For individuals with disabilities or mobility issues, living in a home that’s not handicap-accessible can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several renovations you can make to your home when renovating for accessibility to make it more accessible and accommodating. In this article, we’ll discuss some effective ways to make your home handicap-accessible.
- Install Ramps: Ramps are an essential addition to any home that needs to be made handicap-accessible. Ramps should be installed at the entrance of the home, and any other area where there are steps or uneven surfaces.
- Widen Doorways: Doorways in a handicap-accessible home should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. If your doorways are not wide enough, consider widening them to make your home more accessible.
- Install Grab Bars: Grab bars are an important addition to the bathroom and other areas of the home. They provide support and stability for individuals with mobility issues, and can be installed in the shower, bathtub, and near the toilet.
- Lower Countertops: Lowering countertops in the kitchen and bathroom can make them more accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or have difficulty standing. Countertops should be lowered to 34 inches or less to accommodate wheelchair users.
- Install Stair Lifts: Stairs can be a significant obstacle for individuals with mobility issues. Installing a stair lift can make it easier to navigate the stairs and access upper levels of the home.
- Add Handicap-Accessible Features: There are several other features that can be added to a home to make it more handicap-accessible. Such as walk-in tubs, roll-in showers, and adjustable-height beds.
Conclusion
By renovating for accessibility and making these changes to your home. You can create a more handicap-accessible living environment that accommodates the needs of individuals.