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How to Make Your Home Wheelchair Friendly
If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair, you know how important it is to have a home that accommodates your needs and preferences. A wheelchair friendly home is not only more comfortable and convenient, but also safer and more empowering. It allows you to enjoy your daily activities with ease and confidence, without compromising on your independence or quality of life.
But how do you make your home wheelchair friendly? What are the key areas to focus on, and what are the best solutions for each? In this blog post, we will walk you through the main steps and tips to transform your home into a wheelchair accessible one. Whether you are looking for a complete makeover or some simple tweaks, we have you covered.
The Bathroom: Transforming Safety and Accessibility
One of the most challenging and essential rooms to make wheelchair friendly is the bathroom. Bathrooms are notorious for potential hazards, such as slippery floors sharp edges and tight spaces. They also involve many daily routines that require privacy and dignity. Therefore, making your bathroom wheelchair accessible is crucial for your safety and well-being.
There are many modifications you can make to your bathroom to enhance its accessibility, depending on your budget and needs. Some of the most common and effective ones are:
Non-Slip Floors
These are extremely important, as they provide traction and reduce the risk of falls, especially in wet conditions.
Grab Rails
These are bars that you can have attached to the walls near the toilet, sink, shower or tub, to provide support and balance. They can help you transfer to and from your wheelchair, as well as prevent slipping or falling.
Sink and Tap
These are also bathroom essentials and should be accessible and convenient. You can lower your sink and tap, or install a wall-mounted or pedestal one, to create more space under them for your wheelchair. You can also choose a sensor or lever tap, to avoid the need for manual dexterity.
Shower and Bathtub
These are the most challenging and expensive parts of your bathroom to modify, but also the most rewarding. You can choose between a roll-in shower, a walk-in tub or a transfer bench, depending on your preference and mobility.
A Kitchen is the Heart of Independence
Another important room to make wheelchair friendly is the kitchen. The kitchen is a central space in any home, where you can prepare and enjoy your meals, as well as socialise with your family and friends. A wheelchair friendly kitchen allows you to perform these activities with more independence and satisfaction, without relying on others or compromising on your quality of life.
There are many modifications you can make to your kitchen to enhance its accessibility, depending on your budget and needs. Some of the most common and effective ones are:
Stove and Oven
These are the main appliances for cooking, and they should be accessible and safe. You can lower your stove and oven, or install separate units, to make them easier to reach and use. You can also choose a stove and oven with front controls, induction cooktops, or convection ovens to avoid the risk of burns or fires.
Countertop and Sink
These are the main surfaces for preparing and washing your food, and they should be spacious and convenient. You can lower your countertop and sink, or install a pull-out or adjustable one, to create more space under them for your wheelchair. You can also choose a sink with a single lever or sensor tap, to make it easier to operate.
Cabinets and drawers
These are the main storage spaces for your utensils, dishes, and food, and they should be reachable and organised. You can lower your cabinets and drawers, or install pull-out or sliding ones, to make them easier to access and use.
Embracing Smart Technology
Embracing smart technology will also make your life so much easier. Smart technology is the use of devices and systems that can be controlled remotely or automatically, through voice commands, apps or sensors. Smart technology can revolutionise your accessibility and convenience, by allowing you to manage various tasks and appliances effortlessly. This makes it an extremely worthwhile addition to your home and should be seriously considered.
The Investment in Independence
Creating a wheelchair accessible home is a journey that requires thoughtful planning and investment. Each home modification contributes to a safer, more independent living environment. These adjustments not only enhance accessibility but also promote a higher quality of life, fostering confidence and autonomy in everyday activities.
Reach out to us today to begin your journey toward a more accessible home tailored to your needs and preferences.
