Ensuring everyone in your home can access what they need is transformative for someone with mobility challenges. Whether you’re preparing a space for a loved one or updating your own, making a house wheelchair accessible involves thoughtful changes that enhance both safety and functionality. Key areas to focus on include entrances, doorways, bathrooms, and more. This guide will help you make a house wheelchair accessible.
1. Entrance and Exit Accessibility
One of the first areas to address is how someone in a wheelchair can safely enter and exit the home. Ramps and other solutions help with height and accessibility issues. Here’s what you should consider:
– Ramps: Install ramps with a gentle slope to replace steps at entrances. Ensure they meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines to guarantee safety and ease of use.
– Threshold Ramps: Raised door frames can be a barrier. Installing threshold ramps reduces the height difference to less than ½ inch, allowing for smoother wheelchair passage.
– Automatic Door Openers: These provide added convenience, making it easier for someone with limited mobility to enter and exit a home independently.
2. Widening Doorways
Standard doorways may not be wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through comfortably. Here’s how you can adjust them:
– Door Width: Ensure doorways are at least 32 inches wide for easy wheelchair access.
– Remove Door Frames: If space is tight, removing the door frame can add an extra 1-2 inches.
– Install Offset Hinges: These allow doors to open wider without major renovations, giving more clearance for wheelchair access.
– Widen Doorways: In areas where doorways are especially narrow – such as hallways or living rooms – consider having them professionally widened to accommodate safe passage.
3. Flooring Modifications
The right flooring can make a big difference in wheelchair mobility and safety. Consider the following:
– Hard Flooring: Smooth, hard surfaces like laminate, hardwood, tile, or vinyl are ideal as they provide a low-resistance surface for wheelchair use.
– Non-Slip Mats: In areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, use non-slip mats to prevent accidents. Ensure they lay flat to avoid tripping hazards.
4. Accessible Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be tricky to make wheelchair accessible, but with the right changes, they can be made safer and easier to navigate:
– Roll-In Showers: A lip-free, roll-in shower allows a wheelchair to enter easily. Install grab bars for added safety, and consider a handheld showerhead for flexibility.
– Accessible Sinks: Create space beneath the sink for easy wheelchair access, and ensure faucets are within reach.
– Toilets: A raised toilet seat and nearby grab bars can make transfers much easier and safer.
5. Bedroom Adjustments
For comfort and ease, here are some modifications to consider in the bedroom:
– Bed Height: Make sure the bed is at a comfortable height for wheelchair transfers.
– Closet Modifications: Lower hanging rods, or install pull-down rods for easier access to clothes. Shelving that’s off the floor and within arm’s reach is also helpful.
6. Kitchen Adjustments
Kitchens are essential areas that may require several changes to improve accessibility:
– Lowered Countertops: Lower countertops to a height of 28-34 inches to make them usable from a seated position.
– Appliances: Choose appliances with front-facing controls and doors that are easy to open.
– Pull-Out Shelving: Install pull-out shelving in cabinets to make items more accessible without having to reach deep into storage spaces.
Conclusion
Making a home wheelchair accessible is manageable with a few key modifications. Start by focusing on the projects that will have the biggest impact, such as installing ramps and widening doorways. The goal is to create a space that fosters independence while ensuring the safety and comfort of your loved one.
