Over 100 ways to improve access at home
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Ways to improve access at home
Lighting, controls, taps and flooring
This section offers solutions to the following access barriers:
- The lighting level is low
- There is not enough lighting as the ceiling fan is in place of the ceiling light
- The light bulbs are high on the ceiling
- The light and power switches are difficult to turn on and off as they are too small and/or too hard to reach
- The mat and carpet edges are a trip hazard
- The taps are difficult to turn
1. The lighting level is low
- Replace the light bulbs with higher output bulbs. Consider using low energy efficient lamps eg. fluorescent.
- Install task lighting or plug-in sensor lights to focus light in particular areas.
These items are available from hardware and discount department stores. Assistance may be required by a tradesperson or electrician for installation. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
2. There is not enough lighting as the ceiling fan is in place of the ceiling light
- Install a fan with a light fitting includes. Consider a fan with a remote control.
These items are available from hardware and discount department stores. Assistance may be required by a tradesperson or electrician for installation. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
3. The light bulbs are high on the ceiling
- Use a small plastic device called a globe grabber, which is fitted on the end of a long handle (ie. broom handle). Do not use a globe grabber on cord-suspended light fittings.
Contact your local Home Assist Secure or LifeTec Queensland Inc. for assistance.
4. The light and power switches are difficult to turn on and off as they are too small and/or too hard to reach
- Replace standard switches with large rocker switches.
- Mount a plug-in power board on the wall, floor or in a place that can be easily reached. Consider a power board with a large rocker switch.
Available from hardware and discount department stores. Assistance may be required by a tradesperson or electrician for installation. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
- Use a piece of dowel or timber rod fitted with a rubber thimble on the end to turn light and power switches on and off.
5. The mat and carpet edges are a trip hazard
- Secure carpet edges.
- Remove any mats, carpet or vinyl where edges cannot be secured.
Tradesperson assistance may be required. Contact your local Home Assist Secure or a carpet manufacturer for information and assistance.
6. The taps are difficult to turn
- Attach a removable tap turner to the tap.
Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. for information.
- Change the taps so that they are half-turn, short or long lever handles.
Tradesperson assistance may be required for installation. Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. or your local Home Assist Secure for information and assistance.
Last updated 25 July 2007
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