Thankfully, accessibility is no longer merely an afterthought, ticked off by builders and businesses as a nod to meeting regulations. It has become something people proactively consider, not just in public spaces and workplaces but also in your home. With an ageing population, this increasing awareness of accessibility is an important part of our future home planning and design – and the future looks good. At the John Ford Group, we embrace these latest improvements.

Smart Home Technology for Accessibility

Nothing says ‘the future’ more than technology, and when it comes to home adaptations and accessibility, that future is looking ever more impressive.

Smart devices are becoming an integrated part of many homes. It can sort of sneak up on you, with a colour-controlled light here, and a phone app to monitor your heating bill there, but it’s definitely worth embracing.

For those with accessibility issues, smart home technology can be a blessing. Now, it is possible to speak to a voice-activated assistant to turn lights on or off, adjust the temperature, or even open the blinds. Not only does this provide anyone with mobility issues or visual impairments an easy-to-use way to use daily comforts, it also offers independence and confidence, which in turn improves mental wellbeing.

It’s not just about convenience either. Security is greatly enhanced by technological advances, making it safer to be in the home. Smart door locks and video doorbells are among some of the newer technologies helping the elderly or mobility impaired to feel comfortable in their home – and with the increased use of home delivery options, it’s also great at letting you know when a parcel has arrived.

Appliances in the kitchen, connected to the internet, become part of the IoT or ‘Internet of Things’, offering convenient controls through your smartphone or tablet, replacing multiple annoying timers with scheduled operation and easy-to-see updates. Want to know when the washing is done? Just set an alert on your phone. You can even get fridges that remind you what you’re low on before you make that online order.

The future of home adaptations will soon mean a fully integrated home that provides independence while being easy to use.

Modular and Customisable Adaptations

Technology is one thing, but a lot of adaptions are to do with the physical. Wheelchair ramps for access, or full wet rooms with walk-in showers for a relaxed and safe wash – there are many ways to customise your home to personalise your comfort.

With advances in the systems used to provide home accessibility for those with mobility challenges, it’s cheaper and easier to do, too. Modular designs mean ramps can be temporarily installed after an injury and easily removed or moved at a later date. Existing pathways can be enhanced or extended with a range of designs that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are effective.

That all said, it’s still important to discuss your needs with a professional adaptations contractor and your occupational therapist if you have one; that way, you can be assured that the changes done to your home are the right ones for you, follow all regulations and standards, and have consideration for the future in mind so you don’t have to do it all again in a few years.

If you are looking to change around a bathroom or make your home more accessible for wheelchair users, why not give us at JFG a call? Our friendly advisors will be more than happy to discuss the options with you.

Universal Design Principles

A shift in early design is another change that shows the future of home adaptations is bright. Architects and building firms are developing houses with universal design principles that benefit everyone – not just those with specific needs. These include:

• Wider doorways and level thresholds on many new home builds
• Lever-style handles to open doors instead of potentially difficult knobs.
• Open-plan layouts that are more sensibly designed and take mobility into account.

Accessibility has become a mainstream policy, with inclusive homes a standard consideration of modern building design. In a country like the UK, where many homes and commercial buildings have been around for decades, and even centuries, these are changes to the industry that won’t necessarily benefit anyone in the immediate term, but it’s definitely a positive outlook for the years to come.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Solutions

Home adaptations need to also consider the environment, and there have been great strides in this area. Contractors and building developers are proactively utilising eco-conscious materials and designs, meaning sustainable materials are used for ramps, rails and other adaptations. Energy efficiency is also at the core of home adaptations, with lighting and heating carefully monitored and optimised to reduce energy usage and, most importantly, your bills!

Advanced Materials and Innovative Designs

As well as being sustainable, the science of materials means that options today are lighter and more durable, making ramps and rails safer, easier to use, and less likely to need maintenance – all while still providing the full functionality they’re designed to do.

And that design? It’s no longer a problem where your home ends up looking like a utilitarian hospital ward! Modern home adaptation options are developed with consideration for your home decor, seamlessly settling into place alongside your existing style.

Looking Forward to the Future of Home Adaptations with JFG

At the John Ford Group, we work all day, every day, to bring comfort and safety to our customers, that’s why advances such as smart homes or innovative eco-friendly materials are extremely exciting for us! All these improvements help us make homes and businesses an inviting, welcoming place for all.

To discover more about how we at JFG can bring modern, accessible design to your property, contact us today.