Today’s topic of discussion will be how you can ensure that your home is wheelchair-friendly
Today’s topic of discussion will be how you can ensure that your home is wheelchair-friendly. There are plenty of things that you can do to modify your home, whether you’re a wheelchair-enabled person or taking care of someone who is disabled. Of course, one of our well-equipped mechanics can install a wheelchair lift inside or outside your home. In addition, there are other tips to consider if you want to make your home as comfortable and wheelchair-friendly as possible.
Invest in a Wheelchair Lift to Make Your Home More Wheelchair-Friendly
It’s normal and expected for a caretaker to help lift a person with limited mobility out of chairs and beds to transfer into a wheelchair. However, it’s unsafe to pick up a person and a wheelchair and carry them up a flight of stairs, or several flights, even when it’s a small child. Plus, children grow and become heavier, so it is not a long-term solution. A wheelchair lift serves as a safe navigation device that ensures you or your loved one safely travel up and down the steps. A wheelchair lift has a solid construction, indoor and outdoor applications, and compact designs for even the smallest rooms.
Widen Doorways and Hallways
A lot of doorways are 23-27 inches wide. However, per the ADA, a doorframe should be at least 32 inches to accommodate a wheelchair. French doors are perfect for wheelchairs! If you have the budget and space, you might want to consider adding french doors to your home, or at least widening doorways where you can.
Ensure Your Home Has Space for a Wheelchair to Turn
It’s best to have enough space for a wheelchair to fit through a door. However, you also want a wheelchair-enabled person to have enough clearance to turn their wheelchair without hitting obstacles. You can ensure this happens by spacing out the couches or other furniture, keeping each room organized and clutter-free, and keeping pathways clear.
Keep Your Home’s Interior and Exterior Well-Lit and Hazard-Free
Proper lighting in and out of the home benefits everyone. Invest in excellent lighting and research light switches that you or your loved one can reach easily. You want to pay attention to the height of your lights, ensuring that they’re reachable for everyone in the home or investing in motion-detected lights instead. Proper landscape lighting is also crucial so that you won’t be prone to falling.
Furthermore, your outdoor living space should have adequate pathways so that you or your loved one can safely navigate in and out of the home. It can also be nice to have a covered patio, which gives someone the chance to be outdoors while covered in the shade and out of the elements.
Preferred Elevator: We’re On the Up and Up!
For over a decade, Preferred Elevator has served residents in Central Maryland, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. You can rely on our experienced home installation team and quality products.
For our commercial elevator clients, we also provide annual inspections of your equipment to adhere to standards established by the state of Maryland. During these inspections, we make sure that your commercial mobility product is functioning correctly and efficiently. We’ll also go over all safety devices and customized features offered within your plan!
Get in touch with us! Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8 am -5 pm. Reach us by phone at 410-238-2555, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
