready-made aids.
Tips for bigger adaptations
If you do find you need to make permanent and costly changes, research is key. That's something I know from first-hand experience, as we recently completed a home adaptation for our son Ted (see panel on p41). Get in touch with your local authority to see if there are grants available and to check building regulations.
Sandra Bentley is a wheelchair user and adapted her home four years ago to create a downstairs wet room and bedroom and new kitchen. She recommends asking a family member or friend to help with the budgeting and find a good surveyor. "There is often one in the council's planning department, which can save you 10-15 per cent compared to using a project management agency," she says. "Always use accredited tradespeople and ask for information on building costs - such as the price per square metre for tiles or flooring then you can find something you like without blowing the budget. And get creative. Many aspects of your build will be VAT exempt, but you can save even more with savvy choices. I got a standard kitchen from Howdens but had the cabinets lowered, making it an 'adapted' product that was no longer subject to VAT. I chose a sturdy towel rail that doubled as a grab rail by the toilet, as the look is so much better than the traditional rails. Make changes that fit with your style and aesthetic," says Sandra.
Kati agrees but warns against winging it: "Often people choose kit because it looks nice rather than looking at whether it does the job. The key is to get advice from a surveyor and OT. Have a discussion to ensure the features that are not disability-specific can be more personalised - the tiles in a bathroom, the flooring, colour and designs. You can recess the hoist track into the ceiling (which is necessary if the ceilings are low) - this looks much nicer."
If you're looking for design inspiration, try searching Instagram hashtags such as #InclusiveDesign, #InclusiveChic and #AccessibleArchitecture. Or visit the Accessible Homes UK Facebook group for more useful ideas from others in the same boat. And for products, there are the exhibitions, Kidz to Adultz and Naidex, advises Kati. With some careful planning and clever products, whatever your adaptation needs, you can create a space that really works.
EMMA AND TED'S COOL ADAPTED HOME
We added an extension across the back of our Edwardian house giving my son Ted, 13, who has cerebral palsy, a lounge/therapy room, a bedroom and a bathroom, with H-frame hoisting connecting all three. To manage the budget, we spent more on the infrastructure (wide pocket doors, great hoists, external doors that offered the most level thresholds possible) and saved on the fixtures and fittings. We colour matched paint to more expensive brands, and used a local kitchen supplier, which helped get the look we liked for less. Our big win is Ted's bathroom. The colourful floor tiles with the right non-slip rating are functional and fun (with zero hospital vibes). We saved money by not having a high-low bath and the shower trolley doubles as a changing bed. It was provided by the council, so that saved on cost, too.
[USEFUL RESOURCES]
* adaptandlive.co.uk Advice line and OT services.
* turn2us.org.uk Charity offering advice and grants.
* livingmadeeasy.org.uk Advice on accessible equipment and stockists.
* innovacareconcepts.com Accessible hoists and kitchens for your home.
* dignityaccess.co.uk WashPods for a range of needs.
* Accessible Housing Matters UK Podcast discussing inclusive design and accessible homes.
CAPTIONS:
This Freedom kitchen from Innova features electric rise-and-fall worktops and wall cabinets that you can adjust with a button. It also has a front access tap and smart extractor hood
