According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021, there are over 42 million Americans with physical disabilities who are living outside of care facilities. Depending on their disability, many of them will need to make some kind of modification to their homes to make day-to-day living a possibility. For wheelchair users, there are typically a few changes that can ensure they can move around their homes well.
Most things in your kitchen are set up at a particular height so it will be important to assess the best way to make your cupboards and equipment more accessible. It’s a good idea to lower your cabinets and keep your utensils in drawers that are at chest height.
One important change you can make to your closet is to bring the rod down so you can get to your clothes easily. The area above the clothes can be used to store items that you don’t need every day. If there isn’t enough space, consider getting additional furniture that will keep your clothes within reach.
It’s usually recommended that you replace the stairs that lead to your home with a ramp. If you have a stairway inside, a stair lifter is your best option. However, some experts suggest looking at the cost of moving to a single-level home as well.
You need your flooring to be slip-resistant when you’re using a wheelchair. Some options include ceramic tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring. Most carpeting won’t work with a wheelchair but you can get a thinner type of carpet that you can manage.
Doorways and hallways are critical when it comes to your home. Both of these need to be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. However, it can be trickier to widen a hallway so it’s a good idea to look at other housing options.
It’s common to remove the step-in shower or tub because of their height. It’s best to replace them with a shower that you can roll your wheelchair into. Depending on your level of mobility, rails can also help.
A toilet riser makes it easier for you to move from your wheelchair to the toilet and back. This is another instance where grab rails can help you move around.
Whether you notice or not, lighting rarely takes wheelchair users into consideration. That’s why you should adjust it to suit you. You need to be able to turn your lights on and off easily while in your wheelchair.
It’s useful for the sinks in your bathroom and kitchen to be placed at a height where you can use them effectively. The counters will also need to be lower so you can reach your toiletries and other items.
It’s essential that you’re able to move seamlessly from your wheelchair to your bed. Given that a standard wheelchair is usually 19-20″ above floor level, it’s best to get a bed that’s below that range.
Though some of the changes might seem simple, you should never attempt them on your own or enlist the services of someone who isn’t an expert. There are building codes and regulations that govern making a home wheelchair accessible. For example, you’ll need a permit to install ramps in your home. Additionally, a doorway needs to be at least 32” wide to satisfy the requirements of being wheelchair accessible. When you hire an expert who specializes in wheelchair accessibility regulations, you ensure that your home is functional without being in breach.
Modifying your home can be an expensive venture. Fortunately, there are grants on the federal, state, and local levels that you can access. The government may also give grants to federal employees as well as members of the public that meet certain criteria. Furthermore, there are nonprofit organizations that have grants that they disburse to people who need to make their homes wheelchair accessible. While the qualification requirements can vary, some of the information you may have to provide include your location, medical confirmation of your disability, tax documents, information about your income, and employment documents.
It can be difficult to use a wheelchair in a building that hasn’t been modified to be accessible. The good news is that you can have the home you need if you work with an expert. While these modifications can be expensive, you may be able to access funding that will help.
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