Home Wheelchair-Friendly: How to Make Your Home More Accessible for a Senior Relative in a Wheelchair

As seniors lose mobility, a wheelchair is the only option for getting around the house. Most homes in North Chicago aren't designed to accommodate wheelchairs, so it's up to the family to retrofit the home for wheelchair access. The basic steps to making a home wheelchair-friendly are well-known—adding a ramp to the entrance, installing grab bars in the bathrooms, and removing obstacles in hallways. These basic rehabs are a good start, but to really make your loved one comfortable and independent at home, you need to consider all the aspects of moving about in a wheelchair.

Hallways and Doors

Doors and hallways should be at least 36" wide to accommodate a wheelchair, although the ADA requires a 48" clearance in commercial buildings. This recommendation is for a straight hall where your senior loved one doesn't have to turn, which is unlikely. Most homes have rooms off the hall that require a turn, so there should be 36" clearance in the turn radius.

Be sure to remove any scattered or thrown rugs in the traffic path of the wheelchair.

Bathrooms

Making a bathroom truly accommodating for a wheelchair goes beyond grab bars.

Toilet

The toilet needs to be taller. There are several ways to do this, from installing a wall-mounted toilet to replacing the toilet seat with a thicker one to raise the seat height. You can also use an elevated base or a toilet riser to reach the desired height. A wall-mount toilet paper holder should be moved forward a few inches.

Sink/Vanity

Bathroom sinks should provide 27" of knee clearance, so seniors can get close enough to the sink and reach the faucet. The sink height needs to be 34" or lower, and make sure you replace any twist faucet handles with a single lever.

Tub/Shower

A walk-in tub with easily-reached faucets is a good replacement for a step over walls tub. If your bathroom has a shower, replace it with a low to the no-threshold unit that is large enough for the wheelchair. A wheelchair-friendly shower will have a non-slip surface and a handheld shower head with easy-to-reach controls. Don't forget the grab bars here, and make sure toiletries are stowed at the right height.

Rethink Flooring

Seniors who are unsteady on their feet require textured, non-slip flooring, but when they move into a wheelchair, the floors need to be smooth. The carpet should be low-pile or commercial grade—a 1/2" pile at the most. Laminate, tile, and vinyl are also good options, as they wear well and are easy to replace. Remove any small rugs where the wheels can catch.

Move Light Switches

Not only should light switches and wall outlets be moved so they are at a reachable height from a wheelchair, but think about the angle of your lighting and whether it will create glare for someone seated. This is particularly true if you have under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen.

Tailor the Bedroom

The standard wheelchair is 19"-20" tall, and the standard mattress height is 21" from the floor. Buy a new mattress or bedframe that is low enough for your loved one to get into and out of bed without climbing. Aging in place helps seniors stay connected with family and enjoy being a part of things.

Senior Helpers Can Help

At Senior Helpers of Chicago and Cook County, we can help you make your home wheelchair-friendly and pitch in with the daily tasks of caring for seniors. Contact us today to learn more about our home health services.