Lifestyle

Ways to Make Your Home Accessible

Published

2 years ago

December 22, 2022

As we get older, it’s important that our home is safe and easy to navigate. If you have a ramp installed in your front entry or kitchen, the steps will be easier to navigate than they would be otherwise. In this article, we’ll go over some of the things you can do to make your home safer and easier for anyone who needs access due to their age or disability.

Put in a Few Ramps

You can make it easier for everyone, regardless of disabilities or mobility issues, to enter your home by installing a ramp. Ramps come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to make plans that meet your needs. If you have just a couple of steps at the front door of your house, then an incline mat might be more appropriate than a permanent ramp.

Remove Any Rugs You Have

Area rugs are a great way to add color and texture to your home, but they can also be dangerous. If you have an area rug underfoot, you’re more likely to make a slip or fall if the carpet becomes wet. Fortunately, there are simple ways to make sure that doesn’t happen. Rinse off your shoes before entering the house. This will help prevent soil from getting into your carpeting and making it less safe for everyone who walks on it later on in their day. Keep the house cool, so that there’s less chance for someone’s feet or shoes getting wet in the first place.

Install a Home Elevator

One of the best ways to make your house more accessible is to install a home elevator. If you or any other people living with you are old or suffer from a disability, then taking the stairs isn’t the best course of action. In fact, you’d be surprised how common slip and falls are among these group of people. Installing a home elevator can completely eliminate this safety hazard. There are different options when it comes to the price of a home elevator so it will be an investment on your part as these elevators cost thousands to install. Not to mention, you might also have to talk with a contractor about adding potential space because not every property is compatible with them.

Make the Bathroom Safer

One of the most important things you can do to make your home more accessible is to create a safe bathroom on the first floor of the home. If you have an older adult or someone with disabilities, they may need assistance getting up and down from a tub or shower. You should install grab bars in both locations as well as a chair nearby that can be used for sitting down while showering or bathing. Make sure there are also handrails near every sink and mirror so that if someone does fall, they won’t end up hitting their head on anything before falling to the ground.

Have the Adequate Amount of Lighting

Lighting should be bright enough to allow you to clearly see what you’re working on, but not so much that it causes glare on computer screens and TV monitors. Lighting that is too dim can be hazardous for older people or those with bad vision.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.