When someone in your household has begun to experience a mobility limitation or a disabled loved one will be coming to live with you, it may be necessary to make some modifications to your home. Here are some things that you can do to make your home more accessible to an individual who relies on the use of a wheelchair.

Widen Doorways

It may be necessary to widen some of the doorways of your home. A wheelchair needs approximately 36 inches of space to In order to be able to pass through a doorway easily.

Modify a Bathroom

Several modifications may be needed in order for a handicapped person to use a bathroom with ease. A bathroom remodel for disabled persons requires adding a shower without any obstacles to entry. In addition, you may need to install your sink directly to the wall so that a vanity doesn’t prevent a person in a wheelchair from reaching the sink comfortably and safely.

Add an Exterior Ramp

If your home has front steps, you will need to install a ramp for ingress and egress. Ramps need to be constructed at a relatively low angle.

Install a Stair Lift

If someone in a wheelchair will need to get up and down a flight of stairs inside of your home, you may wish to consider installing a stairlift. An electronically activated wall-mounted stairlift is the safest way to enable access between two different levels in your home.

Change Out Door Handles

It may be necessary to lower door handles to a height that is easily accessible from a seated position. Alternatively, you may need to replace turn knob door handles for levers. Push-activated automatic door-openers may be the most ideal solution because it spares someone who is seated from having to reach forward to access a handle or having a door pushing inward push against them as they pass through.

Create Storage Solutions

You may need to give some thought to making changes to your home’s storage areas. A closet may need to include a low-hanging rack for clothes. Certain items in your kitchen may need to be moved from above-counter cabinets to a low-level storage rack.

The most important changes that you need to make are those that facilitate entry and make the most frequently used areas of your home more functional. It’s advisable to get a professional evaluation of how to ensure that certain modifications to your home will be safe and effective.