Dr. Eboni Green
May 13, 2022
Wheelchairs are a necessary part of life for many people around the world, but many homes and buildings aren’t friendly to wheelchairs. No one should live in a home they can’t use properly, so it’s important to learn more about ways to create a wheelchair-friendly home. You can use this guide to identify and solve some of the more common accessibility problems around your loved one’s home.
One of the biggest obstacles for people who use wheelchairs is stairs. Many wheelchair users cannot walk up or down the stairs. For those who can, climbing stairs while carrying a wheelchair is difficult and dangerous. There are a lot of different ways to solve this problem in your home, from ramps to stair elevators. The right option depends on the depth of the stairs and your space.
Another common issue people may overlook is level changes on the same floor. Consider threshold ramps that help improve mobility in your home.
Injuries often occur in the bathroom as the room requires a lot of movement. There are plenty of different solutions that can help mobility in the bathroom, such as toilets with easy access and spacious showers that help people maneuver with as little difficulty as possible.
One of the best ways to create a wheelchair-friendly home is to add handrails throughout the home. Install handrails in places where someone in a wheelchair will need extra balance. A common area is in the shower and near the stairs, though your home may need more in different locations. Work together with the people you’re helping and getting help to create a home design that checks off every need.
One of the greatest mobility challenges in homes is closed doors. Opening a door inward with a handle can be difficult in a wheelchair. Switch problematic doors out for different opening styles to improve mobility and accessibility throughout the home. Sliding doors are a great example of a different door opening style that can make navigation easier.
These are some of the ways people are creating wheelchair-accessible homes. With these alterations, people can live in a home that prioritizes their needs, which everyone deserves. If you’re having trouble coming up with a design that fits your home, think about reaching out to services that can help you plan a design that will work specifically for you and your loved one.
