By Mike Lord, Stiltz
Christmas is a time for family, togetherness, and celebration. Yet, for those with mobility challenges; whether that’s youngsters, their parents or grandparents, the festive season can bring unique difficulties.
Preparing your home to welcome loved ones with mobility issues isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can relax and enjoy the festivities.
Stilt Homelifts understands the importance of making Christmas special and accessible for every member of the family. Below, we explore practical ways to ensure anyone who is experiencing reduced mobility can feel comfortable, valued, and part of the celebrations this holiday season.
Step 1: Plan Ahead for Comfort and Safety
Preparation is key to accommodating loved ones with mobility issues. Take time to assess your home and make small adjustments to prevent awkwardness or even accidents, ensuring they remain comfortable and safe throughout their visit.
Tips for a Mobility-Friendly Home:
- Clear Pathways: Remove clutter, rugs, or obstacles that might trip or hinder movement.
- Secure Handrails: Ensure bannisters, stair rails, and grab bars are sturdy and accessible.
- Adjust Furniture Layout: Create wider walkways for wheelchairs or walking aids.
- Improve Lighting: Make sure all areas are well-lit, especially staircases, hallways, and especially outdoor paths on these dark nights.
- Non-Slip Mats: Place these in bathrooms and entrances to reduce slipping hazards.
Step 2: Consider Temporary Home Adaptations
For overnight visits or extended stays, you may consider making budget-friendly, temporary modifications to your home to accommodate your guests’ needs.
Easy Adaptation Ideas:
- Portable Ramps: Useful for getting over small steps or thresholds.
- Bed Risers or Adjusters: Make getting in and out of bed easier.
- Bathroom Aids: Install a temporary shower chair or toilet frame for added safety.
Step 3: Create a Comfortable Seating Area
The living room is often the heart of Christmas celebrations. Make sure it’s a welcoming space for everyone, including those with limited mobility, making sure they are not sat out of the way.
How to Maximise Comfort:
- Provide chairs with sturdy arm rests to assist with sitting and standing.
- Use cushions to enhance comfort and adjust seating height if needed.
- Keep essential items within reach, such as a table for drinks, snacks, or reading glasses.
Step 4: Rethink the Dining Table Layout
Sharing meals is central to Christmas celebrations. Ensure the dining area is accessible and inclusive so that everyone can enjoy the festive feast.
Tips for Dining Comfort:
- Arrange chairs to provide easy access for wheelchairs or walkers.
- Use a dining table at a comfortable height for all guests.
- Avoid seating arrangements that require navigating tight spaces.
Consider assigning someone to help serve food or fetch drinks so your loved ones can focus on the joy of the meal without unnecessary strain.
Step 5: Prioritise Accessibility Outdoors
If you plan to enjoy outdoor activities or simply want to include the garden in your festive plans, ensure the space is safe and accessible.
Outdoor Accessibility Ideas:
- Clear snow, ice, or debris from walkways.
- Add non-slip mats to patios or entrances.
- Use portable ramps for access to garden areas or steps.
Step 6: Involve Everyone in the Festivities
Sometimes, mobility challenges can leave loved ones feeling left out of busy holiday activities, or worse, feeling as if they are a burden. Take extra steps to ensure they’re included in all aspects of the celebrations.
Festive Activities for Everyone:
- Decorating Together: Invite them to hang ornaments, string lights, or set the table.
- Storytelling and Games: Sit together for family games, storytelling, or watching Christmas films together.
- Cooking Together: Get everyone involved in preparing and finishing dishes or decorating biscuits.
Step 7: Simplify the Overnight Experience
If your parents, grandparents or other relatives who might need special access arrangements are staying overnight, ensure they are able to have a restful and stress-free stay.
Tips for a Comfortable Stay:
- Consider how they can navigate the stairs safely and make sure wheelchair users are prioritised when it comes to the most practical sleeping arrangements for their needs.
- Provide extra blankets and pillows for warmth and comfort.
- Stock the room with essentials, such as water, medications – if needed – , and a nightlight.
Step 8: Communicate and Involve Them
Ask your loved ones about their specific needs or preferences before they visit. This will help you prepare and make them feel included in the planning.
Questions to Ask:
- Are there any mobility aids they need to bring or borrow?
- Is there anything specific they’d like to do during their visit?
- Is there anything they would like help with, or would they prefer to manage for themselves?
Step 9: Consider Longer-Term Solutions
If your wheelchair-using close friends or relatives visit regularly, it may be worth investing in longer-term accessibility solutions for your home to ensure easy navigation between floors. These might include wider doorways, or a permanently-installed stair lift or homelift.
Stiltz Homelifts provide exactly the right kind of practical and stylish solution for families looking to create a mobility-friendly home environment. The lifts provide easy access across multiple floors, ensuring those closest to you feel welcome and secure every time they visit.
Celebrate Together, Comfortably
Christmas really is about cherishing time with family, and small changes can make a big difference for nearest and dearest with mobility challenges. By planning ahead and considering their needs, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and joyous festive season for everyone.
This Christmas let’s celebrate connection, inclusion, and the simple joy of being with those we love.
For more ideas and mobility solutions, visit https://www.stiltz.co.uk/.