Home is where the heart is, but if you’re a wheelchair user, you’re probably already familiar with the fact that most American homes are not built with wheelchair users in mind. That’s why Brevard Medical has put together this list of the most common home modifications that need to be done to make wheelchair users happy and comfortable:

Wheelchair Accessible Features Inside the House

• General
  • Doorways need to be at least 32 inches wide.
  • Hallways need to be at least 36 inches wide.
  • It is best to go with tile or hardwood rather than carpet.
  • Outlets need to be at least 15 inches above the floor.
  • Thermostats and light switches should be no higher than 48 inches off of the ground.
  • Lower doorknobs for easy access.
  • Front loading washer and dryer.
• Bedroom
  • Multi-level drawers and shelves for clothes
  • Mattress height the same height as the seat cushion of the wheelchair.
• Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms
  • All bathtubs/showers should be replaced with walk-in showers.
  • Walk-in showers need to have a seat and hand-held shower head.
  • A taller toilet.
  • Grab bars in the walk-in shower and near the toilet.
  • Cabinets should not be placed under the sink so there is room for a wheelchair to slide underneath the sink.
  • Adequate space between the walk-in shower, toilet and sink.
• Kitchen
  • Multi-level counter tops.
  • Side-by-side fridge in order to have easy access to the fridge and freezer.
  • A raised dishwasher.
  • Place the microwave on top of a counter.
  • Have front controls on the stove.
  • No cabinets under the sink so a wheelchair can slide underneath the sink.
  • Adequate space between the fridge, oven, sink, counters and kitchen table.

Wheelchair Accessible Features Outside the house

• Sidewalks with mobility ramps to doorways.
• Ramps should include handrails and curbs to prevent accidents.
• Paved paths throughout yard for easy mobility.
• Raised garden beds for gardening.
• Vertical platform lifts for easy porch accessibility

With all of these great tips you are now able to build a new home or remodel the one you have to give you the accessibility you need in your wheelchair or scooter.  Brevard Medical wants you to feel comfortable and be happy in your home. We can help you with some home modifications, including stairlift and modular ramp installation.