Renovating for Physical Disabilities

Before the advent of retirement communities and extended-care homes elderly people and those with disabilities received their care at home. Today the aim of those who cannot completely care for themselves is to remain in familiar surroundings. And with the price of health care in a steep rise it makes more sense for many to renovate the family home than to spend thousands of dollars a month staying in unfamiliar surroundings.

The good news is that many of the projects do not require immense amounts of money to make life easier. They can be do-it-yourself projects or small renovations that can be completed by a handyman. In fact these projects can be quickly completed with a modest outlay of money.

1. The Entrance

• Lighting: Having a well-lit entranceway will enhance safety for a disabled person. To save on power, mount a light that comes on in low power when the sun goes down. This type of light has a motion detector that brightens while action is taking place and then goes back to a dull glow. These cost about $50 and can be installed for less.
• Cracks in Concrete: Having potholes or cracks in sidewalks can be trip hazards. These should be leveled with a small jackhammer and filled. If this cannot be down consider a different route to allow the disabled person an easier path to the door.
• Ramps: New advances in ramp building mean that the whole front of the home does not have to be taken off to install a ramp. Ramps can be build over, or beside, existing stairs. The key is to have this performed by a qualified carpenter who will know load capacities and make sure the ramp is covered with a non-skid surface.

2. Bathroom

• Countertops and Edges: To minimize injuries from impacts and other scrapes make sure all corners are rounded or covered with rubber moldings. A good visual aid is to make the vanity countertop a contrasting color to the cabinets.
• Shower/Tub: One of the most popular renovations for people with disabilities is to install a walk-in tub or shower unit. These more accessible units feature dual shower heads, one for a person of regular height and another to give a seated person access to the shower flow. In addition the faucets should have anti-scald valve units.
• Vanity Height:As many people are confined to wheelchairs one or all of the vanity tops should be lowered for easy access.
• Location: One bathroom should be located on the main floor so that people with disabilities can have easy access.

3. Bedroom

• Main Floor Access: One or more bedrooms in a home renovated for people with disabilities should be located on the main floor near or next to a bathroom.
• Room: On three sides of the bed there should be enough space for easy access for people with walkers and wheelchairs. Although many designers advocate a hard surface such as vinyl, hardwood, laminate or tile one should remember that most injuries due to falls happen on hard surfaces. A short, tufted carpet is the best surface as it allows cushioning while not impeding wheelchairs.
• Communication: The bedroom should be wired for communication devices such as phone, television and first-alert sounders.

4. Kitchen

• Wide Areas: All passageways should be widened to allow wheelchairs, motorized scooters and walkers.
• Floors: Hard floors are not recommended but a great alternative is cork or cushioned vinyl.
• Lower Prep Areas: While it may be impractical to change the levels of the countertops having an island or other smaller cabinets at a lower level makes it easier for disabled people in the home to participate in cooing and food prep.
• Table Height: If the table height cannot be lower have a smaller table adjusted to the right height foe people in wheelchairs.

5. Living Areas

• Open Spaces: To allow maximum maneuverability wall openings can be widened and walls removed.
• Television: The new technology of televisions allows them to be mounted on walls. They are also so inexpensive that the home can have several so that any member with a disability does not have to travel far to enjoy a movie.
• Transitions: Steps between rooms should be ramped or transitions smoothed so that wheelchairs and scooters can maneuver between rooms.

For more information on renovating for people with disabilities please consult our Contractor Directory or simply post your project online.

Kim Kinrade writes for renovation, travel and news sites. When he is not doing this, or renovating old houses, he finds the time to write novels.