How to Update Your Home for Accessibility

At the front of the house, some areas can get overlooked in an accessible home — areas such as the driveway and the sidewalk. Make sure they’re in good condition and don’t have uneven cracks that could be a tripping hazard.

Along the sidewalk, path lights can be helpful at night. Also consider using large house numbers in the event someone needs to find your home in an emergency.

Getting up and down steps can be difficult. A ramp is a common solution. Lowe’s has a variety of ramps in different styles and dimensions. You can install one yourself or have a service pro install* one for you. Once your ramp is in place, you can add strips of anti-slip tape to help improve traction.

Keep a clear path in your entry or hallway, being mindful of large tables or plants that might limit the width of the pathway. Rugs can be a tripping hazard, so it’s best to remove them. When cleaning the floors, avoid wax because it can make the surface slippery.

Staircases are another safety concern. Make sure railings are sturdy and steps are well lit. A contrasting color pattern is helpful for making the steps more visible. A wood-tone step would contrast against a white riser. As with exterior ramps, anti-slip tape can improve traction on many types of hard-surface steps.

If using stairs is a challenge, a stair lift is an option to help you get to different levels of your home, such as from an upstairs bedroom to the first floor living room. Stair lifts can be installed on straight and curved staircases as well as in interior or exterior spaces.

The living room is always a great place to relax and may be where most time is spent during a hospital recovery. A good, comfortable place to sit should be at an adequate height so it’s easy to get in and out of.

Large side tables can get in the way of walkers and wheelchairs, so make sure they’re pulled back or swap them out for something smaller. While sitting, a handy pickup tool can help reach the remote or newspaper from a seated position.

Also, consider installing some smart home tools. Setup is easy and will provide convenience for years to come. Smart light bulbs can be controlled by a smartphone app to adjust brightness and even color. Some outlet plugs can be operated by a battery remote, if that’s a better option. A smart thermostat is a great feature. It can save your favorite settings and adjust them for day and night.

These connected household items can be controlled with a simple voice command on a smart hub. These devices can also be programmed to call an emergency contact by simply mentioning the name, give an audible reminder when it’s time to take medication or even control smart kitchen appliances. For more information, read Technology for the Ultimate Smart Home.

In the kitchen, try to limit reaching. Install a pull-down shelf on upper cabinets to lower your food items. To prevent reaching over a hot burner, don’t store everyday items above the stovetop. Other small appliances can be kept within reach on the countertop, such as a toaster oven or microwave.

When returning home, it’s a good idea to have some meals prepped and ready to reheat in the microwave.

For more kitchen solutions, watch our Livable Design Kitchen video.

There are several important considerations when it comes to the bathroom. Getting in and out of the tub could be a slippery situation, but properly placed grab bars are a big help. With proper installation, grab bars can provide extra support and independence. To install a grab bar, follow these instructions or go to our Installation Services page to see if it can be professionally installed in your area. Another option for the tub is a temporary handle that attaches to the side of the basin.

It’s always a good idea to have an elevated toilet seat or a shower seat. Most are designed so someone can easily slide onto the seat themselves or with caregiver assistance. When it’s time to get ready, a long mirror can accommodate people of different heights and abilities. Also, keep a well-stocked supply of toiletries within easy reach for everyone.

For more permanent solutions, consider walk-in bathtubs or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant toilets.

For additional bathroom safety ideas, visit Lowe's Livable Home™ Bathroom.