If you or a loved one have a disability then this
can place special requirements on your environment and the way in
which you environment is adapted can greatly affect your ability
to lead a normal life. If you are recently disabled or have just
had a child with a disability then you may still need to renovate
your home to allow for greater accessibility and need to take a
number of things into consideration.
Does Your Home Require Ramps or Wheelchair Elevators to Make It
More Accessible?
If you or a loved one has recently been confined to a wheelchair
then perhaps one of the first things you will want to consider is
whether you need ramps or wheelchair elevators installed to allow
greater accessibility. If you have had any steps or stairs in your
home then you will probably need a ramp or elevator in order to
access some areas unless there is an alternate entrance to the level.
Passages and Doorways
Do you have enough space in passages and doorways to allow for
easy movement? If you have a very narrow passage or narrow doorways
then a wheelchair may have trouble maneuvering in these areas and
you may need to make changes here.
Railings
If you are not in a wheelchair but now have problems walking then
you may need to install railings along walls so that you can hold
onto these for greater stability. You should also have railings
near the toilet, bath or shower.
Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
Is your toilet accessible for a wheelchair user? Ideally you should
have enough space next to the toilet to pull the wheelchair alongside
it and then grab bars to enable the user to pull themselves onto
the toilet.
Counter Tops and Other Surfaces
If you or someone in your household is using a wheelchair then
another factor to consider is the height of counter tops, bathroom
vanities and other surfaces. You may find that you need to lower
these slightly in order to allow you to use them.
Who Can Help Make Your Home More Accessible?
There are a number of contractors on the HandyAmerican.com website
who will be able to help you make your home more accessible. You
can find them either by searching for contractors in your area in
our database, or by posting a project on our website and letting
the contractors contact you.
When you or someone you love becomes disabled, or when you have
a child with a disability, it is important to reconsider your home.
The accessibility of your home will have a great impact on how you
are able to cope with life and do everyday activities. Look at ramps,
elevators, the width of passages and doorways, railings, wheelchair
accessible toilets and also the height of counter tops, vanities
and other surfaces to make your home more accessible to wheelchair
users. Find a contractor to help make your home more accessible
using the HandyAmerican.com database.
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