Creating a home that is comfortable, functional, and welcoming for everyone, including those who use mobility aids, is a rewarding task. Whether you’re looking to improve accessibility for a loved one or for yourself, there are numerous ways to make your space more accommodating.
From making small tweaks to undertaking larger home improvement projects, the goal is to reduce physical barriers and enhance independence.
In this article, you’ll learn practical ways to make your home accessible for mobility aid users—including specific products you can easily find on Amazon.
Assess Your Home Layout and Entryways
The first step in making your home more accessible is to take a walk through it, literally or figuratively, with an eye for obstacles.
Think about doorways, hallways, and entry points.
Doorways are one of the most common barriers for mobility aid users, as many traditional door frames aren’t wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers.
- Widen Doorways: Ideally, doorways should be at least 32 inches wide. If renovating doorways isn’t an option, consider using offset door hinges (also called swing-away hinges), which can add a few extra inches to your door’s width without the need for a complete remodel. You can find highly rated swing-away hinges on Amazon, such as the “Design House 181438 3-Pack Hinge Set,” which offers extra clearance for wheelchairs.
- Ramps and Threshold Ramps: Consider how accessible your home’s entryways are. If there are stairs leading to the door, installing a ramp is essential. If you only have a small step, a threshold ramp can be a simple, affordable solution. Check out the “EZ-Access Transitions Modular Aluminum Entry Ramp,” which is highly rated for its durability and adjustability.
Make Hallways and Pathways Easy to Navigate
Hallways should be at least 36 inches wide for easy wheelchair access. However, if space is tight, there are still adjustments you can make to improve movement.
- Clutter-Free Pathways: Ensure hallways and pathways are free of clutter. Remove unnecessary furniture, rugs, and decor that could become trip hazards. This simple adjustment can make it much easier to navigate with a wheelchair, walker, or cane.
- Lever Door Handles: Traditional round doorknobs can be difficult to use for someone with limited hand strength. Replacing them with lever handles makes opening doors easier. The “Kwikset Casey Privacy Lever Door Handle” is a popular, easy-to-install option available on Amazon that provides smooth operation and better accessibility.
Install Grab Bars and Handrails for Support
One of the best ways to make a home more accessible is by installing grab bars and handrails throughout the space.
These provide essential support, especially in areas like bathrooms and stairways.
- Bathroom Grab Bars: Bathrooms are common areas for falls, but installing grab bars around the toilet and in the shower can significantly improve safety. Look for products like the “Moen LR8724P 24-Inch Grab Bar” that are easy to install and rust-resistant. This model is well-reviewed and available on Amazon, making it a reliable choice.
- Stair Handrails: If your home has stairs, ensure they have sturdy handrails on both sides. You can easily add an extra handrail, such as the “PromenAid Handrail Kit,” which can be customized to fit your stair length and is a favorite for its strong support and ease of installation.
Accessible Bathrooms
The bathroom can be one of the most challenging spaces to navigate for mobility aid users, but with a few changes, it can be transformed into a more accessible and comfortable area.
- Walk-In Showers: If possible, install a walk-in or roll-in shower. A curbless shower makes it easy for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility to enter without the risk of tripping. Adding a shower chair, such as the “Drive Medical Adjustable Shower Chair,” can make showering safer and more comfortable.
- Handheld Showerhead: A handheld showerhead is a small change that offers significant flexibility and independence. The “AquaDance High Pressure Handheld Shower” is a great choice with multiple spray settings, and it’s highly rated on Amazon for ease of installation.
- Toilet Accessibility: Consider installing a raised toilet seat, especially if getting up and down from a standard-height toilet is difficult. The “Vive Raised Toilet Seat” is a budget-friendly option with handles for added stability.
Consider Flooring Options
Flooring plays an essential role in accessibility.
The wrong kind of flooring can make it hard for someone using a wheelchair, walker, or cane to get around comfortably.
- Non-Slip Flooring: Carpets can be challenging for wheelchairs, while hardwood floors can be slippery. Opt for non-slip vinyl or laminate flooring, which provides a smoother surface that’s easy to navigate with a mobility aid. If changing your floors isn’t an option, use non-slip mats or adhesive strips, such as the “3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Tread,” to reduce the chance of slipping.
- Remove Area Rugs: Area rugs, even those with non-slip backings, can pose a tripping hazard or make it harder to move around. Removing them or securing them tightly to the floor can prevent unwanted falls.
Optimize the Kitchen for Accessibility
The kitchen is a crucial part of the home, and making it accessible helps foster independence.
Here are some ideas for improving kitchen accessibility:
- Lower Countertops and Cabinets: If you’re planning a renovation, consider lowering countertops or adding pull-down shelves to make accessing kitchen items easier for wheelchair users.
- Pull-Out Drawers and Organizers: For better access to cabinets, replace traditional shelving with pull-out drawers. The “SimpleHouseware Stackable Sliding Basket Drawer” is an affordable option that can be added to existing cabinets, allowing you to easily reach stored items.
- Hands-Free Faucets: Faucets that can be turned on with a simple motion or touch can make a big difference. The “Delta Faucet Essa Touch Kitchen Faucet” is highly rated for its simple touch-activated design, making kitchen chores easier and more accessible.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can enhance accessibility in numerous ways. Voice-controlled devices, remote controls, and automated systems allow mobility aid users to manage tasks independently.
- Smart Lighting: Using smart bulbs, like the “Philips Hue Smart Bulbs,” makes it easy to control lighting throughout your home with voice commands or an app. This is especially helpful for individuals with limited mobility who may find it difficult to access switches.
- Smart Plugs and Appliances: Smart plugs can be used to control appliances via an app or voice control. The “Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link” is a popular, easy-to-use option that works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to turn appliances on and off without needing to reach physical switches.
Accessible Furniture and Seating
Consider furniture options that are designed with accessibility in mind. Comfortable and practical furniture can make everyday living significantly easier.
- Lift Chairs: Recliner lift chairs can assist individuals in getting up from a seated position. The “Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair” is highly rated for its comfort, sturdy lift feature, and USB ports for charging devices, making it both practical and convenient.
- Table Height Adjustments: Make sure tables and desks are at an appropriate height for someone using a wheelchair. Adjustable height tables can be particularly helpful for ensuring comfort and ease of use.
Bedroom Accessibility
Creating an accessible bedroom ensures that getting in and out of bed, as well as moving around, is as easy as possible.
- Adjustable Beds: Adjustable beds can help with getting in and out of bed and finding a comfortable sleeping position. The “Classic Brands Adjustable Comfort Adjustable Bed Base” is a well-reviewed, affordable choice that’s available on Amazon.
- Bedside Grab Bars: For added support, consider installing a bedside grab bar. The “Medline Bed Assist Bar” is a helpful tool that provides a secure way to transition from lying down to standing, offering peace of mind for those with limited mobility.
Ensure Adequate Lighting Throughout the Home
Proper lighting is an essential part of making a home accessible. It’s especially important for those with limited mobility who need to see clearly to avoid obstacles.
- Motion Sensor Lights: Adding motion sensor lights in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms can help make it safer for those who use mobility aids to navigate at night. The “AUVON Plug-in LED Motion Sensor Night Light” is an excellent option that’s well-rated and offers automatic, hands-free lighting.
- Task Lighting: Provide adequate task lighting in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and near beds to ensure that activities can be carried out safely. Adjustable LED desk lamps are great for adding targeted lighting where needed.
Lower or Adjust Storage Solutions
If someone uses a wheelchair or has difficulty reaching high places, consider adjusting storage areas throughout the home.
- Pull-Down Closet Rod: A pull-down closet rod can make clothing easier to access. Products like the “Rev-A-Shelf Pull Down Closet Rod” are highly recommended for making closet spaces more accessible.
- Open Shelving: Open shelving at reachable heights can make it easier for mobility aid users to access essential items without struggling. Be sure to place frequently used items within arm’s reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or bending.
Accessibility for Outdoor Spaces
Your home’s outdoor areas should be as accessible as the inside. This includes pathways, gardens, and patios.
- Smooth Outdoor Pathways: Ensure walkways and driveways are smooth and free of tripping hazards. Cracked or uneven surfaces can make using a wheelchair or walker difficult.
- Ramp Access to Patios and Gardens: If you have a deck or patio, adding a ramp can make it accessible. Portable ramps, like the “Ruedamann Portable Aluminum Ramp,” are convenient options that can easily be moved and used as needed.
- Outdoor Seating: Choose outdoor seating that’s easy to get in and out of, with armrests that provide additional support. Benches with backs and armrests work well, allowing users to steady themselves as they sit or stand.
Final Thoughts
Creating an accessible home is about more than just adding ramps and grab bars—it’s about ensuring that every room is safe, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone. By making strategic adjustments and utilizing available products, you can create a space that truly works for those using mobility aids.
The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by assessing your home’s current state, then prioritize the changes that will have the most significant impact on everyday living.
With a mix of smart home technology, practical modifications, and the right furniture, you can build a home environment that supports independence and comfort. Many of the products mentioned in this guide are available on Amazon, so accessibility is just a few clicks away.
Whether you’re making adjustments for yourself, a family member, or preparing for the future, these changes can make a world of difference in creating a home that’s accessible and accommodating to all.