Railings and wheelchair ramps are simple but effective accessibility solutions for the home.
Generally, a homeowner who wants to improve their property’s accessibility will install railings at several interior and exterior points. For example, they may position a railing in the hallway connecting their bathroom and bedroom to navigate that space safely. Similarly, a ramp will enable a wheelchair user to enter and exit the home more easily.
However, choosing whether or not to install these home accessibility fixtures is a big decision, especially if you’re unsure how necessary they are.
To help make it easier, we’ll explore how railings and wheelchair ramps can improve safety at home, and how to find the right supplier, below.
How Do Railings Help Improve Safety in the Home?
Navigate Your Home Safely and Confidently
Railings are a fantastic option if you or a loved one has impaired mobility. Grabbing railings as you navigate your home can reduce your risk of falling and suffering an injury. They provide a fixed handhold to improve your stability and are suitable for interior or exterior use. Holding railings may also increase your confidence, and allow you to enjoy moving around your property without worrying about potential dangers.
Create a Safer Environment for Carers and Visitors
Many elderly people and those with physical disabilities require at-home care on a daily basis. And that looks set to increase in the future: around one-quarter of Canadians intend to save more to pay for home care in old age (rather than entering a nursing home) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But providing care for elderly or infirm people can be physically demanding work, and carers may need a little extra support when assisting individuals — particularly while going up or downstairs. Otherwise, both parties could be at risk of injury.
Fortunately, strategically positioning several railings throughout the home will aid carers when their own stability is compromised. Railings also create a safer environment for visitors with mobility limitations, such as elderly relatives or friends on crutches. Guests who may have previously been unable to visit due to safety concerns will feel more secure.
Prevent Bathroom Slips and Restore Independence
Anyone who relies on carers or loved ones for day-to-day assistance may long for more independence. Waiting for a helper to finish one task before they’re free to assist you with another can be frustrating. Sometimes, you just want to accomplish a goal by yourself.
However, railings will help restore a little independence, particularly when you need to move from room to room. And independence is especially important in the bathroom: we all want privacy when taking a shower, enjoying a bath, or using the toilet.
But mobility limitations can make using the bathroom alone too dangerous. Walking on wet flooring and climbing into (or out of) a shower or bath pose a serious risk of injury.
Installing railings makes bathrooms safer, though grab bars will be better suited to smaller spaces. These can be attached to walls beside toilets, baths, showers, and doors.
While it’s likely that you’ll still need assistance for some activities, you may be able to enjoy greater privacy overall with railings or grab bars.
How Do Wheelchair Ramps Improve Safety in the Home?
Enjoy More Freedom and Control When Coming and Going
One of the major benefits of installing a wheelchair ramp is gaining more freedom when you want to enter or exit your home. Stairs may be difficult to ascend or descend on foot independently, and impossible in a wheelchair.
As a result, wheelchair users can struggle to move down to the street level or back up to a doorway without assistance. But positioning a ramp between a doorway and the ground creates a safe route for wheelchair users.
It’s vital that a wheelchair ramp is placed in a secure, convenient spot to ensure your safety and that of others. It should be a comfortable distance from a road or pedestrians’ right of way.
Decrease Injury Risks During Wet or Icy Conditions
If you’re unstable on your feet for any reason, you’re at more risk of falling on a dry surface than others. However, walking outside becomes significantly more dangerous in winter when rain, snow, or ice make falls more likely. In one December alone, more than 10,000 Canadians were hospitalized after a fall. Potential injuries include fractured wrists, hips, or concussions.
Climbing just a few steps covered with ice can be a frightening experience for anyone, even those who feel stable on their feet. But it can be positively terrifying if you’re infirm or have any form of mobility limitation. And you may feel concerned for your safety, and that of your carer or helper, when being carried.
Installing a wheelchair ramp with railings eliminates the need to be carried or to navigate unsafe steps alone. Consider adding an anti-grip surface to further increase the ramp’s safety during wet or icy conditions.
How Can You Find a Trusted Provider of Home Accessibility Solutions?
A variety of other accessibility solutions are available to improve safety in the home.
For example, stairlifts are a terrific addition. The best models allow you to control your movement and stay securely in your seat while you move up or down your stairs. Movement along the rail attached to your stairs will be smooth, and dismounting is easy when you reach your destination. Read more about stairlifts in our guide to the most important features.
However, it’s crucial that you choose a home accessibility solutions provider you can trust. They should have years of experience, a wide range of products, and a fantastic reputation among customers.
Total Access Solutions has helped countless people across more than 30 years, installing railings, wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, and various other accessibility solutions. We source all products from reputable manufacturers, and our team provides expert installation and servicing for complete peace of mind.
To schedule a free consultation and discover how our solutions can help you stay safe, contact Total Access Solutions today.