Wheelchair Accessible Homes: What Changes Do You Need to Make?

Getting used to wheelchair use involves more than just being comfortable with a different way of living. Accessibility and ease of use so you can resume the type of life you’re accustomed to are important, especially home considerations.

Your house may need adapting for accessibility. You may need to renovate your home, or you may have decided to move to a home that better suits your needs. Any of these choices represent a big challenge as you learn to get around in your wheelchair.

If you’re looking at purchasing or renovating an older home, it’s important to note that some older houses have narrower doorways, passageways and smaller rooms. People of past generations didn’t have many of the material needs of today, and older furniture was typically smaller to fit room sizes. Garage doors and entranceways were also smaller.

Wheelchair users need a sturdy ramp with handrails so that other family members have safe access to the house. Many construction companies specialize in adapting houses for wheelchair users.

Doorways can be widened and ramps built, but kitchens and bathrooms, often much smaller in older homes, represent a problem. These areas need to be widened and equipped for wheelchair access. Kitchen cabinets can be added in an island or a lower part of the kitchen, or even in a free-standing cabinet in the dining room.

The bathroom requires the shower to be renovated for rollover access. Water drainage is not a problem, flowing to an opposite corner. A walk-in bathtub with water jet functions may also be a consideration.

Handicapped accessibility is pretty easy to add to most any home. Throughout any transition period, Van Products can help you get new items for your home, find new activities in the area, and provide assistance with mobility vans and other allied products and accessories.