While the population of disabled people is growing immensely, the urge for handicap-friendly houses is highly increasing to accommodate all their needs. A person’s lifestyle can change anytime due to the aging process, mobility problems, or sickness. At that point, you may have to redesign your house to meet your current requirements.
For instance, the 2010 census found out that more than 56 million individuals with different kinds of physical disabilities in the US. This is a considerable number, and all these people require a comfortable home, whether in the living room, kitchen, or bathroom, to increase their independence. If the house has several floors, installing a wheelchair lift can help them access all other parts of their home.
Furthermore, a home designed with disabled people in mind gives comfort and enhances mobility for everyone in the house. This also creates independence for the family members with disability issues. If you’re unsure where to start, read through these five tips to design the home in a way to accommodate both normal and handicapped loved ones.
- Wide doorways
Most wheelchairs are big-sized, and they may not pass through the regular doorways. Disability-friendly houses have doors of around 813 mm in width. The doors should also have slight slopes because step-in doors may make it hard to push the wheelchair.
Doors with lever handles are better than those with knob controls which can be challenging for talented people. Whether you have wheelchair users in your house or not, these kinds of entrances are helpful. They are easy to grab with one hand to open the door. Wider doorways are luxurious and create a safer environment for your kids.
- Make the Kitchen More Accessible
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The kitchen is an essential area in anyone’s home. That’s why it has to be as friendly as possible to the disabled family members. The good thing is that you can constantly adjust some areas to meet other people’s needs. You can start with lowering the working countertops and sinks. Arrange all appliances closer to the kitchen tables and sinks to make it easier while cooking or performing other chores.
The counters and sinks should leave enough space beneath them to accommodate the knees when working in a wheelchair. You can also make using the sinks more comfortable by installing taps with single push controls.
- Install Wheelchair Lift
Stairs are a significant obstacle for the disabled because it reduces their independence and movement. Using a wheelchair can confine you to one part of your house if you’re disabled with no one to move you to other floors.
Fortunately, with advanced technology, you can now install a wheelchair lift in your home to increase mobility. Wheelchair lifts offer a convenient and safer way to access every part of the house. Before installing a wheelchair lift, it’s good to look for good service providers with responsive support. They should train you on how to operate it and do the essential maintenance.
- Include Bathroom Safety Features
For most disabled persons, going to the toilet or taking a shower is challenging. Your bathroom should be wheelchair-friendly with lots of free space to turn around, whether near the toilet or bathroom. You may also consider changing the floor tiles to make them less slippery.
Some bathtubs have taller sides that make it hard for the disabled to get into them. You can install step-in tubs that enable the users to get into the tub without straddling the tall sides. Also, add solid and durable rails near the shower and lavatory to hold while performing their tasks.
- Improve Flooring
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Carpeted surfaces aren’t the best for those using wheelchairs or walkers because it reduces movement and even causes falls. However, they can be perfect for individuals suffering from joint aches as it gives a soft touch and soothes pain.
However, you can replace thick carpets or rugs with hardwood floors to allow smooth movement. Alternatively, you can consider ceramic or vinyl surfaces because they are cheaper and anti-skid.
Conclusion
It’s easy to move around and accomplish different tasks when you don’t suffer any disability. That’s not the case with the disabled. Life can be hard if the correct infrastructure is not laid, even in homes. Everyone wants to stay in a relaxed and comfortable home where they can move and do everything freely. You can make things easy by redesigning things around to accommodate everyone’s requirements. People using a wheelchair or walker may not be able to access everything around their homes, but with these tips in mind, you can make their life easier. However, your home should be customized to suit your preferences. Consider the challenges you want to solve and look for solutions that make the disabled in your home less dependent on other family members.
