This is the blog for young adults with special needs who are looking for information on Home Modifications and Devices for Special Needs Adults
We’ll share tips, resources, and personal stories to help you make your home safe and comfortable. So whether you’re looking for information on wheelchair ramps or adaptive clothing, you’ve come to the right place!
What Is Home Modification
There are many ways to adapt your home to make it more comfortable and accessible for someone with special needs. Some common modifications include installing ramps, widening doorways, and adding grab bars in the bathroom.
Other less common but still important modifications can include installing an intercom system or an alarm that goes off if the person gets up in the night, adding special locks or latches to doors, and setting up a safe room in the event of an emergency.
Some of these modifications can be made by the homeowner themselves, but others will require the assistance of a professional contractor. No matter who does the work, it’s important to make sure that all modifications are done according to local building codes and that any necessary permits are obtained before work begins.
As your child with special needs becomes a young adult, you may need to consider different living arrangements. Some young adults with special needs live at home with their parents, while others live in group homes or other supported living arrangements.
There are a number of home modifications and devices that can make daily living easier for young adults with special needs. These include:
- Accessible showers and bathtubs
- Accessible toilets and bidets
- Accessible kitchen appliances and cookware
- Accessible light switches and door handles
- Adaptive clothing and footwear
- Household cleaning supplies and equipment
Read also: Autism and You: How to cope with the challenges
Home modifications for adults with special needs
Most young adults with special needs will eventually transition out of the school system and into some form of adult life. For many, this will mean living at home with their families.
Most young adults with special needs will eventually leave their family home and live on their own, either in their own home or in a group home. Some young adults with special needs may not be able to live on their own and will need a caregiver to live with them.
If your young adult has significant physical or cognitive disabilities, there are a number of home modifications that can be made to increase their independence and quality of life.
There are a variety of home modifications and devices that can help young adults with special needs live more independently. These include:
- Ramps and doorway widened to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices
- Bathroom modifications such as grab bars, shower seats, and wheelchair-accessible showers and toilets
- Specialized beds, such as those with side rails or adjustable mattresses, to prevent falls and provide support
- Kitchen modifications such as lowered countertops and cabinets, adaptations for reaching and grasping, and hands-free faucets and appliances
- Tools to assist with communication, such as picture boards or computer software programs
- Widening doorways and hallways
- Installing ramps and stair lifts
- Lowering light switches and doorknobs
- Installing easy-to-use faucets and shower heads
- Adding grab bars in the bathroom
- Installing a ceiling track hoist system
- In-home elevators
- Stairlifts
- Specialized bathing equipment
- Shower chairs
- Bedside commodes
- Transfer boards
- Reacher devices
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
Devices for young adults with special needs
There is an ever-growing market of products available to make everyday tasks easier for people with special needs. While some devices are designed specifically for people with disabilities, others are simply modifications of common items that can be used by anyone.
There are many different types of devices that can be helpful for adults with special needs. Some of these devices are designed to help with communication, while others can help with mobility or independence.
Here are some common devices that can be used by young adults with special needs:
1. Wheelchairs
A wheelchair is a mobility device that can be used by people who have difficulty walking or who are unable to walk at all. There are many different types of wheelchairs available, from manual to electric, and they can be customized to meet the specific needs of the user.
2. Walkers
A walker is a device that helps to support the weight of the body and can be used by people who have difficulty walking or balance issues. Walkers come in a variety of styles, from simple four-legged models to more complex rolling walkers, and can be customized to meet the individual’s needs.
3. Bathroom grab bars
Grab bars are devices that can be installed in bathrooms and showers to provide support and stability for people who have difficulty standing or balance issues. They can be placed near the toilet, in the shower, or next to the sink, and are available in a variety of styles and colors.
4. Shower seats
A shower seat is a device that allows people who have difficulty standing or balancing to sit down while showering. Shower seats are available in a variety of styles, including folding seats that can be stored when not in use, and some models even have built-in grab bars for additional support.
5. Raised toilet seats
A raised toilet seat is a device that helps people who have difficulty bending down to use the toilet by adding height to the seat. Raised toilet seats are available in a variety of heights and styles, and some models even have built-in grab bars for additional support.
6. Communication devices
These can include simple picture boards or more sophisticated speech-generating devices. There are also apps that can be downloaded onto a smart device that can provide assistance with communication.
7. Mobility devices
Walkers, canes, and crutches can all be helpful for adults with mobility issues. There are also motorized wheelchairs and scooters available for those who need them.
8. Daily living aides
There are many different types of daily living aides available, including adapted eating utensils, dressing aides, and bathing aids. These aides can help make everyday tasks easier for adults with special needs.
If you or someone you know is in need of some type of device to help with special needs, there are many resources available to help you find the right device.
You can talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider, contact a local disability resource center, or search online for options.
Read also: Why Freedom, and Safety is most important for Special Needs Kids
Special needs for adults
There are many types of special needs for adults, ranging from physical to mental to developmental. Common physical needs include assistance with mobility, transferring, and bathing. Common mental needs include help with anxiety, depression, and behavior management.
Developmental needs vary widely but can include help with independent living skills, employment training, and social skills development.
There are a variety of home modification and assistive devices that can help adults with special needs live more independently. Some common home modification suggestions include installing ramps and handrails, widening doorways, modifying kitchens and bathrooms, and installing elevator lifts.
Common assistive devices include wheelchair lifts, transfer aids, bathtub benches, and grab bars, as well as specialized equipment for cooking, dressing, eating, and grooming.
Working with a professional who specializes in home modifications and assistive devices for adults with special needs can help you identify the right solutions for your individual situation.
