The holiday season is quickly coming upon us, which means plenty of people will be expecting guests. Some of these guests may be elderly, disabled or have different mobility needs. Making a few thoughtful changes to your home can provide a safer and more welcoming environment for them. Here’s a few minor tweaks we would suggest you consider to make your home more accessible for the holiday season.
Create A Clear Pathway
Clutter often builds up without you realising. Although you may find it easy to navigate your hallway filled with tables, decorative vases and rugs, your disabled guests may struggle. Move aside anything which is obstructing your walkways where possible, ensuring there is enough room for a walker or wheelchair to move through without getting stuck.
As well as moving objects away, it’s also worth considering the lighting. If it’s not easy to see where you’re going, you may wish to install some brighter bulbs to ensure the pathway through your home is well-lit.
Ensure Your Bathroom Is Safe
You don’t necessarily need a full-blown bathroom adaptation if you’re just making sure it’s safe for guests. However, there are a few small changes you can make. If you have mats, ensure they have adequate grip and are non-slip. Clear some space so that there’s plenty of room to manoeuvre. If you have several bathrooms, consider which one may best suit the needs of your guests and ensure they know where to find it.
Provide A Safe Bedroom For Overnight Guests
If your guests are staying overnight, you may need to relocate a bed downstairs. If you have enough space, you could choose to convert your dining room or living room into an accessible sleeping space. This means that your guests won’t have to risk using the stairs, making their stay safer and more comfortable.
Communicate With Your Guests
Remember, every disability is unique. Therefore, the best way to ensure your guests have a comfortable stay is to communicate with them! It’s a good idea to ask which adaptations they might need so you can make the right preparations.
