Handicap accessible construction is helping improve the quality of life in the home for people with disabilities. Often times, tragedy can strike unexpectedly, making it difficult to brace for the immediate changes that go along with surviving an accident, mishap, or the diagnosis of an illness or disability. In the past, a person diagnosed with a disability may have struggled to maintain his or her previous hobbies, routines, and quality of life. Fortunately, however, adjustments can be made to your new or existing home to ease the transition of returning to the space you love, providing comfort, peace of mind, and the ability to still enjoy life at home.  Though each individual will have specific needs, below are a few areas in your home that can be adjusted or renovated to help reduce the impact of physical limitation.

 

 

The ability to enter the home freely, at will, from the outdoors is the first step to enjoying a home and maintaining one's quality of life. For those integrating a wheelchair or walker into their lifestyle, getting from place to place can be difficult or possibly require assistance. The construction of ramps was once a simple add-on to homes; however, more recently, many homes are being outfitted with elevators at critical points of access. The presence of these elevators helps eliminate the difficulties that stairs impose, allowing for greater independence, accessibility, and the ability to enjoy the outdoors safely.

 

 

The overall layout of a home can make a significant impact on the convenience and usability of the space. Every functional room in the house should be accessible by wheelchair. This means that clear paths through doors and hallways are essential to the accessibility of your home. As previously noted, stairs can impose many difficulties for those with physical limitations. As a precaution, it is important that the edges of the stairs are rounded, while hand rails can be added to offer additional stability. It is recommended that handrails be on both sides of the stairway, extending beyond both the first and last stair. Simple adjustments to a home's electrical workings can also offer more independence. Height adjustments may be necessary for simple things such as outlets, light switches, and thermostats. Since these fixtures are constantly used, it is important that they be within reach, requiring very little effort. Grab bars can also be a welcome addition to any home, bedroom, or living area. These will help with transfers between standing, sitting, and lying down.

 

 

In the bathroom, a very common change is moving from a bathtub to a shower, with the shower being accessible by wheelchair. It is recommended to add a seat to the shower, as well as grab bars to aid in safely transferring between sitting and standing. Grab bars should also be installed near the toilet for the same reason. In addition to grab bars, a taller toilet can make it easier for those with limited mobility to use the washroom. In the kitchen, cabinets can be adjusted to a more suitable height allowing for better accessibility and utility.

 

Of course, every person will have their own specific needs. Your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) can help assess your specific needs in the home. To find a CCAC near you, click here. Considering adjustments on the exterior of the house will allow for safe entries and exits, while renovations or additions on the interior can help with accessibility and utility of the home. Making your home more accessible and functional will help improve the quality of life for those who are limited physically.