20 Accessible Home Modifications for People With Disabilities

Quick Answer: Boost home accessibility with upgrades like entry ramps, stair lifts, raised toilets, non-slip floors, and bathroom grab bars—making navigation simpler and safer for those with disabilities.

Accessible home upgrades can transform your space, easing movement for individuals with disabilities. Standard home designs often pose hurdles—or even hazards—for those with limited mobility.

We’ll guide you through 20 practical modifications, including eight budget-friendly options. Plus, if funding’s a concern, we’ll spotlight grants to help cover accessibility costs.

12 Accessible Home Modifications

Where to begin? Here are 12 upgrades to enhance accessibility around your house or apartment, benefiting those with disabilities and aiding seniors in aging comfortably at home.

1. Entryway Ramps

For wheelchair users or anyone with mobility challenges, entering a home can be tough. Swap stairs for a ramp—options include:

• Threshold Ramps: Small, ideal for single steps or uneven floors.
• Portable Ramps: Foldable, storable—verify ADA compliance.
• Permanent Ramps: Concrete, wood, or metal—custom, durable.

2. Stair Lifts

Stairs can be a pain—literally—for those with arthritis or mobility issues. A stair lift glides users between floors effortlessly.

3. Raised-Height Toilets

Elevated toilets, or comfort height models, ease knee and back strain—great for adults, though less kid-friendly.

4. Non-Slip Flooring

Balance troubles? Non-slip floors—like cork or low-pile carpet—cut fall risks with grip and style.

5. Grab Bars in Showers and Tubs

Bathrooms are slip zones—grab bars in showers or tubs add stability for all.

6. Walk-In or Roll-In Bathtubs

Stepping into tubs is tough—walk-in tubs with doors or roll-in models with wide entries simplify bathing. Pros like Handybeeman ensure proper setup.

7. Lever Door Handles

Round knobs can be hard to grip—lever handles open doors with less effort. Add grips if swapping isn’t an option.

8. Enhanced Lighting

Dim homes risk trips, especially for the visually impaired. Brighten key areas—stairways too—with pro help from Handybeeman if needed.

9. Wider Doorways and Hallways

Narrow paths block wheelchairs—widen doorways and halls to 32 inches for smooth access.

10. Remove Rugs and Mats

Loose rugs trip up mobility—ditch them or secure with non-slip tape.

11. Lower Kitchen Counters

High counters challenge wheelchair users or those with arm issues—drop them to 29 inches with Handybeeman’s help.

12. Level Room Transitions

Lips between rooms snag feet or wheels—level them out for safety.

8 Low-Cost and Free Home Modifications

Big upgrades can dent your wallet, but these eight affordable or free tweaks boost accessibility without breaking the bank.

1. LED Bulbs

Swap old bulbs for brighter, longer-lasting LEDs—cheaper now and a visibility win.

2. Non-Slip Rug Grips

Keep rugs? Add low-cost anti-slip grips underneath to lock them in place.

3. Voice Assistants and Smart Lights

Voice controls and smart bulbs light up rooms without a step—great for mobility limits.

4. Toilet Frames

Skip pricey raised toilets—affordable frames boost bathroom ease.

5. Suction Cup Grab Bars

No-drill suction grab bars offer bath support—cheap and simple.

6. Rearrange Furniture

Free fix: Space out furniture for clear paths—wheelchairs and walkers glide through.

7. Extension Cords

Low outlets a hassle? Extension cords or power strips shift plugs to reachable spots.

8. High-Grip Shower Mats

Suction-cup shower mats grip tight—low-cost safety for slippery baths.

Grants for Home Modifications

Need funding? These eight grants help low-income folks or those in financial binds cover accessibility upgrades:

• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs: Disability housing grants for vets—check SAH or SHA options.
• Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps: Nationwide repairs—contact local chapters.
• U.S. Dept. of HUD: Annual grants—visit HUD’s site for eligibility.
• Rural Housing Repair Program: USDA loans/grants for 62+ low-income owners.
• Order of Elks: Community aid—explore grants on their site.
• NCSHA: State-specific funds—check NCSHA’s page.
• National Resource Center: Housing aids and training—dive into their resources.
• Modest Needs Grant: Self-sufficiency aid for paycheck-to-paycheck folks.

Contact Handybeeman for Accessibility Upgrades

Don’t tackle home mods solo—Handybeeman pros make it seamless, dodging DIY pitfalls. From ramps to shelves, we’re your partner, backed by our Done Right Promise™ for flawless results. Contact Handybeeman today to start!

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