{"id":9678,"date":"2023-01-18T21:07:12","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T03:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/clockmobilitydev.com\/?p=9678"},"modified":"2023-05-15T10:22:34","modified_gmt":"2023-05-15T15:22:34","slug":"10-ways-to-make-your-home-more-accessible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/clockmobilitydev.com\/10-ways-to-make-your-home-more-accessible\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Make Your Home More Accessible"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some people with limited mobility have difficulty using the stairs, navigating bathrooms, or getting through doorways with ease. Between the fear of falling and risk of injury, it\u2019s a good idea to optimize your home for maximum accessibility. The good news is you can make your house accessible and anxiety-free by taking a few simple steps.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

1. Replace Stairs With Ramps and Lifts<\/span><\/h3>\n

Installing ramps on outdoor curbs and stairs should be one of your first steps in making your home accessible. Depending on your requirements, you can select from a variety of options, like collapsible ramps for convenient storage or portable ramps that can instantly turn any step into a wheelchair-accessible doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your house has more stairs than a ramp can handle, you may need to add a <\/span>residential stairlift<\/span><\/a> instead. With the flip of a button, these automatic stairlifts can whisk you safely and swiftly up and down stairs and eliminate the risk of tripping and falling.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

2. Widen Doorways<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the largest obstacles to accessibility in a home can be space. Did you know that typical home doors are 23 to 30 inches wide, which is insufficient for most wheelchairs?<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider making your entrances wider to accommodate the extra width of a wheelchair or walker and make your home more accessible. Ideally, the doors must be at least 32 inches wide (48 inches maximum) to facilitate wheelchair traffic, but 36 inches is optimal for comfortable navigation.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

3. Add Handrails<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re able to use stairs but would like some extra support, installing handrails on either side of the staircase could be the perfect solution. Handrails can make it easier to use\u00a0 By offering support on both sides. Handrails can also be added to places like kitchens and bathrooms to offer extra support when standing and sitting.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

4. Update Your Flooring<\/span><\/h3>\n

It’s crucial to maintain a clear floor area to reduce the chances of tripping, falling, or restricting wheelchair movement. Carpets and rugs that are too thick are not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers. Changing your flooring is a relatively inexpensive home improvement that can be completed quickly and has a significant impact on accessibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best bet is wood flooring since it offers a hard, smooth surface that is easy for walkers and wheelchairs to traverse. Additionally, hardwood floors are considerably easier to maintain, especially during the cold Michigan winter when wheelchair tires are prone to getting muddy and wet.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”9689″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][vc_single_image image=”9690″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][vc_single_image image=”9691″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][vc_single_image image=”9692″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

5. Remove Bathroom Barriers<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re in a wheelchair, it can be tricky to go to the toilet, take a shower, or do other essential personal care without the help of an accessible bathroom<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are five ways to make your bathroom more wheelchair-friendly:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Install a sink with an open space underneath so that you can roll up to the sink and reach the basin without leaving your chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • If you have difficulty bending over or standing up and sitting down, a toilet riser can make going to the bathroom much easier.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Add grab bars around the shower and the toilet. Grab bars can help prevent slips and falls on wet floors and make it easier to maintain your balance. Similarly, grab bars near the toilet can also provide additional support while sitting and standing up.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ditch bathtubs and convert the space to a roll-in shower to minimize the risk of trips and slips. These level-access showers\u00a0 Make it easy to walk or roll into the shower without stumbling over a bathtub wall.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • If you or your loved one cannot stand for long periods of time, install a fold-down shower chair for waterproof seating. A fold-down chair is a more stable option than a free-standing chair that might tip, and it can be easily stowed away when you\u2019re done using it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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