Whether you, someone in your household, or any regular visitors use a wheelchair to get around, it may be beneficial to have your home modified to accommodate wheelchair accessibility. Designing these upgrades can be a time consuming and budget heavy process. The most important aspect is figuring out how to provide independent mobility and make the the living space safe and easy to maneuver.

Getting the Loan

Upgrades to a house are usually not done out of pocket; it’s typical to seek a loan for a project like this. The loan process can be a hurdle, but you have several options:

  • Save up the money first to make an initial down payment
  • Borrow against your home through a home equity loan, line of credit or mortgage refinance.
  • Use a credit card or take out a personal loan.

Saving and paying for repairs out of pocket will usually be the cheapest option. Secured loans such as a refinance (this goes for veterans with a VA loan), a line of credit, or a home equity loan are guaranteed by your home itself; interest rates tend to be lower than on a credit card, but the borrower risks losing the home if payments aren’t made.

But if you don’t have much equity in your home, the project is relatively small in scope or you don’t feel comfortable betting the house, a personal loan or credit card can be a convenient choice. Just make sure that you’re not swallowing yourself up with too many loans or too much personal debt for this one project; spread things out if need be to keep your finances in line.

The Entrance

The first alteration is the front entrance, and if you have a back yard, consider widening the back entrance as well. Provided there is enough room, you’ll want to build a ramp at each entrance of the house. The construction of each ramp depends on the size and the materials. The average ramp provides a wide pathway, handrails, non slip surface and a cover. For those with smaller homes and a congested exterior space, a vertical platform lift is a better option. Most older homes are not designed and built for accessibility. A standard wheelchair is 24-27″ wide, so doorways should be a minimum of 32″ wide.

The Stairs

If your home has a staircase, you’ll want to have a stairway lift installed. This is necessary if you want to give a wheelchair-bound individual full accessibility and a feeling of independence. A proper stairway lift should swivel, allowing the operator to maneuver safely while getting in and out of the chair.

The Bathroom

Possibly the most modified part of the house for wheelchair access is the bathroom. If a bathroom is small to begin with, a little creative redesign can make it not only more accessible, but safer and more practical for everybody.

Start with the doorway by ensuring it is 36” wide and work your way in. This may include moving the sink and the toilet and reversing the plumbing to make more room . The toilet may need to be raised a few inches to be level with the wheelchair for easy transfers and the sink may need to be lowered. Stand up showers must also be customized to allow easy wheelchair access inside the shower.

The Kitchen

Numerous changes are applicable in the kitchen as well, like lowering the countertops, installing appliances that are easy to reach, and providing roll-out storage units. This, however, can get expensive, and is permanent. Another alternative is putting together a wheelchair accessible sink, countertop, and drawer in a separate corner so it can be utilized as a personal kitchen.

Making your home completely wheelchair accessible is a long term goal that takes budgeting and a lot of trial and error. In the long run, you’ll want the house to be easy to maneuver and have complete mobile independence.

 

Brooke Faulkner is a senior rights advocate and mother of two in the Pacific Northwest. She loves spending time with friends and family at the assisted living facility near her home, and has collected more stories there than she can count.