Do you have a loved one who uses a wheelchair at home? Remember, someone with limited mobility needs easy access to various parts of the house, like the bathroom. For example, they might need help getting on or off the toilet when there's no grab bar. So, to make sure your home is ready for any eventuality, read this article and learn about some inexpensive changes you can make to your home that will help those with limited mobility.

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Replace Stairs With Ramps

Having accessible entrances and exits is important for everyone, but it's especially critical if you need to use a wheelchair. If your home has stairs to the entrance or exit, then installing threshold ramps would be ideal. Also, consider adding motion detectors in every room of the house as they will trigger lights when someone enters or leaves their space.

This allows people with limited mobility to keep their independence while still being able to navigate through any part of the house at night without having to turn on lights constantly. In addition, a smart thermostat can make life easier by adjusting the temperature automatically based on location. 

For those that have challenges using their hands, consider getting door handles retrofitted to a lower height.

Update Your Toilet

The toilet is the perfect example of something you may not think about when going through your checklist, but it needs to be there. For some people in wheelchairs who have difficulty standing up from a seated position or those with other impairments such as arthritis, using a standard toilet can be quite difficult and painful for them. Installing an elevated seat will help make their lives easier by making the task much less challenging.

There are many different types of elevated seats available, including ones that attach directly to existing toilets or fold down with handles to provide additional support while sitting down. Many models also include safety features like grab bars next to the seat and built-in handrails along both sides, increasing accessibility.

Simplify Pool Entry

Incorporate a section of the pool where the water depth is no more than one foot, or make it an area with shallow steps.

For instance, you may have to create ramps that lead out into deeper water and then back up on the other side. This will allow wheelchair users to enter and exit the water without having to use stairs. If there are already stepped areas, ensure they are at least one foot high so people can wheel themselves out conveniently.

If impossible due to structural limitations, hire a landscape designer to install removable barriers (used by lifeguards) where needed around the perimeter of low pools. In addition, they can install a step for entry and exit, or install an entrance ramp.

Ditch Door Knobs

Ditching door knobs can be an easy fix to help make your house wheelchair-ready. This way, you won't have obstacles such as stairs, thresholds, and narrow doors getting in the way of the freedom of a guest or family member with limited mobility.

To replace door knobs with lever handles on exterior doors, unscrew the screws holding the knob in place, remove the door handle, and then screw on new levers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to take care of your home to ensure that there are no hazards for you or a person living with disabilities. Whether this means installing handrails on every staircase in the house, ensuring doors open wide enough so wheelchairs can pass through them easily, or installing ramps, you must do everything you can to make your home wheelchair-friendly.