Finding
the right apartment for the right price, packing, and saying goodbye
to your old neighborhood can be difficult. However, if you have a
physical disability, the process can be even more difficult. From
finding the amenities you require to creating a home that is both
comfortable and safe, it is possible to live alone with a disability.
The
following are a few simple tips to help you live safely and happily
in your new apartment.
Hunting
for Your Ideal Apartment
Finding
the ideal apartment that meets both your budget and your needs can be
tricky. The following tips will make your hunt for your new apartment
less stressful and more efficient:
- Create a
budget.
When
creating a household budget, set aside around 25 to 30 percent of
your monthly income for rent. If you cannot find a
handicap-accessible unit in your price range, ask your local
Department of Disability Resources about rental assistance or
affordable housing options in your area.
- Consider the
location.
Find
an apartment that is close to your job, shopping, restaurants,
grocery stores, and friends and family, as well as a convenient
distance away from your doctors and physical or occupational
therapists.
- Ask about
amenities.
Is
the laundry service in the apartment building handicap-accessible?
Can you easily access the mailboxes? Ask questions about the
amenities to determine if you can easily enjoy them.
- Ask to speak to
another tenant.
Locate
another tenant in the building and ask them about the apartment, the
area, and how living independently has helped them gain confidence.
Look
for an apartment that is specifically handicap-accessible and, if
necessary, low income. At the very least, the apartment should
feature wide doors, ramps, stairway lifts or elevators, grab bars
next to the toilet and shower, flooring that is easy to maneuver
over, and easily-accessible light switches and thermostat. Some
apartment complexes claim to be handicap-friendly but are not
compliant with state or federal standards or your needs.
Making
Your Kitchen More Handicap Accessible
Between
entertaining friends and family and making yourself a quiet dinner on
a Sunday afternoon, you will be spending plenty of time in your new
apartment's kitchen. Here are a few suggestions you can follow that
will help you live more easily in your new kitchen:
- Ask about any
modifications you can make.
Removing
cabinet doors from below the sink can make it more accessible.
Removing upper cabinet doors can also make it easier for you to see
what is inside. Before making any changes, ask property management
if this is allowed.
- Keep commonly
used items front and center.
This
will help you access the items you need the most quickly and easily.
- Purchase smaller
furniture.
Invest
in a smaller dining table and a couple of chairs. If you need a
microwave cart, choose one that is smaller and shorter. This will
provide you with more space for mobility.
- Invest in lazy
Susan's.
Lazy
Susan's are circular shelves you can rotate. These can be placed in
your cupboards or refrigerator to make accessing items much easier.
- Purchase clear
shelving.
Clear
shelves will allow you to see what is stored on them with greater
ease.
Invest
in a few claw grabbers, which can be used to grab items that are out
of reach. This will allow you to access higher shelving, which
increases your storage options.
Making
Your Bathroom More Handicap Accessible
Approximately 235,000
Americans
over the age of 15 visit the emergency room each year after suffering
an accident in the bathroom. In addition to having safety bars
installed anywhere in the bathroom you need to sit down, including
the bathtub, there are several other things you can do to make your
bathroom safer.
For
example, if you have limited mobility, you can install non-slip rugs
inside the tub and on your bathroom floor. If you have trouble
accessing your medicine cabinet, purchase a shower chair and lower
shelving. For individuals who have trouble getting on and off the
toilet — which can happen if it is lower to the ground — invest
in an elevated toilet seat with safety bars.
Making
Your Bedroom and Living Room More Handicap Accessible
The
easiest, most cost-effective way to make your living room and bedroom
easier to get around in and to prevent any unnecessary spills and
accidents is to leave as much open floor space as possible. This
could mean anything from investing in a smaller couch to purchasing a
smaller stand for the television in your living room.
A
lower-profile bed will make getting in and out easier and will take
up less space. Keep your furniture in the bedroom to a minimum, as
well. Ask the property management company if you can install safety
bars near the bed to help you get in and out with less risk of
falling.
Finding
the ideal apartment when you are living with a physical disability
can be challenging. With a little extra research and some minor
upgrades, you can make your apartment work better for you. If you
need help finding housing, contact Robert
Cottingham Property Management
.
