If you, a relative, or a regular visitor to your home use a wheelchair, it is important to make sure your house is accessible. Creating a wheelchair-friendly home will enable those with reduced mobility to get around the property efficiently, safely, and comfortably. With just a few practical adjustments, you can improve access to your home, and make any wheelchair user feel more than welcome on their next visit. Here are a few great ways to make your home more accessible for wheelchair users.
Install ramps
Stairs are a big problem for anyone in a wheelchair, so if a step-up is required to access your home, a ramp will be required. Home access ramps can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be permanent installations or smaller, portable structures. It must have a gentle incline and smooth yet grippy surface.
Widen doorways
Most home doorways are built with an upright person in mind, not someone in a wheelchair. As such, they can often be too narrow for a standard chair to fit through. Widening your entryways to around 36 inches should enable most wheelchairs to pass comfortably though. If this is too big a job, you could make this easier by installing offset door hinges to increase the opening by a couple of inches. This might be all you need.
Change the flooring
Carpets and rugs create a lot of friction, which can make movement very difficult for wheelchairs. Instead, opt for smooth, hard flooring such as hardwood, tile, or vinyl. If carpets are necessary, don’t use a thick, shaggy model. Instead, choose a low-pile carpet and secure it with adhesive strips to prevent slippage.
Make your bathroom accessible
Bathrooms can be challenging to navigate in a wheelchair, but a few modifications can make them much more accessible. Instal grab bars near the toilet and in the shower to provide stability and support for a wheelchair user. A roll-in shower with a hand-held shower head and a fold-down seat makes washing much easier.
Modify your kitchen
Standard kitchens are impractical for most wheelchair users. Cupboards, sinks, and countertops are often far too high for someone in a seated position. If a wheelchair user will be using your kitchen regularly, you’ll need to lower your surfaces and storage areas so they can prepare meals comfortably. You may even need to install an under-the-counter microwave or a side-opening oven for ease of use.
Rearrange your furniture
How easy is it for a wheelchair user to move through your home? Make sure there is ample space between your furniture, and rearrange if not. Avoid leaving clutter out on the floor and ensure there is a clear path between any areas of your home a wheelchair user will need to use.
In summary, although making your home wheelchair-friendly may require some initial hard work, it is important to make those with mobility challenges feel comfortable and seen. These actions will turn your home into a more inclusive and accessible living space.
Laura x