Evaluating Accessibility Equipment for Your Home

Aging and physical disabilities are two major factors that make people review their home’s accessibility. On the other hand, they may simply want to improve comfort and convenience. Regardless of the reason, the best way to go about this is to evaluate the different types of accessibility products available and choose the ones that best meet your requirements. If you live in New York or New Jersey, the easiest way to do this is to consult a reputable supplier of quality accessibility equipment.

Let’s take a look at the different types of products available today and their uses.

If you have problems negotiating a rise in level or a few steps at the entrance of your home, a ramp may be what you need. You can choose from aluminum, steel and wooden mobility ramps. They are designed to ensure smooth and safe access for wheelchairs and scooters, and a reliable supplier can customize the product to meet your needs. Other ways of improving accessibility to your home include widening doorways, upgrading lighting, and leveling pathways to eliminate trip hazards.

If there are more than a few steps, a ramp would not serve the purpose of providing access for a wheelchair or scooter user. The feasible option would be a vertical platform lift. Residential porch lifts provide easy access to raised entries, decks, garage door landings or different levels in a home. They come with safety mechanisms and also have battery back-up to work even during a power outage.

If your house has more than one story, you would need to think about enhancing access to the upper levels. There are two options available for this – an elevator and a stairlift. Elevators are costly to install and suitable only for buildings without space constraints. Stairlifts are the ideal option to overcome the barrier posed by staircases in compact homes. NJ dealers offer various models of these lifts for both straight and curved stairways.

Bathroom accessibility deserves special attention. Installing shower rails improves bathroom safety and ease of use. Barrier-free showers allow wheelchair users to enter easily and bathe independently. They come with proper drainage and non-skid floors. Another option, fiber-glass tub showers are easy to clean and maintain.

All of these products can improve accessibility in and around your home and enhance your independence and safety. To choose the right product, evaluate your current and future needs. Partner with a reliable dealer to ensure quick, safe and customized installation.