3 Ways To Make Your New Home More Wheelchair Accessible

Congratulations on buying a new home! Your new property purchase may have much to offer, but it probably wasn’t built with a wheelchair user in mind. This means you may have some upgrades in your near future. Where do you start? Here are three ways to begin making your home more wheelchair-friendly.

1. Install Ramps and Stair Lifts

Installing ramps should be the first task on your upgrade list. Even if you only plan on using one door, it is still important to add ramps to all doors in case of an emergency. If your new home has multiple levels, consider adding a stairlift to make all areas of the home more accessible.

2. Upgrade the Bathroom

Bathrooms are notoriously tight spaces, making them one of the toughest places in the home to use a wheelchair. Fortunately, some upgrades can make a more convenient and efficient use of the space. Installing a roll in shower eliminates barriers and allows users to simply, as the name suggests, roll into the shower. Adding grab bars to the shower and near the toilet can also improve bathroom safety. In some cases, incorporating a special vanity that a wheelchair can roll under could be a beneficial space-saving solution.

3. Assess Flooring

Flooring is an important factor in the ease and functionality of living in your new home. Thick rugs and carpeting can make navigating the home in a wheelchair very difficult. For this reason, consider switching to hardwood or tile flooring, which are much easier for wheelchair users to traverse. Depending on your preference, low-pile carpeting may also be an option. Determine which flooring choice will make your home the most comfortable for you, personally.

There is much to consider when making your home more wheelchair accessible. By starting with these three steps, you can be closer to the wheelchair-friendly home you deserve.