8 Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Accessible This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving isn't only about drinking and dining. It's about togetherness and for a family member who is an ambulatory wheelchair user, keeping the home as comfortable and accessible as possible is one sure way to show that they truly are a part of the family.

Originally, this will involve arranging furniture such that spaces are clear for a wheelchair to move around swiftly and most importantly, taking away possible hazards that can cause tripping. In the end, it is about ensuring everyone is safe including family members with limited mobility so much so that no one misses out on holiday gatherings.

8 Ways to Make Your Home More Accessible

Here are some pretty simple ways to make the home more accessible and comfortable for everyone — from the elderly to the youngest member of the family. If you have a family member who uses a mobility support (for instance a wheelchair), you might want to read through this:

1. Clear clutter to ensure smooth wheelchair passage

Keeping the house accessible starts by clearing clutter especially when a family member uses a wheelchair. You can quietly push aside stops and bags just to keep the way free to move around. It's a sign of care for everyone whether big or small; old or young.

2. Make seating areas comfortable for mobility support

Comfort should be the utmost thing in seating areas for everyone and especially for a person with limited mobility. You never can tell how relieved a loved one feels when they finally sit without pain or the smile that appears when they don't have to struggle to stand again because of added cushions, stable armrests and adjustable seating height.

3. Improve bathroom accessibility for Thanksgiving visitors

The bathroom shouldn't be left out when talks of accessibility arise in the home. A simple grab bar, a non-slip mat, or a raised seat can turn anxiety into comfort. You don't need to be told to do these things as not only does the improvement cause a relief, but it also makes everyone (both hosts and visitors alike) feel safe while using the bathroom.

4. Create an accessible kitchen setup for holiday activities

The kitchen should be set up in such a way that even a family member who's in a wheelchair can easily access it. This includes clearing counters and keeping essential items for easy reach. It's one thing to invite someone for a thanksgiving celebration and another thing to ensure that they join in the activities that take place in the kitchen.

5. Make entryways easy to navigate on thanksgiving day

Thanksgiving day is not meant to be tiring when it can be jolly and funny. Make it easy for family members with limited mobility to move around by removing anything on the way that can easily tire them out or trip them over like a ramp, an open door, or even shifting a plant out of the way.

6. Place frequently used items within reachable height

Make the day easier for the family members with limited mobility by placing the frequently used items at easy reach. No matter the case, beverages, cutlery, or serving plates keeping things at waist or eye level will prevent strain and frustration. This way, they wouldn't always have to ask for help to get something when they can reach out to it themselves.

7. Reduce fatigue with simple room layout changes

Thanksgiving can be made less tiring by properly organizing the rooms in such a way that movement throughout the house is natural and effortless. For instance, pathways don't have to be long and chairs should be kept where resting is easy, especially for someone using a wheelchair or walker. These adjustments might seem small but they help reduce fatigue in big family celebrations.

8. Prepare a quiet, comfortable rest area

Family members who use wheelchairs or walkers may quickly get tired from pushing themselves around the house especially when it is manual equipment and as such, there is a great need first the home to have a comfortable area where people in wheelchairs can rest for whatever comes next. This area should be comfy and welcoming with no disturbance at all.

Wrap Up

Thanksgiving gatherings ought to be safer and comfortable for everyone and family members with limited mobility are no exception. To achieve this, simple accessibility changes may need to be carried out in the home like clearing pathways, adjusting seating, or even offering support mobility tools to ease stress.

These adjustments make a whole lot of differences in many ways. For one, the inclusive holiday where every family member feels valued gives off a warm welcome. The plan isn't just to celebrate but to make the celebration an enjoyable experience where everyone shares in the happiness at the table.