A person is either born with a disability or develops a disability because of a disease or injury. Having a child or family member with a disability can change your life entirely depending on the type of disability. Different persons have different needs. Making the adjustments required for your disabled family member can cost a lot of money. It might even require you to move to a new house completely. Luckily, some organizations can help to finance your home renovation to accommodate your disabled family member. Here are suggestions on how to make your home more inclusive for disabled persons.
1. Get the right people
When it comes to home renovation, most of the time, you are thinking of doing it yourself. However, when it comes to installing wheelchair ramps and expanding pathways in the home, it is best to hire a professional. A professional can advise where and how it is safest to do whatever is necessary, especially when it comes to children with disabilities. Your family member might also need a special bathroom and a bedroom designed to accommodate their needs. No matter how handy a person you are, you will need expert help to do all the above.
2. Save on costs
Between the medication and home improvement, living with a disabled family member can get expensive. Disability insurance will provide financial protection for you and your family. However, not all insurance policies cover home modifications. It is best to do your due diligence on disability insurance to make the right decision. Companies like Physicians Thrive offer free quotes, so take advantage of that. You can also claim medical tax deductibles if your home renovation is medically necessary. You can also check the National Resource Center on Supporting Housing and Home Modification for directories of agencies that offer grants and other financial support
3. Incorporate technology
People with disabilities may have trouble reaching the switch and controlling other systems in the home. Thank technology for the introduction of smart homes. Imagine how easy it will be for your family members to navigate through the home system using a remote or their voice. Smart homes have made houses more accessible for people with disabilities throughout the country. With a smart home system, a disabled person can control the thermostat, locks, lights, and many other facilities around the home without any help. Although this technology is designed for everyone, it has excellent benefits for people with disabilities.
4. Design matters
Remodeling your home for a disabled family member doesn’t mean that you sacrifice the aesthetics of your home. With the help of an expert, you can blend the improvements to the design of your home. Think landscaping, for example, creating a natural slope rather than install a metal ramp towards the front door. It is equally important to keep the safety of other family members in mind when designing, especially if you have young children in the home.
It is important to note that disability inclusion should not only be a priority when someone in your family is disabled. It is vital to create a fair environment for all people in society.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind