Making Your Home More Accessible If You Are A Wheelchair User

Most of us just happily go along in life moving home without any hitches. This is because the majority of people are fully able so no matter what property you purchase or how often you move home, you just move in and start living easily, whether it’s a two or three story property.

If you are a wheelchair user it is a completely different story. For starters, you can’t move easily to another home because there may not be many properties available that are fully accessible for a wheelchair user. This means you are left with a couple of options. You either adapt the home you currently live in or, if you decide to move, you will need to adapt your new home before you can move in.

If you’re going to adapt your current home, or a new home, here are a few ways to it to make it accessible if you are a wheelchair user.

1. Doorways

Nearly all homes have a standard size door entrance. If you are a wheelchair user then it will need to be changed so a wheelchair can comfortably go through the doorway. The width of the doorway will need to be a minimum of 36 inches to make it accessible for wheelchairs.

2. Wheelchair lifts

If you live in a two or three story property, then getting upstairs will be very difficult. So to adapt your home to make it easier to go upstairs, why not install a wheelchair lift for the home. Most homes can accommodate this type of lift and it will consequently make it easier getting upstairs to your bedroom at night time.

3. Electrical

Electrical sockets and light switches can easily be overlooked when you are a wheelchair user. So when adapting your home have the light switches and sockets positioned at wheelchair height so you are never over reaching. This is another perfect way to make life easier for a wheelchair user.

4. Kitchen

For a wheelchair user the kitchen can easily be a nightmare so when adapting your kitchen make sure the worktops, cooker and sink are lowered to make them totally accessible. This will make sure no accidents happen in the kitchen.

5. Ramps

In older homes you will quite often have steps going from one room to another especially in the downstairs of a property. It’s really simple to adapt. Just install ramps so you have a smooth transition from room to room.

Ramps are also very important for the outside of your property. Most front doors will have a step up which is of course is almost impossible for a wheelchair user to negotiate. To eliminate this problem have a fixed ramp installed which is non-slip. This will make your home more accessible.

6. Handrails

Handrails are simple to install but the benefit is massive. Strategically placed handrails for instance at the front door or anywhere there is a ramp it’s very important to help and assist a wheelchair user.

Even if you have only a slight slope on your driveway a wheelchair could slip backwards if you are not careful so installing a handrail the whole length of the driveway will add security and keep you safe when you go up your driveway.

7. Flooring

If you have carpet in your home then a wheelchair user will know it can be difficult to move a wheelchair on carpet. A perfect solution is to change all the flooring to wood which will make moving around your home much easier.

So there are a few ways to adapt your home if you are a wheelchair user. I would love to hear your thoughts in comments below.