Many homeowners have found themselves scrambling to make their homes handicap-accessible after a sudden injury or illness. In addition, home homeowners have found themselves looking to make adjustments to their homes in anticipation of welcoming elderly, less mobile relatives into their homes.
Converting a home into a handicap-accessible space can seem like a daunting task that requires adjustments to nearly every part of the house. While the extent of those adjustments depend upon the individual who needs accommodation, some of the areas that must be addressed the same regardless of that person’s particular condition.Take a look at the following places/items in the home:
- Entryways: Entryways must be examined when evaluating accessibility. Portable ramps can be an affordable option and are often an ideal solution for those that need a simple, temporary adjustment to the floorplan. Pay particular attention to the width of the entry. A standard wheelchair is wider than a folding one.
For long-term/permanent solutions, consider expanding doorways to at least 32 inches. Doorways at the most frequently-used locations, and the primary entry/egress should not be an obstacle and allow easy access.
- Bathrooms: A bathroom might be the area of the home that needs the most attention. Slippery conditions common to bathrooms can make things especially difficult for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities. Grab bars should be installed on tubs and showers, even next to toilets.
Grab bars aren’t the only adjustment homeowners should make in the bathroom as they renovate. Safety treads can be installed to provide a secure, slip-free surface on the floors of showers and tubs. There are also solutions for folks that do not have a firm grip. Portable transfer seats are also very helpful for people using wheelchairs. Also, there are several toilet models that area installed with an optional baseplate. By removing the baseplate, the seat is effectively lowered by as much as 2 to 4 inches.
- Water Fixtures: An often-overlooked adjustment are modifications to sinks throughout the home. A vanity cabinet under a sink often prohibits easy access to someone in a wheelchair. Replacing that model with a pedestal or wall-mounted type and ensuring that they are a little lower than a standard sink installation will make that space much more accessible. In shower stalls, and tubs with a shower option, adapt the showerhead to include a diverter and a hand-held wand to a shower stall to make it easier for those who have limited mobility.
- Closets: Transform a standard closet to feature multi-level bars, shelves, and drawers that can be opened with an easy pull from just one hand. Also, consider installing a light inside the closet if it doesn’t already have one.
Making a home more accessible can be a significant undertaking, but many of the adjustments homeowners must make are small in scale and won’t take too long too complete.
Adapted slightly from original article by: as seen in the Daily Press HomeFinder insert, Sep 20, 2014. Original Source: Metro Creative Content
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