Whether you have a relative with a physical disability who is going to be visit with you for a few days or who plans to move in permanently, some changes will need to be made. Many adjustments made to homes for the disabled include building ramps for wheelchairs, the addition of rails, and the inclusion of tools that can be used to reach high shelves. Making your home more accessible for your disabled loved one will help to encourage independence and make staying together under one roof a more enjoyable experience all around.
Addressing Wheelchair Accessibility in Your Home
When you come into your home, you can travel about comfortably because you know where everything is and have no issue taking care of yourself without assistance. You might not think consciously about how wide the hallways are, or high how up the light switches are if you are not confined to a wheelchair. Realize that your relative living with a disability will first have to find his or her way around your home, and then make concessions for any features that may take more effort to use on their part.
If there are stairs, a chairlift may be needed so that your loved one can get around your home freely without needing anyone's help. You will also need to ensure that your home is spacious enough to make room for wheelchairs in the living room, dining area, and even in the bedrooms. Although you will likely need to think hard and even make additional adjustments after your loved one with a disability has come to stay with you, addressing ease of mobility issues will make everyone feel more at home.
Making Your Bathroom Accessible for Wheelchair Usage
The first thing that you are going to want to make sure of is that your bathroom doorway is wide enough for wheelchairs to pass through. Measure the door frames of your bathroom to see if they are at least 32 inches wide, which will allow a standard wheelchair to safely fit into the bathroom without damage.
Next, look at the height of your bathroom sink and see if it can be reached while using a wheelchair. You may need to lower the height of your bathroom vanity and countertops, or otherwise make it accessible for people who use wheelchairs. The bathtub and shower also features that you should make adjustments to if you see that they would pose a difficulty for your disabled loved one.
Share28 February 2017
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