INTRODUCTION 

I have clients who are currently looking for a home that is suitable for a person who requires a wheelchair following a serious accident which happened a day before a home inspection for a home that they had to back out of. 

As a realtor this would be a first for me, and in light of how difficult it is to find a home that requires no modifications, we were going to have to make a compromise or two. With that being said, I thought it would be helpful and or illuminating for anyone who has similar needs/interested in the subject to put together a list of typical considerations and fixes. 

But before we get into the nitty gritty, I should point out that it clearly behooves one in situations such as this to look for homes that are on one level such as a ranch or a rambler, or a home with two stories in case of a need for separation/storage/room for house guests. In our case, a condo will not cover us because he and his partner require yard space for their dogs and room for two cars. 

In summary, the process of adapting a home for someone with a disability should at best emphasize accessibility, safety, and comfort, while providing the affected party as much independence as possible. With that being said, here are the various ways to adapt a home, depending on one's needs:

1. Entrances & Exits

  • Ramps: If the individual uses a wheelchair or has difficulty with steps, install ramps with a gentle incline at all entrances.
  • Wide Doorways: Widen doorways (typically a minimum of 32 inches) to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Handrails: Place sturdy handrails on both sides of ramps or stairs.
  • Threshold Ramps: Use low-profile ramps to smooth out the transition between different rooms or outdoor areas.

2. Living Spaces

  • Open Floor Plan: Create an open floor plan to allow easy movement, especially for wheelchairs.
  • Clear Pathways: Ensure furniture is arranged in a way that leaves wide, clear pathways for mobility.
  • Lowered Controls: Light switches, thermostats, and electrical outlets should be installed at lower heights for easy access. The other option of course is to control everything via an app. 

3. Bathroom Adaptations

  • Grab Bars: Install grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower for stability and support.
  • Walk-In Shower or Tub: A walk-in shower or tub with a bench and handheld showerhead can make bathing safer and easier.
  • Non-Slip Flooring: Use non-slip flooring in the bathroom to prevent falls.
  • Raised Toilet Seat: Install a raised toilet seat or purchase an adjustable-height commode for easier access.
  • Wheelchair-Accessible Sink: Lower the sink, or install a pedestal sink that allows space for a wheelchair underneath.

4. Kitchen Adaptations

  • Lowered Countertops: Lower kitchen counters or install pull-out work surfaces.
  • Pull-Down Shelves: Use pull-down shelves or install cabinets that open outward for better reach.
  • Lever Faucets: Install lever-handled faucets instead of knobs for easier control.
  • Accessible Appliances: Choose appliances with front-mounted controls and side-opening ovens.

5. Bedroom

  • Adjustable Bed: Use an adjustable or hospital-style bed to make getting in and out easier.
  • Accessible Closet: Install lower rods in closets for easier access or use pull-down closet rods.

6. Lighting & Visibility

  • Bright Lighting: Ensure there is ample lighting throughout the home to reduce the risk of falls.
  • Motion Sensor Lights: Install motion sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, and entrances to improve visibility at night.

7. Smart Home Technology

  • Voice-Activated Systems: Use smart home devices that can be controlled via voice commands (e.g., lights, locks, thermostat).
  • Remote-Controlled Devices: Remote-controlled lights, fans, and curtains can make it easier to manage the home environment.

8. Flooring

  • Non-Slip Flooring: Use non-slip, hard-surface flooring like vinyl, tile, or laminate instead of carpet to make wheelchair movement easier and reduce tripping hazards.
  • Smooth Transitions: Avoid sudden changes in flooring levels that could cause trips or difficulties for wheelchairs.

9. Stairlifts or Elevators

  • Stairlifts: If the home has multiple floors, consider installing a stairlift for easier navigation between levels.
  • Residential Elevator: In some cases, installing a home elevator is a long-term solution for navigating multiple stories. This of course can be costly and difficult to implement as far as the space needed. 

10. Emergency Systems

  • Medical Alert Systems: Install medical alert systems that allow quick communication with emergency services.
  • Accessible Fire Alarms: Use fire alarms that have both audio and visual signals (e.g., flashing lights) for people with hearing impairments.

11. Exterior & Garden

  • Accessible Garden Paths: Ensure garden paths are flat and wide, with raised beds for gardening if desired.
  • Easy-Access Outdoor Seating: Provide outdoor seating areas with wide, and of course, flat surfaces.

Adapting a home can require professional assistance, especially for structural changes like widening doorways or installing lifts. Consulting an occupational therapist or a certified home accessibility expert can also provide personalized recommendations. 

12. You have found your home so what's next. 

Hire an inspector who is familiar with structural engineering for the purpose of qualifying the home for purchase. 

As always, thank you for reading and feel free to comment or like the post!





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