Home adaptations for better accessibility

At-home mobility

We’re here to help you.

Your home should be a place of safety, comfort, and independence, whatever your stage in life. If you’re elderly or living with a disability and need help with mobility in your home, you may need to make some practical adaptations to improve accessibility. From simple grab rails to full wheelchair-friendly layouts, these changes can significantly enhance your quality of life.

This guide explores accessible home adaptations for the disabled and the elderly, including funding options, practical solutions, and how Monarch Mobility can support your journey.

The benefits of accessible homes

Improving your home’s accessibility isn’t just about safety – it can enhance your independence, comfort, and confidence.

By reducing everyday barriers, these changes help elderly and disabled individuals to live comfortably at home for longer, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Understanding your accessibility needs

Every person is different, and so are their mobility requirements. Before making changes, it’s important to consider which adaptations will support you the most.

A Care Needs Assessment from your local council is a great first step. This free service evaluates the kind of equipment or adaptations that would help support your daily life.

Accessibility opportunities around the home

So, how do you adapt a home for the elderly? From your entrance path to your bathroom, your home will likely have lots of potential to be adapted to make it safer and more accessible. Let’s take a look at some of the key areas:

Outside Paths

The approach to your home should be smooth and accessible:

Ensure paths are wide enough for your mobility scooter, powerchair, or rollator
Ensure they are smooth to walk across
Install handrails for additional support
Consider installing an accessibility ramp for your home
Check local planning permissions for permanent ramps or lifts
An external lift may be needed if there isn’t enough space for a ramp
Install sensor lighting for safety at night

Front door

If you have difficulty opening or entering your door, these accessible door solutions may help:

Fit a threshold ramp for mobility scooters or powerchairs
For extra stability, add a door hand rail for the elderly
Use a key turner to improve grip
Replace doorknobs with lever-style handles

Internal doorways

Narrow doorways can make moving between rooms a challenge:

Widen doorways to improve access for mobility scooters and rollators
Always check for building restrictions before undertaking major structural work

Kitchen accessibility

Make the heart of the home safe and easier to navigate:

Lower cabinets and surfaces, or install adjustable countertops
Use adapted utensils and gadgets to simplify meal preparation

Stair access

If stairs are a challenge, there are a few stair aids to consider:

Install a stairlift to make multi-level living more manageable
A vertical lift may be a more space-efficient option
Add handrails or double bannisters to increase stair safety

Bathroom adaptations for the elderly

Adaptations in the bathroom can reduce risks of slips and falls and provide support for the elderly:

Add bath, shower and toilet grab bars for extra support
To avoid steps, consider installing a wet room or walk-in shower for the elderly
Flip-down shower chairs, bath lifts and walk-in accessible baths are ideal for those unable to stand for long periods of time

Moving around the home

Good mobility in your home depends on space and layout:

Rearrange furniture for clear walkways
Replace thick carpets with wooden flooring for easier wheel access
Remove clutter and trip hazards

Furniture solutions

Specialist mobility furniture can increase your comfort and safety, they include aids for getting in and out of bed and reclining chairs:

Rise and recline chairs help you get into a standing position and elevate your legs while sitting
Adjustable beds make getting in and out of bed easier
Long-handled grabbers reduce the need for bending

Funding to help you adapt your home

Who pays for home adaptations? If you are worried about the cost of accessible house adaptations for disabled or elderly living, there could be funding available to you.

The Disabled Facilities Grant is a government grant for home improvements, which offers support for major changes like ramps or widening doorways
Charities that may be able to support funding include:

Funding to help you adapt your home

Making your home more accessible is more than just comfort – it’s about maintaining your independence and quality of life. Whether you install a simple disabled hand rail or a complete wet room, there are solutions to suit every home and every need.

Monarch Mobility provides a range of home aids for the elderly, from mobility scooters and rise recliner chairs to threshold ramps.

Contact the team to see how we can help make your everyday living easier.