The prospect of outfitting a personal or public space to make it more accessible and user-friendly sounds like an intimidating--and expensive--effort. However, more and more consumers are doing their homework and finding that increasing accessibility is easier and more cost efficient than they ever imagined. Safety features like ADA grab bars and safety rails are not only widely used, they are also available in an affordable range of prices. Low cost and easy installation makes these safety features not only a smart immediate choice for private homes and commercial spaces, but also a sound long-term investment.
As the largest generation in the United States, the Baby Boomers, ages and looks towards the future, more consideration is being taken to evaluate potential hazards that can lead to dangerous, life-threatening falls for the elderly and infirm. Landmark studies identify stairs and, in particular, bathrooms, as being spaces fraught with risk for older people. Efforts are being made at local, state, and federal levels to assess needs for additional safety features and to determine the best methods for upgrading and maintaining public spaces.
While the government is tasked with making public spaces safer and more accessible, there is a lot that consumers can do on their own to evaluate their homes and those of their loved ones to improve safety and accessibility. In order to meet current needs and also plan for the future, it is advisable to learn about areas of vulnerability for the elderly and research safety features that are designed to mitigate those risks. In the long run, the benefits of creating safe and accessible spaces make the extra investment not only worthwhile but also necessary. Preventing falls not only avoids injuries, it also saves lives. A little bit of planning can pay big dividends in the future and also ensure peace of mind.
