If you've been diagnosed with a disability that will leave you confined to a wheelchair – and your present home isn't wheelchair accessible – you're going to need to modify your home as soon as possible. While exterior ramps will allow to get in and out of your home more comfortably, there are other areas of your home that you'll need to modify. Here are some simple steps to modify each room in your home.
Bathroom
When you're confined to a wheelchair, it can be difficult to navigate around the bathroom. This is particularly true if your wheelchair won't fit right next to the toilet. That's where the security pole comes in. The security pole is a pressure-resistant pole that can be installed next to the toilet.
The pole is curved in the center, which allows you to use it as handrails. The pole also swivels, which means you can grasp the pole and rotate from one seat to the next. An added benefit of the security pole is that you can move it from one room to the next, which will allow you greater mobility throughout the house.
Kitchen
Most kitchens are designed for able-bodied individuals, which means that you won't be able to access the counters or most cabinets from a seated position. To make your kitchen wheelchair friendly, the counters should be lowered to a height that will allow you to access them from your wheelchair. Items that you use on a regular basis should be placed in the floor-level cabinets. In addition, pull-out shelves should be installed in the cabinets. This will allow you to access items that are placed in the back of the cabinets.
Bedroom
When it comes to the bedroom, your bed may be the most difficult piece of furniture to access. This is particularly true if you have a platform bed. To make it easier to get in and out of your bed, you should remove the elevated frame and either place the mattress and box springs directly on the floor, or choose a frame that sits closer to the floor.
Flooring
It can be difficult to maneuver a wheelchair across carpeting. Now that you'll be using a wheelchair to navigate through your home, you should consider switching to hardwood flooring or tile. This will allow you to use your wheelchair throughout the house without getting caught up on the carpeting.
If you're going to be confined to a wheelchair, you want to make sure that your home is modified for your accessibility. The tips here will make it easier for you to navigate your home. For additional information on how to make your life easier, speak to a medical supply representative that specializes in handicapped equipment and supplies. They'll make sure you have the supplies you need to make it easier to navigate your home.
