August 26, 2016

CHALLENGES OF BEING DISABLED

Adapting your Home
Moving house and remodeling a property are significant challenges for anyone. It is expensive, can be a drawn out process, and is incredibly disruptive to your daily life! Now imagine having to do all that with a disability. The costs will be even more because it is likely you need specialist equipment and design. Because you have different physical needs, it tends to take a lot longer to find services and choose the right companies to work with. And, having people working in your home while you are trying to get by on a daily basis can be incredibly difficult. In short, there are a lot of hurdles - but none of them are insurmountable. Here are a few tips that might help you find making changes to your living space a lot easier.

Make a list!

If you aren’t a lover of making lists, it’s time to embrace the practice! It’s important to outline all your challenges and rank them in order of importance. Many people will start with the stairs and steps, of course, so look into ways of ramping, removing or adapting them to your needs. If stairs are just not an option, consider looking into home elevator cost. It might not be as much as you think, and you might be able to apply for an award or grant from your state. There are other areas you need to consider, too. Low-sitting seats and cupboards might be a big help and think about durable, smooth flooring, too. Don’t forget to include installation of any assistive technology that you might need.

Find the money!

Let’s face it; not everyone can afford to adapt their homes to their exact needs. However, there are plenty of resources and organizations out there that can help. Try reaching out to your local Independent Living Center or Aging and Disability Resource Center. The Department of Veterans Affairs is another option if you have served in the forces. You should also try the USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair program. They give loans to low-income homeowners to improve and modernize homes.

Hire an expert!

You might have a wonderful vision of how your home will look after you make the adaptations. But, without an excellent remodeler on board with the project, you aren’t going to make it happen. The good news is there are plenty of companies out there who specialize in disability remodeling. The ideal firm will tend to have people who are Universal Design Certified Professionals. Looking for one of these people is a great way to start your search. Always spend some time exploring your options to ensure you hire the right people. Redesign projects can take a long time, and you will need to have a trusting and friendly relationship. Don’t sign any contracts until you are 100% happy with your choice.

OK, so I hope this little guide has given you some valuable info on adapting your home. There is help available, and it’s important to explore all these avenues. A few hundred dollars here and there can make a positive difference to your physical challenges - so take a look around and see what you can find. And, let me know how you get on!

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