Disabled and elderly people face challenges every day in their home. Whether it is having the ability to take a shower, climb the stairs or even make a cup of tea. The ability to move freely without compromise is something that people with full mobility take for granted and it is only when our mobility is compromised like when we sprain a wrist or break a leg that we can even begin to understand what it must be like to be disabled.
Public buildings are becoming ever more accessible for disabled and elderly people – with ramps, and disability bathrooms but then when in our own home we suffer and often need help to get on with the smaller everyday tasks.
Here are 12 great independent living products that will not only help us to manoeuvre around the home with ease but will ensure we remain safe when doing so.
Grab Rails
Grab rails are suitable for all over the home whether it’s along the hallway, in the shower or up the stairs, they not only offer a safety element for one to steady their self when walking it can also be used to pull up on to regain a standing position.
Level Access Shower
Stepping over the bathtub is a great challenge for a disabled person. A level access shower has almost no step at all and the entrance is large enough to fit a wheelchair or walker through.
Stair Lift
A stair lift is probably one of the greatest independent living products because it means that people that have become disabled no longer have to move into a bungalow, they can remain in their current home and get up and down the stairs easily.
Shower Seats
Shower seats offer comfort and safety when in the shower. They affix to the wall and fold down or they are available free standing.
Ramps
Ramps avoid the hassle of steps and allow wheel chairs or trolley walkers to enter the building easily.
Independent Kitchens
Independent kitchens are different from your everyday kitchens because they have space under the work tops and hob where the wheelchair can fit under to allow the person to get closer to the worktop surface. Some independent kitchens are also slightly lower.
Lever Taps
Someone with limited use of the hands will find it difficult to turn a tap on and off. Lever taps require very little effort.
Concave Wash Basin
A concave wash basin allows closer access to the taps because they are designed with a concave for wheelchair or stool users.
Low Level Switches
Low level switches are great if you are in a wheelchair or find it difficult to reach the current light switches.
Bed Rail
A bed rail fits to the side of the bed and provides grip during a lying to sitting and sitting to standing transfer. There are some bed rails on the market that fold away neatly and fit between the bed frame and the mattress with no drilling or fixing required.
Trolley Walker
A trolley walker is vital to provide safety and support when walking around the home. Not only this, but some trolley walkers have trays to help you carry items such as drinks and books from one room to the next.
Flexi Grip Repositioning Aid
Repositioning aids tie to anywhere in the home and will allow you to reposition yourself or lift you up from a seated position. The handles are often padded which enable a firm and secure grip.
All of these independent living products will give a disabled person more independence in their own home and will give family members the assurance that they are living in a safe environment.
