Guest article by Carol Gibbins
You have a handicapped aunt who will be visiting your home next week. For years, she has relied on her wheelchair to get her from one place to another. She needs assistance to get in and out of the wheelchair. You want to make things easier for her the moment she steps in your home – you want your aunt to be comfortable inside your home. As a homeowner, there are many ways you can make your home disability-friendly.
Some of these are quite simple which will only require a couple of hours while some, might require the help of others. To make a disability-friendly environment at home, you can start by following these tips:
- Adjust your entryway: The entryways in your home were originally built for people to pass through it, not wheelchairs. And when a handicapped person lives in your home, this might become an issue. Consider how large or narrow your entryways are and make necessary adjustments so wheelchairs can fit through. You can do this project on your own with wood and nails, or you can call experts for help.
- Add a ramp: A wheelchair can never get inside your house without a ramp. This will also provide accessibility to other people who have issues with mobility. To build a ramp in your home, make sure you check local building codes before you start construction. If your relative uses an electric wheelchair like this one, get the correct dimensions to ensure that this will actually fit in the ramp.
- Install a riser: For a handicapped person, bending over and standing up whenever using the toilet can be a challenge. They no longer have the strength to do it on their own. This is when a riser can be very useful. This tool will add height to the toilet seat, making it easier for people to bend down to use it. You can purchase a riser from your home improvement stores for less than $50.
- Consider a step-in shower: Sure, bathtubs can be relaxing for you but it’s never the same thing in the eyes of the handicapped. Bathtubs have a lot of slippery sides that can cause accidents. Consider installing a step-in shower for the person’s convenience. A step-in shower will be easier and safer to use. You can also add in a few shower benches for support.
- Rethink your flooring: Your home might look good with carpet and rugs but this can become a tripping hazard for anyone who uses a wheelchair. Opt to use hardwood flooring, tiles or vinyl in your home instead. This is a safer option for anyone who has mobility issues.
- Add grab bars: This should be a necessity for homes that have handicapped people. Grab bars help handicapped people to have greater stability whenever they are using the bathroom. These should be placed near the toilet and shower. A grab bar with a 1-1/2 inch diameter works best for most people.
- Consider your furniture: Your aunt will be using a wheelchair inside your home. This means that she will need more space to roam around. Carefully consider how your furniture is arranged right now. Does it allow a wheelchair to pass through or is the arrangement too close? Always make sure that your furniture is at least 32 inches apart to allow ease of movement. You might also want to raise your furniture seats so handicapped people will be able to sit comfortably. Purchase small blocks of wood or furniture coasters to do this.
Your Efforts Will Pay Off
Living as a handicapped person can be challenging. Patients will be hindered by certain activities. They have to make time and effort for their treatments, and they need to make drastic adjustments in their lives just so that they can continue to function. As a family member, you don’t want to add to the burden for these people, do you? Show your care and support for them by adding helpful tools and making changes in your home. It can be taxing at first, but when you see how happy and convenient everything is for a handicapped person, you’ll be proud of the changes you have made in your home. Use this article as your guide and soon, your home will be disability-friendly!
by Carol Gibbins
Carol Gibbins believes in the power of writing to be able to touch the hearts and minds of readers, and this is exactly what motivates her to pursue a career as a blogger and contributor for sites such as Disability Friendly. Her penchant to write pieces with a unique and creative flair has allowed her to both entertain and inform her readers on various issues and topics related to healthcare and medicine.