Living with sight loss may mean your home may need some adjustments to ensure you can continue to live safely and independently.
Making a few simple changes can vastly improve your daily life.
Maximising Natural Light
One of the easiest ways to improve your home environment is by increasing the amount of natural light.
Simply replacing your blinds or curtains with options that let in more daylight opens up the room immediately. Natural light improves visibility and creates a more comfortable living space.
Tip: Consider installing mirrors or reflective surfaces to help distribute natural light throughout your home, making spaces feel more open.
Additional Lighting
Once you’ve maximised the natural light, installing additional adjustable lighting throughout your home, particularly in high-use areas like the kitchen or bathroom, can make everyday tasks much easier and safer.
Tip: Adding motion sensor lights can also be a great option to reduce the need to search for switches.
Slip Hazards & Safety
Safety is a top priority in your home.
Make sure any loose carpeting, broken handrails or uneven flooring is repaired as soon as possible.
Installing continuous handrails on both sides of the staircase will give you added support when moving between floors.
Non-slip flooring in key areas such as the kitchen and bathroom will also help reduce the risk of accidents.
Tip: Consider using bright non-slip tape on steps to make them easier to see and navigate safely.
Using Colour Schemes
A well-planned colour scheme can make navigating your home much easier.
Using contrasting colours on walls, furniture and doors can help you to distinguish different rooms and objects.
Tip: Use coloured stickers on frequently used items to make them more visible and easier to locate.
Appliances
Making everyday appliances more accessible is another easily achievable way to maintain your independence.
Adding raised markings or tactile stickers (“bump dots”) to controls on your oven, washing machine or microwave can make them easier to use without needing to see fine details.
Tip: Consider using voice-activated appliances which simplify use and you don’t have to feel around for small controls.
Heating Your Home
Improving the insulation to walls and windows is an easy way of keeping warm, without raising your energy bills.
Be careful when using bulky draft-excluders as they can be a trip hazard.
Tip: Using thermal curtains helps keep the heat inside during the colder months.
Useful Gadgets
There are lots of equipment aids and gadgets available on the market.
From talking clocks to magnifiers and smart home technology, there’s no shortage of tools designed to improve your day-to-day life.
Tip: We regularly offer sessions to view equipment. Our Community Team run demonstrations and will advise you where to get any specific device.
We have a selection of items here for you to view.
Grants for Home Improvements
If the cost of adapting your home feels overwhelming, it’s worth looking into Disabled Facilities Grants.
These grants, which are means-tested, can help cover the costs of necessary improvements and repairs to your home.
Contact your local Council Housing Department to see if you qualify and learn more about the process.
Making Your Home Work For You!
Whether it’s improving your lighting, utilising home technology or tweaking your home’s layout, even small changes can make a world of difference.
If you’re considering making adaptations, it’s definitely worth contacting your local Council for support and advice on funding options.
For further assistance, or to discuss your specific needs, get in touch – we’re here to help you live independently.
Visit our website or give us a call on 01926 411331 for more information.