The Experts Supporting Accessibility Changes
Part 4 of a 5-Part Guide to Supporting Independence & Comfort
Getting Experts Involved in Accessibility Updates
At Capella Design, we understand how difficult it can be to get started with accessibility changes. That’s why we’re collaborating with designers, occupational therapists, and caregivers to share actionable ways to support your loved ones. Check out the first post in the series, recognizing signs of accessibility needs.
Getting Experts Involved
Making a home more accessible can feel overwhelming, but the right experts can make it much easier. Professionals like occupational therapists and interior designers bring knowledge and ideas that help you make confident choices. These partnerships can ensure the updates meet your loved one’s needs and make their home safer and more comfortable.
Why Involve Experts?
Accessibility is about more than just safety. It’s about adapting a home to make sure it continues to feel like home. That means it needs to reflect your identity while also accomodating the needs of everyone who lives there. over the long term.
That's no small task, which is why involving experts can make a huge difference. The right experts can:
Spot Needs:
Experts are trained to identify specific needs based on how your loved ones moves and lives in their home.
Provide Recommendations:
Experts understand what products, layouts, and "hacks" can be used to make the home more practical while maintaining your style preferences.
Share What They've Seen Work:
Experts work with many clients, so they understand what kinds of modifications have worked for others.
Help you Make Good Decisions:
Experts understand both what to install, and how to install it. Their knowledge of comfort and codes can help ensure items like grab bars are placed and coreectly.
Get it Ready to Use:
While buying a product is an important first step, installing it can be its own challenge. Experts can help you walk that last mile so your modifications are safe and ready to use .
Help you Get Modifications Paid For:
Many experts can help you find discounts, know about funding programs, and connect you to other professionals if needed.
Types of Accessibility Experts
There are a number of different types of professionals who can help make accessibility changes simple and effective:
Occupational Therapists:
(OTs) Watch how your loved one uses their space and suggest changes that can help. They can assess overall needs, recommend modifications that will keep your loved one comfortable over the long term, and recommend tools and home updates that make daily tasks easier.
Aging-in-Place Specialists:
These experts focus on plans that work now and in the future as needs change. They suggest products and layouts that help prevent accidents while keeping independence. They can also help identify and coordinate the right trades to help you modify your space.
Architects Specializing in Universal Design:
These experts support larger structural changes to your home that might involve adapting or altering your entryway, or imagining your home for single floor living. They make sure accessibility features are part of the overall home design.
Interior Designers:
Add accessibility features that blend with the home’s style. They can help you reimagine spaces to make them easier to use without losing their charm.
Contractors (or Accessible Renovation Specialists)
These teams can help you execute on modifying a space, planning and installing things like grab bars, ramps, tubs, or wider doorways. It's important to find a team who understands accessibility, so look for certifications like CAPS (certified aging in place specialists) or ask them about their knowledge of the ADA (American disabilities act).
How to Find the Right Expert
Experts don’t just help with ideas—they also make the process easier. Finding the right professional doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some tips::
Ask for Referrals:
Talk to local caregiving groups, healthcare providers, or friends who’ve done similar updates.
Check Credentials:
Look for local teams with certifications like Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) or professional membership, like AOTA membership for OTs. These show that the expert has the right skills.
Choose Someone Who Listens:
The best experts will work with you to make a plan that fits your loved one’s needs and preferences.
The experience of the right experts experience can turn a big, stressful task into a smooth and supportive journey. While finding one might feel like an added step, in the end, their work helps create a home where your loved one feels safe, independent, and happy.
Looking Ahead: Bringing it All Together
In the final post, we’ll bring everything together—showing how planning, expert help, and thoughtful design can create homes that are not just safe, but beautiful and empowering. Together, we’ll celebrate the journey of making meaningful changes.
Whether you’re new to the Capella Design community or not, we thought folks could use an update on what we’ve been up to this year. And was it ever a lot! From joining the permanent collection of a museum to winning a design award, here’s what you need to know about how Capella Design is creating distinction in the design-forward mobility product category.
- Incorporating premade food, whether that means ordering out or store bought sides and desserts
- Opting for gift bags over wrapping paper
- Sending calls or texts instead of holiday cards
- Saying no to gatherings causing caregiving strain (or that you just aren’t excited to attend!)
Put Yourself First
Prioritize your well-being this holiday season by scheduling regular self-care activities—whether that is a long walk, your favorite treat, or some uninterrupted time alone. As the saying goes, “put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.”Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's an essential part of being an effective caregiver, so carve out time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Let Your Home Help You Out
Organizing and preparing the home for a more accessible holiday season will create an environment that is both festive and conducive to caregiving responsibilities.Check out our post with tips on how to make your home more accessible for the holidays. These small changes can help you ensure a safe and comfortable space for you and your loved ones, alleviating a significant factor in caregiving stress.
Get customer attention by clean visual and video
Make it easy to buy by eliminating stumbling blocks to purchase. Don’t assume customers know which item you’re talking about in your post. Provide a link directly to the product page or just link the product to your blog so they can buy if they want. If it relevant give readers more than one way to get to the product.
Article credit: Heidi Cohen
