For those living without a disability, we can sometimes selfishly overlook the needs of those who must adapt to each surrounding they encounter. For those living with visual impairments, modifying their home to accommodate their changing needs is crucial, and it’s important that caretakers and family members understand the vitality of this. Minor changes such as moving obstructions, adjusting colour or adding guides can make life a lot easier for those with visual impairments.
Altering your home doesn’t have to be an expensive process, and it solely depends on the individual circumstances. For example, there are many degrees of vision, and those with low vision will have entirely different needs than those who are completely blind or living with macular degeneration. If you’re looking for ways to modify your home, here at We Buy Any House we have created a simple guide to enable you to explore this further.
Modifications for Those with Low Vision:
Adjusting the Light:
A great first step is to provide plenty of light in areas of the home that have a recreational function, such as socialising or reading. Light should always be aimed at a focal point, rather than directly at the eyes. Here are a few tips to help provide substantial light:
- Floor and Table Lamps. Add these to the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom. If you want to be more strategic, you can use clip-on lights to get a meticulous amount of light.
- Natural Light: Create natural light throughout the home by adjusting blinds or investing in sheer curtains.
- Flashlight: Keeping a flashlight on a heavy-duty chain is beneficial for additional lighting at night.
Organised Environment:
Ensuring you have an organised home environment means you can find things with ease. It eliminates hazards and reduces frustration when conducting everyday tasks. Here are some tips:
- Label Everything: Labelling everything from on/off switches to cabinets with bold labels is key to reducing hazards and keeping the home organised.
- Large Numbered Devices: For things such as telephones, timers or calculators.
- Create a System: Perhaps the best idea. Keeping food and toiletries organised in a system where they are labelled and kept in the same place is beneficial.
- Train Family Members: Teach household members to respect the developed system by explaining why and why it works the way it does.
Eliminate Safety Hazards:
Feeling safe in your own home is vital. To prevent falls or injuries there are several things you can do, and here are some of them. You can:
- Non-Skid, Non-Glare Products: When cleaning your house is essential to avoid products that can cause individuals to slip.
- Furniture Is Pushed In: Simply to avoid trip hazards.
- Remove Low Lying Products: Get rid of things such as coffee tables, small footstools and electrical cords.
- Tape Down Any Rugs.
- Mark All Exits: Use bright, contrasting colours to easily signal where they are.
- Check Smoke Alarms: Ensure they are loud enough to be heard from all areas of the house.
Modifications for the Totally Blind:
If you or your loved one is totally blind, then there may be some unique additional things to implement. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to make your house safer, to create a space that is more organised and livable for those who are totally blind.
Remove Hazards and Obstacles:
Like those with low vision, its vital to remove any objects that may act as trip hazards or obstacles for those who are blind. Ensuring things are kept in the same spot, in addition to setting up an organised family system is a good place to start. Other things to do are:
- Install Handrails: Placing handrails in the bathroom (by the tub and shower), alongside any stairs in the house will make navigation easier.
- Phone Entry System: Installing a phone entry system so you can speak to someone who comes to the door.
- Identify Spots: Identifying spots throughout the house makes retrieving your walking cane down a lot easier.
- Label Medicines Using Braille Labels.
- Separate Items: For example, keep food and cleaning products separate to avoid cross contamination.
- Remove Small Objects: Things such as low-hanging lamps, or breakable sculptures should be kept out of harm’s way.
Safe Flooring:
Ensure to install non-slip, safe flooring throughout your home to help fully blind people navigate their way through the home. Here are some ideas:
- Tactile Strips: Install along routes of the house you often take.
- Warning Textiles: Change levels throughout the home and in front of doorways.
- Rugs: Ensure all rugs are taped down.
Modify for a Service Dog:
If you or your loved one is fully blind, then they may have a seeing dog. This can be a great addition, but also requires a lot of preparation. Here are some easy modifications:
- Walkways: Make sure your hallways and paths can accommodate both you and your dog.
- Fence the Backyard: To ensure your pet can’t escape.
- Access: Ensure your dog can gain access to each room. You can do this by adding tugs to each door and teaching them how to use it. Consider adding tugs to freezer, fridges and cabinets.
- Install an Automated Feeding System: So, your dog can be properly always nourished.
- Create a Sleeping Area: Make sure it’s nearby in case you need assistance but ensure you won’t trip over it.
This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you’re wondering “how can I sell my house fast?”, head to the We Buy Any House website for more information relating to all property related enquiries.
