Dealing with the psychological ramifications of becoming disabled is bad enough, but if you or someone you care about has recently been born with a disability or has gotten one from an accident, you'll also be faced with revamping your entire living space. For some people it's so daunting a prospect that they put up their home for sale and move into an assisted living complex. But you can be independent if you have a disability. There are plenty of products out there that will help you. We'll tell you a little more about them.

Total Remodel

If you're planning on living in your house for the rest of your life, or are thinking of building your own house, totally outfitting your house from the ground up is something you should consider. The average house for sale isn't accessible, so if yours is the resale value will go up. One of the most important things to remember when you're making a barrier free home is: no stairs! Keep it all one level. You'll also want to install a walk-in shower or tub, have grab handles in all appropriate places, and a shower head that can be reached from low down.

Adapting an Existing House

For those who couldn't bear to put up their home for sale, there are easy remodeling options. Ramps can be designed to cover or replace short staircases, lifts can be installed to bypass long ones, and slings can assist a disabled person from their chair into the tub. You'll also want to install grab bars, especially in the bedroom and in the bathroom, and make sure the wheelchair allows you to sit normally at your desk or dining room table.

Portable Aids

For the disabled, accessibility is a continuing issue, not just a one time problem, because there will always be places outside the home that are not properly equipped. To counter some of these difficulties some companies sell portable rubber ramps that you can use. There are also grab bars that attach with powerful suction cups and are easy to apply and remove when you're on the go.

Financial

Remodeling your environment to accommodate a disabled person is expensive, whether it involves buying a brand new house for sale in Guelph listed by Kristin and Anita or not. But don't worry, you won't have to pay for it all out of your own pocket. Check your insurance policy to see if you can expect any help from that quarter. The Canadian government also gives out money and tax breaks for people doing accessibility renovations, which you can learn about at CMHC.ca.