Adapting to a change in health or mobility can be stressful enough. Factoring in making your home accessible can add to that stress. If your mobility is affected in the short term, your home may need adaptations. However, you might not want these to be permanent, so what can you do?

Temporary disabilities need temporary accessibility solutions – and luckily, many solutions can help aid your recovery and make life easier while you recuperate at home.

Access: Getting In And Out Of Your Home

When it comes to temporary home adaptations, a simple starting point is the front of your house. 

How easy and safe is it to get in and out? Are there any steps or tricky terrain?

Ramps

Accessibility ramps don’t have to be permanent. Several temporary ramps can be fitted over steps and thresholds for easy access when using crutches, walkers or wheelchairs. 

Did you know that the John Ford Group provides a professional, fast, and reliable ramp installation service? We have many years of experience in home adaptations, and our experts work with you to make the changes you need for a better quality of life. 

Handrails

Adding temporary handrails to stairs and other areas where additional support and stability are required ensures users remain safe getting in and out of the home. 

Threshold Ramps

Threshold ramps are small ramps designed especially for bridging the height difference between the ground and an entryway. They can be moved and stored when required and provide a sturdy, safe passage when in use. 

Temporary Bathroom Adaptations

Beyond entering and exiting the home, temporary home adaptations don’t get more important than the bathroom, given the risk of slips and falls.

Grab Rails

High on the list of temporary home adaptations in this space is the grab rail. Installing temporary grab rails in the shower, bath, and near the toilet provides something to hold onto for support whilst using important personal care facilities. These are so handy you may choose to keep them up for added safety.

Shower Chair Or Bath Bench

Standing for long periods in the shower or holding yourself in a seated position in the bath can be a challenge when your mobility is temporarily affected. Adding a shower chair or bath bench provides a safe and comfortable place to sit while bathing.

 

Raised Toilet Seat

Standard toilets tend to be too low down for people struggling with mobility issues, and this can make using the facility uncomfortable and unsafe. Raising the seat or the toilet itself puts less strain on the user’s muscles, making it easier to sit down and stand up from the toilet.

Non-Slip Mats

To prevent slips and falls in slippery areas, place non-slip mats. These small temporary home adaptations work well in the shower and on the bathroom floor. 

Shower Pod

Feeling clean and comfortable should be accessible to everyone. If needed, consider installing a temporary shower pod for a more accessible bathroom option. This can be particularly life-changing if your temporary ailment or injury requires you to remain downstairs or if you’ve got someone staying with you short-term who will struggle to move very far. 

Temporary shower pods are self-contained, completely waterproof structures that house a shower and even a toilet if required. They are simple to install, can be removed quickly without leaving a trace and can be put anywhere in the house. Using a shower pod is stress-free and comfortable, and you can read more about them here. 

Making Your Living Spaces More Accessible

Here are some temporary home adaptations that help you keep living rooms and lounges relaxing and comfortable, even when you’re recovering from a temporary disability. 

Remove Clutter 

Picking up stray debris from the floor and walkways to create clear pathways ensures individuals won’t trip over obstacles. This includes rugs and loose wires, which can both be trip hazards. 

Rethink The Setup

How crowded is your lounge? Is there sufficient space to move around the furniture safely?

Consider rearranging furniture in your living spaces to make more space for movement with crutches, walkers or wheelchairs.

Smart Devices

Smart technology can aid in regaining independence and remaining comfortable during recovery from temporary disabilities. A smart device like Amazon’s Alexa can be operated using voice commands. Want to change the TV channel, dim the lights or turn the heating on? Just ask Alexa!

Video doorbells are another addition to our list of temporary home adaptations that can be easily installed to prevent unnecessary trips to the front door, improving convenience and reducing stress on the healing body. 

Provide A Grabber

It might sound simple, but it can revolutionise your recovery time! Use a grabber tool to pick up objects without bending or stretching.

Kitchen Modifications For Temporary Disabilities

Not being able to carry out daily tasks like preparing food can affect mental health and slow your recovery. 

Lowered Work Surfaces

Make sure there is a lower table or countertop available so that kitchen activities can be carried out safely and comfortably. 

Accessible Storage

Frequently used items can be temporarily moved to lower shelves or kitchen trolleys for easy access. 

Safe Heating Devices

Kettles might be convenient usually, but they present a serious risk if your mobility is temporarily reduced. Switch out your kettle for a hot water dispenser or introduce a kettle tipper for a more economical option to reduce the risk of scalds and burns while heating water. 

Change The Taps

Conventional kitchen taps may be difficult to manipulate for some people experiencing temporary disability. Installing lever taps rather than ones that require twisting is one of the smallest temporary home adaptations on our list, but it makes life easier for everyone! 

Temporary Disability Is Still Disability

Temporary home adaptations for short-term disabilities and mobility issues are still crucial. Home modifications significantly improve the quality of life during recovery, supporting individuals to get back to normal life quicker. 

Wondering how to go about your temporary home adaptation project? Looking for expert help? You’re in the right place! Get in touch with the John Ford Group today.