How to make your home wheelchair accessible
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enovating a home to accommodate the needs of someone in a wheelchair can be challenging. Undoubtedly, you’ll require the help of professional contractors. Here’s a brief look at the modifications you’ll need to make. • Bathroom. You’ll need sufficient clearance space and a sink and toilet adjusted to the appropriate heights. A stand-alone shower or walk-in bathtub will also be required. In both cases, grab bars are a must.
• Doorways. Modifying your doorways by installing offset hinges or removing the door and trim may be sufficient. However, widening the doorways might be necessary. Han-
dles may need to be replaced with ones that are easier to use. • Kitchen. A truly wheelchair friendly kitchen will include modifications to the countertops, sinks, cabinets, appliances and possibly the overall layout. • Flooring. The ideal floor in a wheelchair accessible home is one that’s slip-resistant, easy to maintain, wears well and provides good traction. Laminate, vinyl, ceramic and low-pile or commercial carpeting are all good choices. • Lighting. Glare is often an issue for people who use a wheelchair, but this can frequently be resolved by altering the position or angle of
Most wheelchairs have a seat width of 18 to 22 inches However, comfortable passage typically requires at least 36 inches of clearance. In addition, a turning radius of 60 inches is required in order for a person using a wheelchair to comfortably navigate a space.
lights. Another consideration is the location of light switches, which should be placed at a height of 36 inches. Keep in mind that other modifications may be needed. Depending on the configuration of your home, you may require a chairlift, elevator, ramps and even structural changes to the house’s layout. For help remodeling your home, contact a local specialist in home adaptation projects. November 2021 |
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