How to Make Home a Safe Space for People with Disability
We all deserve to live in a safe and happy home! Here are some practical steps to create a thoughtful living space for someone with disability, where comfort and inclusion come first.
Speak, Listen, Observe, and Understand
This may seem like a given, but you should have an honest conversation with the person with disability before making any changes to your or your loved one’s home. Disabilities are varied and unique, and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to creating an inclusive environment. So, actively engage in open and respectful conversations (with the person with disability and/or their supports) to learn about any physical or sensory changes that might be needed. If your loved one is non-verbal, observe them in their living environment over a period of time. Which elements of your home are calming? Does anything seem to cause discomfort? Keen observation will set you on the right path.
Accessibility First
If your loved one has lower mobility, physical accessibility is one of the most important considerations for a safe home. Start with entrances, exits, and doorways—are ramps or lifts necessary? Is each space wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair (850mm minimum), if needed? Grab rails installed in bathrooms, near beds, and other key areas may provide extra stability and support.
Also, think beyond accommodations and mobility devices. For instance, the way furniture is arranged can have a big impact on accessibility and safety for someone with disability. Keeping the layout of each room simple (no weaving between furniture to reach the couch, for example) and walkways free of clutter is a good start.
Focus on High-Use Areas
Bathrooms and kitchens are often the most challenging spaces for accessibility, but a few accommodations can help. In the bathroom, you may need a roll-in shower if your loved one is a wheelchair user. Adjustable-height showerheads, easy-grip taps, and non-slip flooring may be helpful too. Over in the kitchen, think about pull-out shelves, boldly labelled appliances, easy-grip handles, utensils and more. These spaces are high-use and need to be functional, so take some extra time when assessing these areas.
Think Beyond the Physical
If your loved one with disability has sensory concerns, there may be elements of your home that cause distress or discomfort, even if they seem ‘normal’ to you. For example, some people with disability may be sensitive to certain lighting, including bright or flickering lights. The same can be said for loud spaces or textured decor (e.g. scratchy upholstery, squishy flooring/rugs). This is another scenario where an honest conversation can really help—there’s no way to ‘see’ these preferences without having a good chat or observing your loved one in their space. Speak up, listen up, and make any needed changes. Simple switches like changing a few light bulbs or adding some new cushions can make a difference.
Review and Update
Change is constant in life; there’s a good chance your loved one’s needs will change over time, and your home should adapt to these changes. That’s why it’s important to regularly review whether your home is meeting your loved one’s needs, and update supports as necessary. If you don’t check in regularly, you might not know that your loved one could be better supported at home!
Could you use some help making your home safe for someone with disability? We’re ready to assist! At Simply Helping, we offer flexible home disability support services, including cleaning and home help, shopping, transport, and more. Click here to learn more, and contact us today.