If you live in a traditional home and suffer from a disability or have limited mobility, you know how most home builders neglect to account for those with limitations.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of December, 2008, the number of Americans with disabilities reached 54 million. A large portion of those required personal assistance with everyday activities including such things as simply getting around the house or taking a bath.The Southern Comforts Design Home Interior Accessibility Review
Southern Comforts Design understands these challenges and works with our clients to modify a home to make it accessible, and most importantly, comfortable. We conduct a comprehensive review to look for hidden dangers such as slick floors, exposed cords, inadequate lighting and anything else that poses a risk to the occupant’s safety. Our recommendations also include solutions that take into consideration the diverse needs of the family. For example, multi-level countertops may be needed to accomodate seated workers as well as those that stand.Southern Comforts Design offers a free, no-obligation assessment. Call now to schedule yours. We can even provide you with recommendations on what may be covered by your insurance company.
919-621-2970.
Aging-in-place
As we age, it becomes more difficult to get around our homes. When this happens, our families become worried and it is often painful to admit these personal limitations. No one wants to move out of their home because of mobility issues. Fortunately, in many cases, certain home renovations will turn a challenging environment into one that provides confidence and independence. Southern Comforts Design has the experience to make your home safe and comfortable. In some cases, certain modifications might even be covered by your insurance company.Tips
- Install grab bars in the bathroom to make getting in and out of a tub or shower much safer
- Sinks can become wheelchair friendly by eliminating underneath cabinets
- Replace faucets with lever controls or motion-detecting fixtures
- Replace door knobs with levers
- Widen doorways or replace hinges designed for wheelchair accessibility
- Install pull-out shelving that brings items to the user
- Use a sink sprayer to fill pots without lifting
- Configure continuous counters so that items can be slid rather than picked up
- Lower light switches and raise electrical outlets
Our Interior Accessibility Solutions
From installing new flooring to modifying the electrical working in your home, we use our experience and knowledge to transform your challenging environment into one that is safe and comfortable. We check for things in your home such as:
- Door and hallway limitations
- Closet accessibility
- Electrical outlet placement
- Placement of light switches and other compenents such as thermostats
- Threshold obstacles
- Stairs and handrail limitations
- Floor and carpeting challenges
- and much more
Our Kitchen Accessibility Solutions
Traditional kitchens are often unfriendly and even hazardous to those with limitations. The appliance industry offers a great range of solutions such as ranges with front controls, oven doors that swing sideways, raised dishwashers, and side by side refrigerator models. We can configure your cabinets and countertops to maximize utilization and functionality.
Our Bathroom Accessibility Solutions
Walk-in tubs are the most common change made to the bathroom. For those in wheelchairs, a shower with a seat might be more appropriate. Grab bars assist with stability, but may require reinforced walls to withstand the recommended 250 lbs of stress. Taller toilets are also great modifications for those with limited mobility. We can also install sinks with friendly controls into vanities with the recommended clear floor area of 30 inches.
Wheelchair Ramps
A wheelchair ramp may seem like a good project for the weekend warrior, but it's absolutely critical to construct it for safety and stability. A well-built ramp requires proper design, planning, and thorough knowledge of the building materials. All of our designs follow the Americans with Disabilities Guidelines.
