Top Design Tips to Make Your Home Wheelchair Accessible

Homes are not typically built for the disabled, and people who are new to the world of wheelchairs often learn this the hard way. Traditional homes present a range of challenges beyond just getting past the stairs out front. Counters may be too tall, cabinets too high, and windows out or reach. Here are some smart home renovation ideas that you can invest in to make a property more handicap-friendly and allow someone in a wheelchair to enjoy a more independent lifestyle.

Widen the Doorways

Standard doors are 36 inches wide. While many wheelchairs can scrape through these openings, it’s a tight fit. There’s a risk of people hurting their hands on the doorjambs, and they cannot make any tight pivots near the opening. One of the first goals may be to widen all doors to 42 inches to allow plenty of room for comfortably navigating chairs, whether or not they are using a push or power wheelchair. If you don’t want to widen the doorways, then consider switching to expandable hinges that allow the doors to open wider for improved clearance. You can also eliminate this concern and expense by going with power scooters that take up less space.

Front Ramp Alternatives

Many people put ramps right in their front yards, but you may not like how this looks. Consider putting the ramp at a back door if space and accessibility allow. Another option is to run the ramp along the length of the garage wall so that it’s indoors. One great benefit of this option is that you won’t have to worry about the ramp being wet or icy. You can also skip the ramp completely and go with a lift in the garage to save space and make entering the home less of a hassle.

The Open Shower

Doorless showers are commonly used in gyms, and they can be installed in your home. When you remove the tub, you can go with a zero rise shower that the chair can be rolled right into. Be sure to include some vital safety features like grab bars, a folding seat, and a low hand-held spray nozzle so that the handicapped individual can take a proactive role in personal care.

Smart Kitchen Changes

If possible, take the individual with you when you shop for appliances. Front loading washers and dryers may be easier to use. Side-by-side refrigerators provide them with better access to the food. Drawer-type dishwashers eliminate the large pull-down door. They’re stylish in new kitchens and more accessible for people in wheelchairs.

Take measurements with the person sitting in the chair to determine what the height requirements are for toe-kicks. You may wind up having the cabinet bases customized so that the wheelchair foot rests will slight right under the fixtures. Switch from standard lower cabinets to pull-out drawers on full-extension glides so that everything is accessible even from a seated position.

If the handicapped individual wants to cook meals, then lowering countertops will be a necessity. Sinks should be installed with open bases below and plumbing that’s tight against the wall. Gooseneck faucets are more versatile and can easily be used from a seated position. Go for granite countertops, and try to create smooth lines between the stove and sink so that pots of water can be slid across the counter without being lifted.

The Main Floor Bedroom

A stair lift is a great solution for people in wheelchairs, but you’ll need a second wheelchair on the upper floor. You may decide that a better option is to convert one of the downstairs rooms to a bedroom. You can easily add a closet to the den, or enclose the formal dining room and make it a bedroom.

If someone in your home has recently transitioned to a wheelchair, consider investing in some smart upgrades that will make his or her life easier. You can help make them more independent, and that will help improve their quality