5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Handicap Guests at the Holidays

With the holiday season approaching, not only do you want to plan your menu and set up your festive décor, but you may also need to make your home accessible to loved ones who use mobility devices.

When planning for temporary guests, whether they’re staying a day or a month, small changes can make your home a safe and comfortable place. Here are 5 easy ways you can make your home more accessible.

1)   Remove or secure all rugs

Rugs can be a big tripping hazard, and falls are one of the primary safety concerns for seniors and people with limited mobility. If your throw or area rug is small enough to be removed entirely, do so. For larger area rugs, make sure all edges and corners are secured with grippers, anti-slip mats, or a non-slip rug pad.

2)   Easily make your bathroom more accessible

There are multiple, largely inexpensive, ways to make your bathroom accessible, allowing your guests to maintain their independence and comfort.

• Grab bars can be installed next to the toilet and in the shower.
• A shower/bath mat, or an anti-slip bathtub coating inside the stall as well as a non-slip bathroom rug are easy and inconspicuous safety upgrades.
• Shower chairs are also an inexpensive way to help prevent falls in the bathroom.

3)   Handicap ramps to help your guests keep their freedom

Portable ramps and threshold ramps are a wonderful solution for smaller ramp slopes around your home. When dealing with higher elevations, a modular ramp can be rented for your short-term needs. Be sure to request a ramp design that has a ramp width of 36 inches wide to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For an ADA-compliant ramp length, you will need one foot of ramping for every inch of elevation. A consultation with a National Ramp dealer will help determine the safest ramp layout for your guest. Check with local building codes if a permit is required.

Contact Form

National Ramp’s modular ramps can be installed within a matter of hours and removed with no lasting damage to your property. Your guests will appreciate the care you put into ensuring that they will be able to get themselves into and out of your home with limited assistance.

4)   Look for and remove tripping hazards from your home

Check for electrical cords that could be tucked away or taped down, remove toys from any shared spaces, reduce general clutter, and clear out any other items that someone could trip on.

5)   Increase your light

Brighten existing light bulbs and add extra lighting where you can. While you might be able to navigate your home in the dark, your guests won’t be able to. Adding some extra light into your home will help decrease the likelihood that they will slip or trip.

From all of us at National Ramp, we hope you (and your guests) have an enjoyable and safe holiday season!