Having mobility issues does not mean having no sovereignty over one’s life, or lifestyle, due to the many options, additions and amendments that can be incorporated into a new house/house renovation – all it takes is a little planning and knowledge.
Today’s post we are going to focus on obvious and not so obvious changes that can be made, that will give a wheelchair user much greater independence and freedom, within their own home.
Let’s start on the outside. Having clear, and safe access into a home is literally the very first thing to consider when new-building or altering a current building.
- ensure the access is on a solid, safe surface, such as concrete, thus allowing for ease of movement.
- Ensure the path is wide enough for a wheelchair user.
- Ensure the angle/slope is not too steep.
- Ensure there are safety rails installed, at the correct height, for the wheelchair user to grab on to, if needed.
- Ensure any shrubbery/trees do not overhang, thus creating issues with movement, and reducing a clear path to the doorway.
Front Door Access
- Ensure the front door is on the same level as the ramp or has an additional levelling ramp to help with movement.
- Ensure the door opens in the best direction, to avoid difficulty with a swinging door, and that the keyhole/lock is low enough to be easily opened at wheelchair height.
- For safety, it is best to place a magnet door stop, thus allowing the wheelchair user to brace the door open, should they need to enter in & out several times, such as in the case of bringing in their groceries.
Moving inside the home, things to consider throughout:
- Door handles, and light switches to be of a height that enables a wheelchair user easy access.
- Hallways and entry ways (doorways) to be wider to accommodate comfortable navigation of the home.
- Windows to have low-level openings.
- Hard surfaces, such as concrete, and wooden floors. If using tiles, gravitate toward larger tiles, thus reducing the grout lines and increasing flow.
- Carpets are not advisable and no rugs.
Kitchen
- Kitchen cabinets, sinks and electricals, are lowered to allow for better use.
- Roll-out pantry and corner cabinets shelves, such as “lazy-Susans” & pull-out shelves for appliances such as kettles, toasters, and microwaves, to allow for full access.
- Benchtops to have rounded edges, and ideally be of easy-care surfaces.
- Oven to have fold under doors, thus allowing the user to have clear, and safe, access into the oven.
- Lowered benchtops, with an opening beneath the sink, allowing the wheelchair user to be “seated” in front of the sink.
- Lower mirrors, taps, electrical points, and light switches.
- Handrails installed on several walls.
- Hail rails installed in the shower, together with seat for ease of personal hygiene.
- Lowered shower taps.
- One level “wet-area” style shower/bathroom.
- Shower drainage modified ensuring the surface is flat, and safe, while also allowing for adequate drainage.
- Wide shower entry with clear opening.
Laundry
- Lowered cabinets, benchtops, laundry sink, taps and switches/lights.
- Wide enough to manoeuvre wheelchair in full circle rotation.
- Washer and dryer to be at ground level & front loading.
The above lists are to help you consider what might be needed. Every home has its own unique needs and challenges. We recommend contacting one of our Team to discuss your needs. As registered NDIS Supporter’s, we are both committed to improving the life of our clients and trained to help you address many of your concerns.
Contact us to discuss your needs or take a look at some of our PRODUCT RANGE, and we also encourage you to read our NDIS COMPLIANCE certification. And don’t forget to follow us on FACEBOOK
Also, while you’re here, there are several previous blog posts that may be of interest to you, or someone you know. We encourage you to take a look, and share, anything you think would benefit someone with mobilities issues.