Disabled home extensions means renovating or remodelling a property to accommodate someone with mobility difficulties is often required following a period of illness or an accident. In other cases, it is simply because the individual is elderly and may have a combination of health problems. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment that allows the individual to continue living in the own home.
The extent of the changes can range from the addition of a few aids. Equipment such as hand rails, bath or shower seats and non-slip flooring help to make it safe for the individual to manage around the home. On the other hand, it may require some very major architectural changes to accommodate the individuals mobility and safety needs.
Purchasing disabled aids or paying for alterations and extensions to property can be expensive. It is always wise to contact your insurer to find out if your policy will help towards any costs. If your policy does provide any level of cover you may be obliged to use their recommended supplier and builders.
In the event that you do not have insurance, you will need to fund any work carried out. There are several funding options you might consider including government grants, personal loans and taking out a loan or second mortgage using your property as collateral. Once you have the funding in place and start work on your extension make sure you keep a watchful eye on your builder and the budget.
The types of aids and adaptations required will depend on the individuals level of mobility and dexterity. The person with the experience to assess the individual, their accommodation and determine the needs should be an occupational therapist. The therapist will be part of the individuals medical care team and can usually assist with sourcing aids and having them fitted in the home.
Changes to the building layout and additions to the footprint, will no doubt require planning approval. You will need an architect to draw up the plans and a reliable builder to implement the changes or add the extension to plan. Often the addition of a bedroom and on-suite on the ground floor makes it possible for those with mobility problems to return to their own home.
The addition of ramps to allow for wheelchair access to the property may mean that doors have to be widened to allow access. You may need to adapt a current bathroom or spare room into a wet room with hand rails appropriately placed. If possible, it should be a dedicated bathroom for your elderly or disabled relative. If they are the only one using the facilities, there are fewer chances of things being left lying around which could cause them an injury.
When there is not the option to consider disabled home extensions out the way, it may be feasible to expand up the way. You can then reallocate the downstairs rooms to provide accommodation for an elderly person or someone disabled. On the other hand you may find that installing a lift on the stairs or a through the floor lift is feasible. Having a full disabled home extension can be designed to meet current and future needs.
Oak Healthcare build disabled home extenstions in addtion to disabled bathrooms, toilets and showers.