According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021, there are over 42 million Americans with physical disabilities who are living outside of care facilities. Depending on their disability, many of them will need to make some kind of modification to their homes to make day-to-day living a possibility. For wheelchair users, there are typically a few changes that can ensure they can move around their homes well.
10 Home Modifications For Wheelchair Users
1. Rearrange Your Kitchen
Most things in your kitchen are set up at a particular height so it will be important to assess the best way to make your cupboards and equipment more accessible. It’s a good idea to lower your cabinets and keep your utensils in drawers that are at chest height.
2. Bring Your Closet Down
One important change you can make to your closet is to bring the rod down so you can get to your clothes easily. The area above the clothes can be used to store items that you don’t need every day. If there isn’t enough space, consider getting additional furniture that will keep your clothes within reach.
3. Install A Ramp
It’s usually recommended that you replace the stairs that lead to your home with a ramp. If you have a stairway inside, a stair lifter is your best option. However, some experts suggest looking at the cost of moving to a single-level home as well.
4. Check Your Flooring
You need your flooring to be slip-resistant when you’re using a wheelchair. Some options include ceramic tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring. Most carpeting won’t work with a wheelchair but you can get a thinner type of carpet that you can manage.
5. Widen Your Doorways
Doorways and hallways are critical when it comes to your home. Both of these need to be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. However, it can be trickier to widen a hallway so it’s a good idea to look at other housing options.
6. Change Your Shower
It’s common to remove the step-in shower or tub because of their height. It’s best to replace them with a shower that you can roll your wheelchair into. Depending on your level of mobility, rails can also help.
7. Put In A Toilet Riser
A toilet riser makes it easier for you to move from your wheelchair to the toilet and back. This is another instance where grab rails can help you move around.
8. Adjust Your Lighting
Whether you notice or not, lighting rarely takes wheelchair users into consideration. That’s why you should