Listen to Make Your Home Disability Friendly in Zulu:
Make Your Home Disability Friendly
Things to keep in mind when you have a loved one with a physical disability.
Our Global Population Is Changing.
According to the South African Human Rights Council, the national prevalence of disabilities within South Africa stands at 7.5%.
More than 50% of people over the age of 85 are reported to have some form of disability.
With greater life expectancy and better medical interventions available to all, our population is ageing. This is a blessing we can all be thankful for, but also mean that we have to re-evaluate how we approach the physical infirmities of old age.
Chances are that you already have a loved one who will benefit from your home being more accessible but spending time and (some) money on getting your home “disability-friendly” will never be a bad thing.
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South African Homes Are Often Inherently Wheelchair Friendly.
South African homeowners are fortunate. Because we have an abundance of space in this country, our homes are usually pretty much on ground level already.
However, stairs (even just one or two steps) and thresholds are still a hindrance to anyone who uses a walking aid or a wheelchair. Luckily there are minimally invasive, and non-permanent options to combat this.
Portable slip-proof ramps can be laid across thresholds (one or two steps) and even larger staircases.
For some of the market options available, follow the links below.
While these ramps are often used to improve wheelchair access, they can also be used to assist people who use walking frames or so-called “Rollators” to move around.
Wheelchair Size Restrictions
A standard wheelchair is approximately 660mm x 1100mm. so while you have addressed your floor surfaces with ramps, now you should look at your furniture arrangements and your access doors.
Most standard doors in South Africa are only 770mm wide, which means they will be a tight fit for a wheelchair.
You can address this, without making extreme structural changes to your home by keeping doorways clear and getting rid of traditional door handles, but rather by switching to swing doors with self-closing mechanisms.
For a full guide to approved building regulations for spaces that are safe and accessible to people with mobility restrictions, follow the link below.
For a list of handymen up to the job, follow this link.
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Other Handy Ways To Make Your Home Safer And More Accessible For Visitors With Impaired Mobility Include:
Putting up handrails in strategic areas
Securing any loose rugs or floor coverings
Having adequate lighting for walkways
Ensuring that there are sufficient nonslip mats in bathrooms or installing a toilet rail
If you want to learn more about the importance and value of creating accessible living spaces for people with disabilities, follow this link.
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