Visitability! Visitability is a buzzword these days! What is it, you say?

Visitability is a way to define how ‘visitable’ your home is for those who may live with physical disabilities. As many of us age, our friends and family will experience changes in their level of function and abilities. Have you always hosted a Christmas Eve dinner? Will loved ones who struggle with stairs still be able to carry on this family tradition? Is a Friend requiring a walker and is now unable to come for your weekly card games? A child’s friend wishes to come over and play but they use a wheelchair? A neighbor who wishes to come by with their child in the stroller but can not get up the steps? The list of people of all ages and abilities who will benefit from a visitable home is great – and likely, at least one of them is someone you love.

Creating a visitable home allows your loved one a continuity of the relationship by enabling them to be able to continue to visit your home, no matter their needs. A visitable home also demonstrates your support and the value of your relationship to the individual. Furthermore, it helps to advance our society to one that is inclusive to everyone, in public, and especially at home.

A visitable home is defined as a home that has:

1 zero stair entrance
32” minimum width doorways
1 first floor bathroom accessible to a wheelchair

Additional home modifications for a visitable home could include:

A comfort height toilet or raised toilet seat
Grab bars near the toilet
Lever faucets handles and placement of soap
Towel rack within reach of a seated person
Pedestal sink for person in wc to be able to get close to for hand washing
First floor bedroom
First floor bathroom with walk-in shower

Contact Home and Able, LLC for a home modification consultation to make your home visitable for loved ones!