In case you or a family member are dealing with a disease, trauma, or frailties of old age, then it is important to change your home. In accordance to ADA compliance & business, changing your home to make it even more accessible for elderlies means it is feasible to live comfortably on your house with your memories instead of confronting the challenges of moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility. If mobility issues have put a loved person in a wheelchair, then there are methods to make your current home wheelchair accessible as posted below.
Install a Wheelchair Ramp
Having a ramp is the first step towards making your home wheelchair accessible. During the initial preparations, take into account the local building code, the space limitations you want to respect inside and the slope necessary to adapt the ramp to the height of the entrance of your house. When choosing a substance, keep in mind that concrete and aluminum ramps are highly recommended because they are durable and maintenance-free. You can give the concrete a rough texture to give the wheels more grip. Wood is another alternative material, but wooden ramps need maintenance to avoid damage from the elements. Wood can also be quite slippery when it gets wet. So consider using non-slip tape or painting the ramp with a non-toxic paint that has granular additives mixed in.
Remodel Your Bathroom
Remodeling or redesigning the bathroom is important to prevent accidents and allow people in wheelchairs to retreat and be free. The first step would be to increase the entrance. Depending on the layout of your bathroom, you may need to reevaluate the lighting once you’ve widened the entryway. The sink is another area that needs to be moved to make it available. If you remove the cabinets under the sink, be sure to pack or protect the plumbing pipes with insulation to avoid contact with sharp edges or pipes that are hot to the touch. By replacing the toilet seat with a raised seat, you can make your current toilet higher and possibly easier for someone to get on and off. Also, the shower can include a built-in seat, or you will have the option of getting a shower chair with lockable wheels.
Transform Your Kitchen
To make your kitchen functional and efficient for a person in a wheelchair, there are several adjustments you can make. By bringing cabinets under the countertop, you can create space to allow wheelchair access to the countertop or sink. Appliances, such as microwaves, could be installed lower, while dishwashers could be raised a few inches off the floor. By implementing these adjustments in your home, you can be sure that your loved one can stand to be pampered and comfortable.
A handicap accessible home can make sense for most family members due to innovative design and technology. Plus, it could be great with a massive collection of options available in the market today.