Spring is a fabulous time of year when our gardens start blooming with life. However, if you have limited mobility, getting out into the garden can be a real challenge. Often gardens and patio areas have uneven ground or steps to navigate. You may feel unconfident and worried about tripping or falling. Perhaps you can no longer manage stepping out of your house or climbing a staircase. What can be done to help you get outside to enjoy your garden? The answer? An outdoor half step
How an outdoor half step can help
Outdoor half steps can help you maintain your independence and enable you to keep using your garden. Half steps are small steps that are placed on top or in front of a larger step. They make the distance you have to raise your feet smaller, therefore making it easier to climb. Half steps also make going down steps easier, as you don’t have to take such a large pace down. They also allow you to pause and make sure you feel stable before moving on.
Choosing a half step
Because you will be leaving your half step outside, it needs to be sturdy and strong. It is also vital that it’s made from materials that won’t rot or get slippery in wet weather. Make sure the step has a heavy base that won’t slide around when you stand on it, especially in snow or rain. Your step should be made from durable, heavy duty plastic, ideally with a rubberised, dimpled surface to ensure plenty of grip for your shoes. This also makes it easier to use with a walker or walking stick, as the rubberised legs or end will grip have plenty of traction on the top of the step. The surface should also have drainage holes to ensure water doesn’t pool on the surface.
Maintaining your step
If you use your step on a regular basis, you’ll soon forget it’s there. Whilst this is great in terms of your independence, it could become hazardous if it’s not properly maintained. Make sure it’s cleaned regularly to get rid of slippery residue such as dirt or mould. Whilst it’s unlikely that plastic will degrade, check it over to ensure that it isn’t wearing down in a way that might make it unstable. Check that the rubberised surface hasn’t started to perish, as this could make it slippery to stand on. If you’re unable to perform this task, ask a relative or friend to do it for you. Taking care of your half step will ensure it lasts a long time and always keeps you safe.