Accessibility Made Easy
November 14th 2007 04:02 pm
It is unfortunate but many of us will experience at least a temporary disability in our lifetimes. Accidents can happen at anytime; you could find yourself using crutches, a walker or even a wheelchair. As we get older you notice that getting around the home becomes increasingly difficult. You might find yourself saying “How am I going to get up those steps or through the narrow door?” This is one of the reasons we started this blog, so we could all voice our opinions, concerns, and ideas to help each other with situations we might not necessarily prefer to be in but, we have to take what we were given and make the most of it. I encourage you to respond with whatever is on your mind.
I have personally noticed while working with the Home Access Program how difficult it is trying to find homes for people with accessibility needs. It can be very frustrating at times, and I find myself asking, why have home builders never really considered the needs of those who are disabled and elderly. It can make life really hard to deal with at times!
Have you ever contemplated moving because of a disability? I know I would rather stay at home than go to an assisted living or a nursing home. Believe it or not, there are many companies out there that focus on remodeling your home with a few minor modifications rather than packing up and moving. Here is a list of a few modifications I came up with that might aid you in your quest for accessible housing.
Accessible Home Modifications:
Each year that passes there is a greater demand for wheelchair accessible homes. Accessible housing allows for a more independent living and gives us the ability to care for ourselves and remain active. A few simple modifications to your home such as swing away hinges, can improve your lifestyle and the ability to live at home.
- Bathroom Remodeling
Your bathroom can be remodeled or modified for wheelchair access. This will allow for less risk of injury. The standard bathroom door is 24” wide. A wheelchair needs a minimum of 32” if you are going straight in. 36” is what you need to be able to go through a door comfortably in a wheelchair. A swing away door hinge would also add another 2”.
Bathtubs can be very dangerous with the slippery surface and high walls to get over. Transferring from a wheelchair to a tub can be very hard. Tub transfer seats can be an excellent choice allowing you to sit in the tub and take a bath or shower. Bathtub and shower grab bars are great for support.
Toilet can be replaced with special raised seats. Toilet grab bars provide security assisting with balance and support giving you a safe transfer to and from the toilet.
Special sinks are available with the vanity cabinets removed or even pedestal style sinks can give you a little more room to maneuver.
Single lever faucet controls can prevent the water temperature from exceeding the temperature desired.
- Wheelchair ramps
I would personally recommend our company Handi-Ramp for your ramp needs. There are a wide variety of ramps available; we recommend aluminum, steel or concrete deck as the preferred material. Concrete when installed lasts many years requiring no maintenance and can be finished with a rough texture for non slip safety. Our aluminum ramps all feature a non-skid surface are virtually maintenance free, and many of them are easily portable.
- Accessible Kitchens
Cabinets below standard counters make it hard to gain wheelchair accessibility. This can be easily resolved by removing the counter based cabinets and a drop leaf shelf can be added for working space. Sliding shelves installed in lower cabinets can work too. Electrical switches can be moved to the front of the counter or cabinet for easy access.
- Closets
Walk in closets are typically 24” wide. The door can be widened, shelves and rods lowered or adjustable shelving installed. Once again the light switch can be moved to be more convenient for you.
This concludes the first blog. If you found it helpful, or not please let me know. If you have any new ideas or concerns please make it known.
Thanks everyone,
Kit Houser
Michelle responded on 16 Nov 2007 at 5:17 pm #
As someone who works with people with disabilties this blog has some great idea that I can pass on to the people I work to make their homes more accessable. The ideas that are posted in these blogs are simple yet I can see how they would make a world of differences to people who are in wheelchairs or have people who have physical disabilties and require the use of wheelchairs and other equipment to me mobile. I look foward to the next blog posting and getting more ideas that I maybe able to pass on to the people I work with as well as their families.
Peter Durkson responded on 09 Jan 2008 at 3:44 pm #
Aloha,
Our community is slowly awakening to the needs of its aging population and persons with disabilities.
Our Maui County Council on Aging has urged our Mayor to create a remodeling hotline to help exisiting homes owners age-in-place.
We look forward to learning and sharing on your blog!
Peter Durkson
peter@lifespanhomes.com
Maui, Hawaii
David Perigo responded on 19 Jan 2008 at 7:31 am #
My company is called Daily Living Solutions. I operate in the Central and Southwestern Ohio area. I can offer clients a free home assessment that goes through room by room and identifies obstacles, hazards, and then make recommendations of products that make the home more accessible and safe. Some solutions are free and easy for the home owner to complete, others my company can offer. In the Bathroom I install tub conversions that turns your current bath tub into a low step shower. While not a “roll in” shower, with the low step shower and the transfer seat it makes the transfer much easier due to not having to lift the legs as high. In the kitchen I provide the pull out shelving. I also provide the closet accessories, door widening.. mention above. I would enjoy if other people could tell me of other products that might be of use and need that I should consider in offering. If someone has a particular need and am in search of a solution please let me know. I will work to find the answer. Thank you again for the blog.