Home is our sanctuary; it is where we feel most comfortable, even throughout the more trying times of our lives. That’s why so many older adults are choosing to age in place in the comfort of home today. However, as people age, loss of mobility whether through injury, chronic illness, or general frailty may become a concern, and the issue is frequently solved with the use of a wheelchair. But incorporating a wheelchair into the home can present several challenges when it comes to access and safety.
Luckily, these simple home modification tips can help make sure that your loved one can use his or her wheelchair safely along and with ease throughout the house.
Listed below are some home modification tips recommended when incorporating a wheelchair into the home:
- Keep driveways and walkways smooth, clear of cracks, along with other tripping hazards, but not slippery
- Install a ramp at the front door that has landings at the bottom as well as the top
- Ensure doorways are 32-36 inches wide with enough floor space near the doors to maneuver a wheelchair
- Make sure thresholds on doors are ¼ inch high or less
- Cabinet shelves should not be any more than 10 inches deep
- Kitchen stove controls should be located at the front
- Make sure there is knee space under all sinks
- Oven doors should swing open to the side
- Install a Lazy Susan in deeper cabinets to guarantee the person can reach all items
- Bathrooms should have either a wheelchair-maneuverable bathtub with a 60-inch turning radius or T-turn space, or a stand-up shower which has no threshold and is at the very least 36 inches wide
- There should be space to transfer from the wheelchair to the toilet.
- Walk-in closets are perfect for wheelchair-bound individuals, but a closet organizer which allows your senior loved one to access all items also can work
Being in a wheelchair certainly changes how a person lives his or her life, nonetheless it shouldn’t mean compromising or settling for a home environment that is any less comfortable or accessible. At Compassionate Care Home Health Services, we genuinely believe that our wheelchair-bound clients deserve to enjoy the exact same access of their homes and everything inside them that everyone else has.
Compassionate Care Home Health Services, a top-rated Mid Michigan home care provider for seniors, can help your family decide on the modifications that will help loved ones live a safer and much more independent life in the home. Reach out to our team today at 877.308.1212 to learn more about our home care assistance services. For a full list of all of the communities we serve, please visit our Locations Served page.