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Dan Terziev

How to Make Your Home Wheelchair Friendly?

Updated: May 16, 2023



A universal design concept makes architecture accessible to persons with varied requirements, such as extra room for mobility aids or lower light switches for those who use wheelchairs. The most excellent approach to assure general safety and comfort for a person is to live in a house that is handicap accessible for that person to use. A wheelchair-accessible home is essential for the general well-being of yourself or people you care for who need more accessible accommodations.


Creating a wheelchair-friendly house entails reducing obstacles and making everyday essentials more accessible. Depending on the scope, even a modest do-it-yourself project might significantly influence. When it comes to making a home accessible for wheelchair users, this guide aims to take a comprehensive look at a home's interior and exterior and each room and each region of the house.



Replace stairs with ramps

Many people, not only those in wheelchairs, are at risk of injury or death on the stairs. It is not uncommon to see them in a wide variety of architectural styles. At the very least, you'll find at least one or two stairs going from your porch to your front door or an interior landing to your living room, even if your house is a single-story ranch. People using walkers, wheelchairs, power chairs, and other mobility aids may safely and reliably move from one room to another using indoor and outdoor house ramps. Wheelchair ramps may be made from various materials and are available in multiple sizes and shapes to match your specific requirements.



A Stairlift is a big help.

The restroom may be a real hassle for a lot of people. Those prone to falls should avoid using damp or soapy surfaces such as slick tile or worktops, which become even more dangerous. Because of the tub's high edges, it might be challenging to get in and out of. Step-in tubs enable people to enter the tub without straddling the border. As a result, the danger of falling is significantly reduced. Consider lining your tub with a slip-resistant surface to make it simpler to get in and out.



Consider an elevator

Elevators are an excellent alternative to a stairlift for those with restricted mobility. Elegant, safe, trustworthy, and speedy are just a few of the adjectives you may use to describe them. In addition, they may be incorporated into an existing structure. You may believe that constructing an elevator in your house is too expensive, yet the value of your property may rise considerably more than the cost of the elevator itself. The most essential thing is that your house will be open to everyone thanks to your investment.



Say no to bathing barriers.

The restroom is a source of irritation for many people. Those prone to slips and falls should avoid using damp or soapy flooring or worktops. Getting in and out of the tub might be difficult due to its raised edges.



Update your toilet

People with disabilities may have trouble getting to the bathroom. Having handrails in the bathroom makes it easier for individuals to get up and down from the toilet, which is a delicate balancing act. A modest safety frame around the bathroom may increase the user's comfort and quality of life.



Handrails in important places

Using a handrail may help you get out of bed, a chair, or the bathroom if you're experiencing problems getting up from a sitting position. Grab rails in the bathroom are necessary to avoid falls and get out of sitting positions. As a result, they help people feel better about themselves.



Remove doorknobs

If you have a hard time holding, many doorknobs might be bulky and difficult to operate. To make your house more accessible, consider replacing doorknobs with push/pull bars, press lever handles, or automated doors. An automatic gate is a great option if you're looking for a simple way to open any door. For example, a wheelchair's control switches or even a wall-mounted push pad may be used to activate these gadgets. The doors may still be operated manually if desired, even if automatic.



Access pool easily

For many persons with disabilities, backyard pools are excellent locations for exercise and treatment, but they may be dangerous if not correctly adapted. People with limited mobility cannot use ladders or entrance steps, which might constitute a safety risk. These pool elevators are designed to make it easier for the handicapped and others with limited mobility to get into the water safely. In-ground and above-ground pools may benefit from these supports, which come in a wide range of weight capabilities.



Furniture Rearrangement

Take a look at your home's layout. Those with limited mobility or wheelchairs may find it challenging to maneuver your furniture if it isn't set up in an accessible manner. Make sure there are no sharp corners or small pathways in your furniture arrangement. When it comes to things you regularly use—like soft seats or bookshelves—important it's that they're within easy reach. Mobility-impaired individuals may have to relocate their belongings to lower shelves.



Always consider your surface.

Bathrooms and showers should have non-slip mats fitted to prevent visitors from slipping and falling. In addition to being difficult for persons with mobility aids like walkers and canes, hardwood floors, thick carpets, and rough grout are challenging for those with disabilities. Smooth, even carpeting may be preferable in certain situations.


Modernizing your house doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. A wheelchair-friendly home makes it easier for a person in a wheelchair to do their everyday tasks. Doors, passageways, staircases, kitchens, and bathrooms are among the locations needing improvement. Mobility in the home may be improved for everyone, not just those in wheelchairs, by concentrating on four key areas.


 


Planning to put handicap-friendly places into your home? iTaskApp can you help you there! Not only are we going to ensure excellent results for greater access, but we will also ensure the safety of those who will use these. So download the app now or visit itask.com for more services and great offers!



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