Gordon JamesThere are a lot of ways to make a home wheelchair accessible. You can set up ramps to allow people to enter your home and navigate it. You can position furniture at the right height to allow wheelchair users to get to it. You can widen doorways to make it easier for people to get inside. This article is going to show you 6 easy ways to make your home wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchairs are a common sight in our open air world, and most of us have no problem with the fact that we cant get out of the house without one. However, not everyone is like us. Some people are still not able to use these devices for distances over a few meters, and need a little help in order to be able to get around freely. In order to increase the number of persons who can use a wheelchair freely, it is important to not only make the wheelchair more user-friendly, but also to make it more adaptable to the users needs.
Accessible design is a large component of modern design, and it is a trend that is not going away anytime soon. …
It can be overwhelming and intimidating to think about the changes you will have to make if someone in your family turns out to need a wheelchair.
This can be caused by a fall, illness, injury, accident or an active aging process. Whatever the reason, creating a wheelchair accessible home should be your top priority.
Because this can be a daunting task for many, there are practical and simple ways to make any home wheelchair accessible. Today we’re going to talk about some of the important small steps that make this possible.
After reading these helpful steps to make your home wheelchair accessible, you’ll realize that change isn’t so bad. There are changes you can make easily, and there are changes that take time and repairs.
Familiarize yourself with each of them and choose the ones that work for your space.
1. Provide adequate and bright illumination
Before you change the floor plan of your home, make sure there is proper lighting. Under-counter lighting can be bright and difficult to manage. It is therefore necessary to set the lamps at a lower height.
Switches shall also be placed at a height at which they can be reached when not in use. It is recommended that larger switches be purchased for ease of use.
If you are having trouble making an adjustment, you can have someone come in or walk around the house to check. Make sure paths, especially those with stairs, are well lit.
2. Use ramps instead of steps
You could say that stairs are an integral part of the house. If you want people in your home to be able to use a wheelchair comfortably, consider installing ramps.
This applies not only to a large staircase, but also to one or two staircases. You want to maximize a person’s mobility, and if you want to avoid extra costs, you can opt for folding or collapsible ramps.
You can also buy stair lifts, which are equally useful for people with limited mobility. There are different types of railings that can be purchased in physical stores or online.
3. Bathtub alignment and set-up
People in wheelchairs may find bathing and going to the toilet uncomfortable. A normal bathroom can be dangerous for someone in a wheelchair.
In addition to the risk of slips and falls, water and soap can be deadly when combined with bath and tile surfaces.
Bathroom preparation can begin with removing traffic barriers and installing non-slip flooring. There are also non-slip pads for bathtubs.
When it comes to bathtubs, you can look at bathtubs that are designed to provide more mobility and support. You can install handholds or a portable shower seat.
Walk-in baths are also recommended to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Make sure the drain can’t get clogged and that it’s away from the shower area to avoid accidents.
Another area to check is the sink. It is recommended that sinks be installed at a height that is comfortable for someone in a wheelchair. You can mount the mirrors sitting or standing. When it comes to taps, it is preferable to choose taps equipped with sensors.
Make sure that the installation and passage areas are the same width, as a person in a wheelchair needs a lot of room to move around. Handrails can be another addition.
With their help, a person can easily get up and sit down. If you put the toilet in a higher place, it will also be easier for them to sit down and use it.
If you can’t afford a higher toilet, you can install a raised base or use plastic seat cushions to increase the height.
4. Equipping the house with railings
In addition to the bathroom, it will be helpful to identify the critical areas of your home. These are places that are visited by someone who uses a wheelchair.
You should check all corners where you need handrails or bars for support and balance. This includes bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms and more.
5. Furniture removal
In homes with wheelchair users, rearranging the furniture should always be considered. For people who do not have limited mobility, the furniture can be placed anywhere in the house.
However, they must be removed from the rails to provide additional space and freedom of movement. Make sure there are no narrow paths or sharp turns in the house.
It is also best to place all items at an accessible and convenient height. This means putting things in cabinets, tables, counters and shelves at a lower level.
6. Knowledge of floors and surfaces
As their only means of transport is a wheelchair, you need to ensure that the surface they will be rolling on is safe and suitable for their needs. If you have carpeting in your home, make sure it is smooth and tangle-free.
Avoid acorns and fibers, as they can get caught in the wheels and cause an accident. You can also choose from vinyl flooring, ceramic tiles, laminate and shag or rugs.
Whatever you choose, it is important that it is non-slip and easy to maneuver for wheelchairs.
Conclusion
In addition to the examples above, there are many other ways to make your home wheelchair accessible. Some methods can be completed in a day or two, while others require a longer period of rebuilding and construction.
Always go for quality, whether it’s handrails or upgrades to bathtubs and doors. If you don’t know how or where to start, you can always do the easy tasks and then move on to the difficult ones.
You have to remember that the most important thing is to get started. Customize your home to fit your needs, because a wheelchair accessible home is a safe and inviting place for everyone.It’s time to think beyond ramps; the wheelchair-accessible home is more of a challenge than you think. The process of making the home wheelchair-accessible often requires additional planning which can be overwhelming for DIY enthusiasts. As a result, you might not ever get around to making the home accessible, or may even end up making it inaccessible.. Read more about home modifications for wheelchair users and let us know what you think.
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Gordon James
