Making Home Modifications for Children with Disabilities: 5 Things You Need to Know
Having home mobility and being comfortable in your own home is important, especially for children with disabilities. Take on the home modifications that will make your child more comfortable.
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It is important to be comfortable in your own home. This is especially true for children with disabilities. The good news is, there are home modifications that will allow your child the ability to move around freely and perform everyday tasks with ease.
Universal Modifications
When making home modifications for disabled children, you must always keep in mind that the modifications should also be appropriate for the other people who live in the home. Even a modification as small and moving light switches can affect everyone in the home, especially if you are trying to turn on the lights in a dark room!
Multipurpose Rooms
Sometimes it is easier to make rooms multi-purposed for the sake of mobility. When you’re thinking of your modifications, keep repurposing in mind before rebuilding. For instance, if there is a television room downstairs where the child has more access to the bathroom and the kitchen, that room can also double as a playroom.
Additional Safety Features
Adding additional safety features like non-slip rugs or slip-proof concrete work will lessen the likelihood of your child suffering from a fall. There are bathroom modifications such as grab bars and raised toilets that are simple and easy to do yourself to keep your child safe.
Low Physical Effort Modifications
Keep in mind when making your modifications that your little one may benefit from modifications that require low physical effort like lighter-weight doors and drawers that move on rollers with ease. You can easily patio doors and closet doors to sliding doors so that it is easier for your child to open and close them.
Non-Permanent Modifications
If your little one is growing, your home may need to be modified again over time. When placing electrical switches and adding modifications to your home, keep in mind that modifications may need to be moved or enlarged again as your child grows.
When you’re making modifications to your home for children with disabilities, always keep in mind that other people living in the home must be accomodated. Even though it may seem easier to rebuild your home to accommodate your child, it may be easier to add simple modifications. Rethink and redesign before you make any permanent changes.