Jeff spoke with Jacqi Dix of Personal Access Solutions about the about the things people need to consider when looking to make your home more accessible to accommodate for a disability or to age in place.
Jacqui explains that no two people are alike, so the equipment or the design in each resident’s home may be a little different. There are, however, three main elements that always need to be considered when making a home more accessible.
Independence
It is important for loved ones to feel and remain independent for as long as possible in their home, and that they are safe in doing so. A good design incorporates that need for safety and independence.
Dignity
When a person gets to the point where they need some assistance, you still want to keep your dignity and privacy as much as possible. That’s also where a good design also comes into play.
Aesthetically pleasing
Most people do not want their homes looking like a hospital. “There are products and designs that keep the residence still feeling like it’s home,” Jacqui said. “But they are functional for them and it lets them remain independent and keep their dignity.”
All three elements have to work together
It is Jacqui’s goal to incorporate all three of these elements into a successful design. This challenge often involves bathroom modifications. As an example, a barrier-free shower can be installed using tile that matches the rest of the bathroom. The grab bars used in the shower do not look like traditional grab bars – it can be a towel bar that is rated to hold up to 500 pounds, or a soap dish that can do the same thing. “People will often look at it as being a cool looking soap dish, which it is, but it also functions as an accessibility and safety modification.”
To get in touch with Jacqui for more information on making your home more accessible, please call 919-267-2610 or visit www.personalaccesssolutions.com.