Perhaps you are one of millions of Americans who would love to stay in your home well past retirement and into your golden years. Or, maybe mobility and ability challenges have you looking for ways to make the rooms in your home more easily accessible to yourself or a loved one.Before the For Sale sign goes in the front yard, take a few moments to sit down with your loved ones and learn about the many ways to make your home safer and more livable. Some involve simple changes that might make you say, Why didnt I think of that? Others involve assistive devices and aids to daily living that can make everyday tasks much easier and safer. On yet another level, home modifications can literally create new, safe spaces within your home. Remember to weigh the cost of alternative care versus the cost of making your home environment more accessible through modification. Home modifications and accessibility equipment like stair lifts, bathroom safety, ramps, and vertical platform lifts usually are not covered by Medicare or Insurance, but may be through non-profits, waiver programs, reverse mortgages, special home improvement loans, foundations and churches. If you need information about financing options, your accessibility equipment provider or contractor can help. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Amy Reid with Accessible Systems, A Lifeway Mobility Company. She may be reached at 303-693-7787or by email at amy@accessiblemed.com

People expect home to provide independence, accessibility, safety and peace of mind regardless of disabilities, limitations or health challenges. Many are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as possible to avoid moving to senior-care communities.This movement isnt restricted to people who are aging. It applies, as well, to patients with sudden health changes due to accidents, stroke, spinal cord injury as well as to those with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS), dementia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or Parkinsons Disease.If you share the desire to remain at home, will the house where you are living sustain your independence for years to come? As your mobility diminishes, what home modifications and changes would be essential to ensure accessibility and safety? Great design should be part of every home, and two schools of thought have emerged. Universal Design dramatically improves the use by everyone, children, people with disabilities, the aging population, and everyone in between. However, Accessible Design is amazingly personal, and can create a personal environment specific for your needs. Which one is better and how are universal design and accessible design different?Differences Between Universal Design and Accessible DesignIn your home, it comes down to the degree of personalization. By nature, Universal Design is improving home for use by everyone vs. your individual use. You may choose to use some of both to make your home special.Many of these concepts will help your home be easier to use. But Accessible Design goes farther, and can really future proof your home. These can also be called accessible home modifications.Examples of Universal Design in Your Home      Open Concept Floor Plan avoid sharp boundaries between rooms without doorways      Multi Height Countertops      No Step Entry to the home or rooms in the homeExamples of Accessible Design in Your Home      36 inch doorways for all entrances and doorways in the home      Barrier Free Showers with no step or door to enter      Stacked closets (4 foot x 5 foot or larger) on each level for future elevator use      Handholds or Grab Bars at convenient heightsBoth Universal Design and Accessible Design are thinking about the user and making the home convenient and upgraded. Accessible Design is truly planning ahead to avoid having to move when your needs change.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Amy Reid with Accessible Systems, A Lifeway Mobility Company.She may be reached at 303-693-7787, or by email at amy@accessiblemed.com

Perhaps you are one of millions of Americans who would love to stay in your home well past retirement and into your golden years. Or, maybe mobility and ability challenges have you looking for ways to make the rooms in your home more easily accessible to yourself or a loved one. Before the For Sale sign goes in the front yard, take a few moments to sit down with your loved ones and learn about the many ways to make your home safer and more livable. Some involve simple changes that might make you say, why didn't I think of that? Others involve assistive devices and aids to daily living that can make everyday tasks much easier and safer. On yet another level, home modifications can literally create new, safe spaces within your home. Remember to weigh the cost of alternative care versus the cost of making your home environment more accessible through modification. Home modifications and accessibility equipment like stair lifts, bathroom safety, ramps, and vertical platform lifts usually are not covered by Medicare or Insurance, but may be through non-profits, waiver programs, reverse mortgages, special home improvement loans, foundations and churches. If you need information about financing options, your accessibility equipment provider or contractor can help.Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Amy Reid with Accessible Systems. She may be reached at 303-529-1521 or by email at amy@accessiblemed.com

Wheelchair users know how important it is to have a home that is easy to access: however, sometimes the design plans or upgrades are a bit lacking when it comes to aesthetic appeal.While functionality, accessibility and safety should be your main concerns in your home, dont assume that youll need to fall short on showcasing a little of your own style.  Your home can reflect your personality and all the things you enjoy while still being functional.From vintage farmhouses to the famous American Craftsman home, there are a lot of charming features that have lasted throughout the decades, but the homes themselves are not particularly accessible for wheelchair users.These styles of homes typically have narrow doorways, narrow and winding staircases, and many built-ins that may be out of reach or difficult to use. Remember to weigh the cost of alternative care versus the cost of making your home environment more accessible through modification. Home modifications and accessibility equipment like stair lifts, bathroom safety, ramps, and vertical platform lifts usually are not covered by Medicare or Insurance, but may be through non-profits, waiver programs, reverse mortgages, special home improvement loans, foundations and churches. If you need information about financing options, your accessibility equipment provider or contractor can help. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Amy Reid with Accessible Systems. She may be reached at  303-529-1521 or by email at amy@accessiblemed.com