Making a home wheelchair accessible means modifying it to mobility needs. Add convenience and comfort right from the entrance to the bathrooms. It entails cost and time but promotes independent living. Here come some top tips to make adaptations and make your home an easier place to move around on a wheelchair.
Ramps
Step-free entrance is trending these day. But if your home has steps, consider using a ramp which is tailored to the number of steps and its width. Handrails and slip-free surfaces make them safe and comfortable to use.
Doors
Widen the door frames for convenient wheelchair entry and exit. Standard wheelchairs are 25mm wide and the door frames have to be 35 inches wide for convenient access.
If placing a peephole, lower the position to the eye level of a person on the wheelchair.
Automated sliding doors create better access and the idea, the lesser the doors, the more the comfort also works. Automated doors work via remote control or a smartphone. Pairing it with intercoms adds safety.
Floors
Wear-resistant flooring solutions like Hardwood flooring, Laminate flooring, Ceramic Tiles, Vinyl flooring are some of the best choices.
Furniture
Ensure a spacious room design for ample space within for easy movement on a wheelchair. Rearrange furniture off the way to create room. Furniture raisers help to adjust the height of sofas, beds, and chairs for easy access.
Disability hoist and grab bars
Install handlebars for extra support to get into and out of the wheelchair. Hoists ensure safe transportation of disabled persons. Choose one which best suits the needs to prevent the risk of fall and injury.
Multi-level house
Help them access upstairs with the help of stairlifts. To have all rooms downstairs is the best option for wheelchair users.
Bathroom
Turning space for wheelchair (59 inches), space in front of the toilet bowl, rails/grab bars around the bath, toilet and shower, low washbasin, are some crucial points to remember. A wetroom-type shower with a bench is ideal for wheelchair users.
Switches & Sockets
Traditional switches and sockets are high up and are inconvenient for wheelchair users. Altering them entails high cost, but make the most out of smart home technology to activate lights and sockets from an app in the mobile phone.
Kitchen
Low countertops, base storage, and placing appliances at a wheelchair level can provide easy kitchen access.
Do you have anything else in mind?