2007-10-29 11:18:15 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
You will probably have to widen the doors. Remember to allow for the width of the chair AND allow an extra amount for people to be able to guide the wheels, unless it is wholly electric.
Light switches lowered, wall plugs raised. Slopes instead of steps, thresholds levelled out. An electric bath seat are a few ideas.
You can get wheelchairs with integral lifts which lift the seat to reasonable height to allow the user to reach things more easily which might help.
2007-10-30 13:08:21 · answer #1 · answered by proud walker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you need to widen doorways and walkways as much as possible. A lot of wheelchairs won't even get through house doors that are 30 inches wide or less. A ramp in place of stairs is a good idea too unless you're always going to be there to assist. Widening walkways inside the house is a must, and keep in mind that the wheelchair user needs a lot of room to be able to turn around, even an experienced wheelchair user runs into turn around problems in their own home from time to time. Good luck.
2007-10-29 18:30:35 · answer #2 · answered by plantguardian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Widen all spaces entering rooms, get a handicapped john, put a ramp outside, and lower counterspace for accessibility by chair. Change doorknobs to levers. Make drawers and closet rods low. Change to a front-loading washer. Put coat hooks low, bathrobe hooks too. Install "lap sinks" so a wheelchair can fit under, for hand/face washing and teeth brushing.
2007-10-29 19:51:09 · answer #3 · answered by Dinah 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whilst widening the door openings is the most obvious ..complete with scuff plates ....external ramps ..stair lifts ..or hand rails both sides ..grab rails ..the list goes on..i have done hundreds of conversions ....the most important one is to have enough room beside a toilet to transfer from chair to toilet ..only alternative is a commode ,,.it really would help if people asking questions gave more info ..like is it for a house or bungalow ..can the person stand ...are they completely wheelchair bound ..etc if you are in the UK ..you can get help from social services
2007-10-30 05:33:59 · answer #4 · answered by boy boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Widen doors/frames leaving enough room to turn around/ ease of access is paramount!
lower shelves/light switches/kitchen units
Remove furniture so there is enough room to turn around in
Door ramp/ steps
Stair lift if necessary
Bathrail/guards -shower rail/ hand rails at toilet
This list could turn endless!
I am sure there must be some websites/charities that will help you out. Each person has individual needs and requirements.
2007-10-29 18:33:01 · answer #5 · answered by little_one 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a ramp by one entrance.
Widen the doorways.
Don't have furniture sitting all over out in the open; it would hamper a chair from getting through easily.
2007-10-29 18:29:00 · answer #6 · answered by cowgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the biggest challenge is doors.Especially the washroom door,also making the washroom accessable by downsizing your vanity to make room for the chair to turn around.Or worse yet enlarging the washroom. Usually an access ramp outside...And thats just for starters...Best of luck to you!!!!
2007-10-29 18:28:21 · answer #7 · answered by ben s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get in touch with your local AGE CONCERN organisation. Their advice is good, and they can guide you to a council funded site, that will help with the finance
2007-10-29 18:53:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋