5 Ways to Prep a Home For a Handicapped Resident

These days, homes built for the comfort and function needed by wheelchair-bound occupants are often called "adaptive" or "universal" houses. In the case of new construction, many accommodations can be made. But people who live in older homes don’t have this luxury. For them, it’s wise to consider making home renovations for handicapped residents. Here are some areas to focus on when choosing which alterations might need to be made.

Look at the Small Stuff

There will a few things you can add to the home to make it safer for handicapped people. These are safety features that are simple to add and don’t require major renovations. Grab bars are extremely helpful in a variety of locations throughout the home, including bathrooms, bedrooms and stairways. The modern design options in grab bars means they can be an unobtrusive addition to any room while adding to the security of people living in the home. Many shower-specific grab bars have a dual functionality, such as holding bottles or soap, that make them appear not like a grab bar at all. Other non-construction features you might consider adding to a home are intercom systems, interior ramps and push bars that aid in entry or exit from the home. Click here to learn more.

Mechanical additions

For people who use a wheelchair or have difficulty with stairs, there are several mechanisms that can assist with mobility. There are items such as stair lifts and wheelchair lifts that can offer access to various levels in the home. Stair lifts include a chair that moves up and down a metal track mounted to the stairwell wall. Wheelchair lifts take up more space, but they are perfect for wheelchair users who can accommodate this mini-elevator machine in their home.

Larger Overhauls

When it comes to larger home renovations for handicapped residents, there are several rooms to focus on for providing the ease of use. Just as in any home, bathrooms and kitchens are places where a lot of activity takes place, so they are worthy of major changes. Kitchens may need their counter heights adjusted and under-sink cabinets removed to allow roll-under access. Additional storage likely would be helpful at a lower height. In the bathroom, larger shower stalls and more space overall would increase the functionality of the room for a handicapped resident. Hallway widths, threshold barriers and general flow all are areas that should be examined for possible changes.

Don’t Forget the Outside

Consider entry to and egress from the house for residents. A temporary ramp can quickly be added to the front and back doors, but if a longer-term solution is needed, home renovations for handicapped residents might include permanent ramp structures. These can be designed to fit seamlessly with the exterior façade style of the home. Automatic door openers often prove helpful as well. An exterior wheelchair lift might be necessary if the entrance to the home is elevated, or a ramp might be ideal in the garage, too. Regardless which method is used for reaching the front door, the threshold likely will need to be made flush with the interior entryway floor to allow a seamless transition.

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