Home Retrofitting: 9 Practical Tips for Mobility and Disabilities

Suppose you are living with someone who has a disability or is in their senior stage; getting your home accessible is essential as it creates a safe and comfortable living environment. Accessible homes are created with features that cater to the unique needs of wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, and those with other mobility impairments. These homes often include modifications such as widening doorways, installing grab bars, lowering countertops, and ensuring ample space for easy and safe access throughout the living area. Such accessibility modifications not only elevate the functionality of the home but also improve the quality of life for its residents.

The importance of having an accessible home cannot be overstated. For individuals with disabilities and older adults, an accessible home reduces unnecessary hazards, such as tripping, and allows them to live more independently. These home modifications can range from simple adjustments, like adding non-slip mats or portable ramps, to more extensive changes, like installing roll-in showers or widening doorways for power wheelchairs.

While making these vital improvements, it's equally important to consider how to safeguard your efforts. HomeCare insurance offers comprehensive coverage that protects not only your home but also the renovations specifically made for accessibility. By securing this coverage, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your investment in creating a safer, more accessible living environment is well-protected against potential events.

Why Home Accessibility Matters?

Home accessibility is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental aspect of ensuring safety, independence, and a high quality of life, particularly for individuals with disabilities and the ageing population. As our society ages and the prevalence of disabilities rises,  the demand for accessible homes becomes increasingly critical. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, a number that is expected to grow as the population continues to age. For these individuals, accessible design features can be the difference between living independently and needing constant caregiving support.

Accessible homes are also vital for caregivers, providing an environment that facilitates both caregiving and independent living.  When homes are designed with accessibility in mind, they reduce the physical strain on caregivers and allow them to provide care more efficiently and safely. For example, features like grab rails, roll-in showers, and widened doorways not only assist individuals with limited mobility but also ease the burden on caregivers during daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and moving around the home. Understanding and addressing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) is crucial in assessing disability levels and determining the necessary modifications to create a safe, functional living space. ADLs encompass a range of daily tasks, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and moving around the home, which are essential for maintaining independence. By evaluating these activities, homeowners can better understand the specific needs of individuals with disabilities and prioritise modifications that will have the most significant impact on their ability to live independently

In Singapore, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) offers subsidies through the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) to help residents make necessary modifications to improve mobility and safety. These subsidies can cover vital items such as ramps, grab bars, and non-slip flooring, ensuring that creating an accessible home environment is within reach for many.

However, the process of making a more accessible home involves more than just understanding the need and available resources—it requires careful planning, assessment, and execution. To guide you through this journey, we have outlined 9 practical tips and advice that cover every aspect of home accessibility, from assessing your home’s needs to securing funding and financial assistance. These steps will empower you to create a safe, comfortable, and accessible living space for everyone.

1. Assessing Your Home's Accessibility Needs

Conducting a Home Audit

Evaluating your home for accessibility is a crucial first step in creating a safer and more comfortable living space for individuals with disabilities, ageing family members, and caregivers. A thorough home audit involves assessing key areas like entrances, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Specific features to examine include:

• Doorways (ensuring they are wide enough for wheelchair users).
• The presence of grab bars in bathrooms.
• The accessibility of kitchen cabinets and countertops.
• Lighting conditions in various rooms and hallways.
• Flooring surfaces to ensure they are slip-resistant and free of tripping hazards.

Creating a checklist for these features can help identify areas that need improvement.

Consulting with Experts

Consulting with a professional, such as an occupational therapist or accessibility specialist, can provide valuable insights that go beyond what a homeowner might identify on their own. This expert can recommend modifications tailored to individual needs, ensuring that the home meets accessibility standards and enhances quality of life.

Key areas to access: 

• Entrances: Are there ramps or steps with handrails? Is the front door wide enough for a wheelchair?
• Bathrooms: Are grab bars and non-slip mats installed? Is there space for a shower chair?
• Kitchens: Are countertops accessible? Are appliances within easy reach

Benefits of Professional Assessment:

• Tailored modifications based on specific needs
• Ensures compliance with accessibility standards
• Reduces the likelihood of costly future adjustments

These steps not only make your home more accessible but also improve safety, independence, and comfort for everyone.

Non-profit organisations like the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) in Singapore offer resources and guidance on home modifications, making them a great place to start.  AIC provides detailed information on various home modification options and can connect you with relevant service providers and financial assistance schemes to support your retrofitting efforts.

Furthermore, consider leveraging resources from organisations such as SPD (Serving People with Disabilities) and the Disabled People's Association (DPA), which offer support and advice on creating inclusive and accessible living environments.

Proritising Accessibility Improvements

When making your home more accessible, it's essential to prioritise improvements based on their importance and cost. A useful tool for this is a prioritisation matrix, which helps you balance high-impact modifications against their financial investment.

For example, installing grab bars in bathrooms may be low-cost but highly important for safety, whereas more extensive changes like widening doorways could be high-cost but essential for wheelchair users.

2. Entryway Modification 

Creating an accessible home starts with modifying entryways to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. Key modifications include installing ramps and widening doorways, each with its own set of advantages and considerations.

Ramps

Installing ramps is one of the most effective ways to improve accessibility at home entrances.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Ramps provide a smooth transition for wheelchair users, individuals using walkers, and those with limited mobility, reducing the need for assistance.
• Customisable: Ramps can be tailored to fit various home configurations, with options for portable or permanent designs depending on the space available.
• Government Support: In Singapore, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme offers significant subsidies, making ramps an affordable improvement for many households​.

Cons:

• Space Requirements: Ramps require sufficient space, particularly for customised versions. Limited space in front of an entryway may make installation challenging.
• Maintenance: Ramps, especially outdoor ones, may require regular maintenance to ensure they remain safe and functional.

Widening Doorways

Ensuring doorways are wide enough is essential for easy movement throughout the home.

Pros:

• Universal Accessibility: Widening doorways enhances overall accessibility by accommodating not only wheelchair users but also caregivers assisting with mobility aids, as well as those using walkers or carrying large items.
• Permanent Improvement: Unlike ramps, widened doorways are a long-term modification that significantly improves the functionality and resale value of a home.

Cons:

• High Cost: Widening doorways can be expensive, particularly in older homes where structural changes might be required.
• Construction Impact: This modification may involve more extensive construction work, potentially disrupting daily living during the renovation period.

These modifications, supported by initiatives like EASE, are vital for creating a barrier-free environment that significantly enhances both safety and independence.

3. Bathroom Modifications 

Ensuring bathroom accessibility is crucial for enhancing the safety, independence, and quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges, including seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.

Here are some key modifications to consider:

1. Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers are essential for accessible bathrooms. They eliminate the need to step over a high bathtub edge, reducing the risk of falls. In Singapore, universal design guidelines for homes catering to ageing populations often recommend walk-in showers. A curb-less design allows wheelchair users and caregivers to move in and out easily, and incorporating slip-resistant tiles further enhances safety.

2. Grab Bars

Installing grab bars in strategic locations, such as near the toilet, in the shower, and along the walls, provides critical support for individuals with balance issues or limited mobility. These bars help prevent falls and make it easier to transfer from one position to another. The Ministry of National Development in Singapore highlights the importance of such features in creating accessible environments in both public and private spaces​.

Installing grab bars in key areas, such as near the toilet, in the shower, and along walls, is vital for supporting individuals with balance issues or limited mobility. These bars help prevent falls and ease the transition between positions. While the Ministry of National Development (MND) in Singapore emphasises the importance of such features in accessible spaces, it is the Housing and Development Board (HDB) that primarily leads this initiative through the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) program.

3. Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets should be positioned at a height that allows for easy transfers from a wheelchair. Features like raised seats and sidebars can offer additional support. According to Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA), accessible toilets are required in buildings that serve the public, and similar best practices can be applied in residential settings to improve accessibility and ease caregiving duties. 

4. Adequate Lighting and Ventilation

Proper lighting is essential in an accessible bathroom to ensure that all areas are well-lit, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, good ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture buildup, which can make surfaces slippery and hazardous. Ensuring these elements are in place is part of creating a safe and comfortable bathroom environment for everyone​.

4. Walkways, Stairs, and Doorways 

Making walkways, stairs, and doorways accessible is essential for promoting ease of movement and safety,  particularly for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers.

Here’s how you can enhance these areas in your HDB flat or private home in Singapore:

1. Ensuring Walkways Are Wide and Clear of Obstacles

• Width an Accessibility: Walkways should be at least 1.2 meters wide to provide sufficient space for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. 
• Clutter-Free and Slip-Resistant: Regularly check and remove any obstructions to prevent accidents and consider slip-resistant treatments, available under the HDB’s Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) program, to enhance safety.

2. Installing Stairlifts or Ramps Over Stairs

• Stairlifts: These provide a safe solution for individuals who have difficulty using stairs.
• Ramps: Ramps offer accessibility for wheelchair users. The EASE program subsidises portable and customised ramps, making these modifications more affordable for HDB residents.
• Custom Solutions: For HDB flats with multiple steps at the entrance, customised ramps or a wheelchair lifter might be necessary. These solutions are heavily subsidised, reducing the financial burden on eligible residents.

3. Widening Doorways to Accommodate Wheelchairs and Walkers

• Optimal Width: Doorways in Singapore should ideally be at least 32 to 36 inches wide to facilitate easy movement for wheelchair users and those using walkers.
• Alternative Solutions: If major renovations are not feasible, installing swing-clear hinges can provide additional width without extensive construction.

4. Ensuring Door Thresholds Are Flat or Ramped

• Flat Thresholds: These prevent tripping hazards and allow wheelchairs to pass smoothly.
• Ramp Solutions: If flat thresholds are not possible, installing a small ramp can bridge any gaps effectively. The EASE program also provides subsidised ramp solutions for door thresholds, ensuring safe and easy access throughout the home.

5. Kitchen Modifications

Creating an accessible kitchen is crucial for ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges or other disabilities can use the space safely and comfortably.

Here are some key modifications to consider:

1. Lowering Countertops:

• Optimising Workspaces: The standard countertop height of 90-100 cm (35-39 inches) is generally too high for individuals using wheelchairs, as it makes it difficult to reach and work comfortably. For wheelchair accessibility, lowering countertops to around 34 inches (about 86 cm) is recommended. This allows better reach, knee clearance, and ease of use for meal preparation and other kitchen tasks.  This adjustment ensures that workspaces are within easy reach, promoting independence and safety.
• Considerations for HDB Flats: When designing or renovating your kitchen in an HDB flat, lowering countertops can accommodate various needs, particularly in creating a senior-friendly kitchen. The Housing & Development Board (HDB) recommends such modifications to enhance accessibility​.

2. Safe and Easy-to-Reach Storage

• Maximising Accessibility: Installing pull-out shelves, lazy susans, and other adjustable storage solutions makes kitchen items more accessible without the need for reaching or bending. This is especially important in kitchens with limited space, where maximising the utility of every cabinet and drawer is essential.
• Placing frequently used items within easy reach, ideally at countertop level: Helps prevent accidents such as falls or strains, particularly for elderly residents and those with mobility issues. 

3. Using Accessible Appliances

• Selecting the Right Appliances: Accessible appliances, such as ovens with side-opening doors, induction hobs with safety features, and refrigerators with French doors, simplify kitchen tasks and enhance safety. These appliances are not only practical but also improve the overall functionality of the kitchen.
• Choosing appliances that are easy to use and maintain is critical: Features like automatic shut-off for stoves and easy-to-grip handles for refrigerators and cabinets contribute to a safer and more user-friendly kitchen.

These modifications align with Singapore's efforts to create elder-friendly homes and ensure that all residents can enjoy a functional and safe kitchen environment regardless of mobility.

6. Living Space Adjustments

Creating an accessible living room is essential for ensuring safety and ease of movement, particularly for individuals with mobility issues.

Here are some tips and common obstacles to address:

1. Removing Obstacles

• Common Obstacles
  • Rugs and Carpets: These can be tripping hazards, especially for those with limited mobility or balance issues. Replace loose rugs with non-slip mats or secure them firmly to the floor.
  • Furniture Placement: Crowded or improperly placed furniture can restrict movement. Arrange furniture to create wide, clear pathways, ideally at least 36 inches wide, to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Cords and Wires: Keep electrical cords and wires tucked away or secured along walls to prevent trips and falls.
• Solutions
  • Minimalist Design: Adopt a minimalist approach to reduce clutter and open up spaces.
  • Multi-Functional Furniture: Use furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes to save space and enhance functionality.
  • Stable Furniture: Ensure that all furniture is sturdy and stable to provide support when needed.

2. Ensuring Proper Lighting

• Importance of Lighting
  • Preventing Falls: Adequate lighting helps to prevent falls by ensuring that all areas of the living rooms are well-lit. This is particularly important in areas like hallways and staircases.
  • Improving Visibility: Good lighting is crucial for individuals with visual impairments and assists caregivers in performing tasks effectively.
• Solutions
  • Natural Light: Maximise the use of natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using light-coloured window treatments.
  • Layered Lighting: Incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to ensure all areas are well-lit according to different needs.
  • Smart Lighting Systems: Install motion-sensor lights in hallways and entryways and use smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely or through voice commands for added convenience.

By implementing these adjustments and protecting your living spaces with Liberty Insurance's HomeCare policy, you ensure a safe, comfortable, and secure environment for all residents and caregivers.

7. Bedroom Modifications

Creating an accessible bedroom is essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and independence for individuals with mobility challenges, disabilities, and their caregivers.

Here’s how you can modify and organise a bedroom to enhance accessibility:

1. Adjustable Beds

• Ease of Movement: Adjustable beds can be raised or lowered to suitable heights, making it easier for individuals and caregivers during transfers.
• Comfort: Features like adjustable head and foot sections help in finding comfortable positions for rest and can assist with various health conditions such as back pain or circulation issues.
• Safety: Some models come with built-in safety rails and emergency features to prevent falls and provide quick assistance when needed.

2. Accessible Storage Solutions

• Lowered Closets and Shelves: Install closet rods and shelves at reachable heights to allow easy access to clothing and personal items without assistance.
• Pull-Out Drawers: Use pull-out drawers in dressers and bedside tables to access items more easily without having to bend or stretch. Soft-close mechanisms can also help prevent injuries.
• Bedside Storage: Ensure essential items like medications, phones, and emergency call devices are easily accessible from the bed.

3. Clear Pathways

• Benefits: Ensuring that there is enough space around the bed and other furniture is crucial for easy movement, especially for those using mobility aids. A clear pathway of at least 36 inches is recommended to allow for safe navigation around the room.
• Considerations: Optimise the layout by rearranging furniture to create open spaces that allow for unimpeded movement. This setup not only enhances accessibility but also reduces the risk of accidents. Keep pathways free of potential tripping hazards such as rugs, cords, and clutter. Securing loose rugs with non-slip backing or removing them entirely can significantly reduce the risk of falls.

4. Lighting and Safety Features

• Task Lighting: Install bedside lamps with easy-to-reach switches or touch-sensitive controls. Consider motion-activated night lights to illuminate the way to the bathroom during the night.
• Bedside Rails: If necessary, install bedside rails to provide additional support when getting in and out of bed.

5. Accessible Outlets and Controls

• Low-Height Outlets: Place electrical outlets and light switches at a lower height to ensure they are easily reachable from a sitting position.

8. Incorporating Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and convenience for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers.  By integrating advanced systems and devices, you can create a responsive and adaptable living environment that caters to diverse needs.

Benefits and Uses of Smart Home Technology for Accessibility:

1. Voice-Activated Controls

• Hands-Free Operation: Devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri allow users to control lighting, temperature, appliances, and entertainment systems through simple voice commands.
• Enhanced Independence: Voice controls enable individuals with limited mobility or dexterity to perform daily tasks independently, reducing reliance on caregivers.
• Easy Integration: Many smart home devices are compatible with voice assistants, making it straightforward to set up and expand your smart home ecosystem.

2. Automated Lighting and Climate Control

• Smart Lighting: Automate lighting schedules, adjust brightness levels, and control lights remotely to ensure optimal visibility and energy efficiency. Motion sensors can automatically illuminate rooms upon entry, enhancing safety.
• Smart Thermostats: Maintain comfortable indoor temperatures by programming settings that adapt to users' preferences and routines. Remote access allows adjustments without physical movement, benefiting those with mobility challenges.

3. Smart Security Systems

• Enhanced Safety: These systems allow remote monitoring of the home via cameras, door sensors, and alarms that can be controlled through a smartphone or voice commands.
• Emergency Assistance: Smart security systems can be integrated with emergency services, providing immediate assistance if needed, offering peace of mind for individuals with disabilities.

4. Automated Appliances

• Remote Control: Smart appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines can be controlled remotely, allowing users to start, stop, or monitor their devices without being physically present.
• Accessibility Features: These appliances often come with large displays and easy-to-use controls, reducing the physical strain associated with tasks like cooking and cleaning.

5. Remote Monitoring and Assistance

• Health Monitoring: Smart home systems can include features for remote health monitoring, such as wearable devices that track vital signs and notify caregivers or medical professionals in case of an emergency.
• Added Safety: These systems provide an added layer of safety for elderly individuals or those with chronic health conditions, ensuring they can live independently while staying connected to caregivers.

9. Funding and Financial Assistance

Home retrofitting for accessibility can be a significant investment, but various funding options and financial assistance schemes in Singapore can help alleviate the costs. Additionally, appropriate insurance coverage ensures that these valuable modifications are protected over time.

Government Assistance Programmes in Singapore

1. HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Programme

• Overview: EASE offers subsidies for seniors to install accessibility features such as ramps, grab bars, and slip-resistant flooring in HDB flats.
• Subsidy Details: Eligible households can receive up to 95% subsidy, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for essential modifications.
• Eligibility: Singapore citizens aged 65 and above, or those between 60-64 who require assistance with daily activities.

2. Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) Grants

• Overview: AIC offers various grants, such as the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) to recognise the caregivers’ contributions and reduce caregiving costs, and the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF), which supports the purchase of assistive devices and home healthcare items.
• Benefits: Funding can cover devices like wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other equipment that facilitate safe and independent living at home.

3. Assistive Technology Fund (ATF):

• Overview: Managed by SG Enable, ATF provides subsidies for persons with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices that support daily living and employment.
• Coverage: Subsidies can cover up to 90% of the cost, capped at $40,000 over a person’s lifetime.
• Eligibility: Singapore citizens or permanent residents with certified disabilities.

Insurance Products for Financial Protection

In addition to government grants and subsidies, having the right insurance products can provide crucial financial protection for home retrofitting, especially in the event of permanent disabilities.

1. PA Care Plus Enhanced | Liberty Insurance Singapore:
PA Care Plus Enhanced provides comprehensive coverage for accidents that lead to permanent disabilities. This policy can help cover the costs associated with retrofitting a home to accommodate new accessibility needs, ensuring that your living environment is safe and supportive.

Key Benefits: 

• Home Retrofitting: Pays the reasonable cost of modifying the insured person’s home if they suffer a 50% or more permanent disability due to an accidental injury (per lifetime)—up to S$25,000 (exclusive plan).
• Free Dependent Child Cover: Ensures your children are also protected under the policy.
• Medical Reimbursement: Covers substantial medical costs, including those related to infectious diseases
• Permanent Disability Protection: Covers the inability to perform 3 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Double Indemnity: Offers double payout for death or total permanent disability.
• No Claim Bonus: Enjoy up to a 25% bonus for not making a claim.
• Temporary Caregiver Grant: Provides financial assistance to cover the cost of hiring a temporary caregiver or domestic helper in the event of an injury or disability.

2. SeniorCare | Liberty Insurance Singapore:
SeniorCare offers coverage tailored to the needs of elderly individuals, including protection for permanent disabilities. This policy can alleviate the financial burden of modifying a home to ensure it remains accessible and comfortable for ageing individuals.

Key Benefits:

• Customisable Plans: Choose from three coverage plans to suit your needs and lifestyle.
• Wide Entry Age Range: Offers flexibility in enrollment age.
• Transport Allowance: Provides financial support for transportation needs.
• 24/7 Assistance: Access to round-the-clock assistance services.
• Infectious Disease Coverage: Reimbursement for medical expenses incurred from treating infectious diseases.

3. HomeCare | Liberty Insurance Singapore:
HomeCare is designed to protect your home with comprehensive coverage that combines various types of insurance under one policy. This plan is easy to arrange and offers competitive premium terms.

Key Benefits:

• Convenient: Easy to arrange with a straightforward process.
• Affordable: Offers competitive premium terms.
• First Loss Basis: Ensures coverage up to the insured value without considering actual losses.
• Discount: 15% off when you opt for a 3-year plan.

Conclusion

Ensuring home accessibility is a critical step towards enhancing the safety, comfort, and independence of individuals with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers. By implementing thoughtful modifications across various areas of the home—such as entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces—you create an environment that supports daily activities and improves overall quality of life.

Leveraging available financial assistance programmes in Singapore, like HDB's EASE and AIC grants, can significantly reduce the financial burden of these modifications. Complementing these efforts with comprehensive insurance coverage through Liberty Insurance's PA Care Plus Enhanced, SeniorCare, and HomeCare policies ensures that your home and well-being are safeguarded against unforeseen circumstances.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general information only and is not intended to provide a complete descriptions of all terms, exclusions, and conditions applicable to every insurance product or service offered by Liberty Insurance. Liberty Insurance makes no representations or warranties of any kind whatsoever that the information and materials contained on our website are suitable for your needs, are complete, timely, reliable, or are free from errors, inaccuracies or typographical mistakes. Please refer to our website terms and conditions (Terms and Conditions | Liberty Insurance Singapore) for the terms of use and refer to the policy wordings of the products for more details on the relevant terms and conditions