If you’re living with an older adult or a family member with limited mobility, it’s important to design your home in a way that would allow them to move around comfortably and independently. Fortunately, there are several ways you can do this — from installing grab bars in the bathroom to widening the paths in your home.
J. Bryant Boyd Architect Design-Build discusses some essential features to include when remodeling your home for improved accessibility.
Homes are typically built with narrow doorways that can’t fit wheelchairs or walkers. To make your residence accessible to wheelchair users, your door opening should be at least 32 inches wide. Eliminate steps and use gentle slopes instead. Then, replace round doorknobs with lever-style hardware to make them easier to operate for people with arthritis or limited hand strength.
For people living with disabilities, bathrooms are often the most difficult area to navigate. If possible, expand the floor space so wheelchair users can have more mobility. To reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents, use slip-resistant floor tiles. You should also add grab bars in the toilet, shower and bath areas to provide support and stability.
A few simple changes can make your kitchen more accessible while still keeping it highly functional. For starters, you can lower one or more countertops to a wheelchair-accessible height, which is typically 28 to 34 inches tall. However, it’s best for the countertop height to be customized for the user.
It’s also recommended to use cabinets with pull-out drawers to make it easier to find cookware. A side-by-side refrigerator is also ideal so both the fridge and the freezer are accessible to wheelchair users.
Do you need help customizing your home for improved accessibility? J. Bryant Boyd Architect Design-Build is ready to offer top-notch expertise. Call us at (512) 930-1686 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.
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