Unless you’re living in a new build (and even then, we know it can be hit-or-miss) most homes aren’t designed and built with wheelchair users in mind. It seems unbelievable, but unfortunately, it’s all too commonplace.

External steps, standard-size doorways, standing-height work surfaces and out-of-reach light switches are just some issues wheelchair users have to contend with in their own homes.

The great news is…

There’s government funding in place to help.

If you have a disability, learning-difficulty or age-related mobility issues, you could get help from your local council to cover some, or all, of the costs of adapting your home. To make things even better, it won’t affect any benefits you might be getting.

Now you know that, let’s talk about the 3 essential adaptations every home should include for wheelchair users…

Ramps

Everyone should be able to get in and out of their home with ease. Whether you’re coming or going, the front door of most properties requires you to navigate a threshold or negotiate steps, and as a wheelchair user, this presents an awkward, damaging and hazardous barrier.

What can help?

To avoid the jolting bump over a small threshold, affordable, durable and non-slip portable ramps are placed over it to provide smooth access for wheelchairs. As well as at the front door, you can use temporary ramps throughout the house and out into any outdoor space. Making your home totally accessible.

For external steps, or a steep path or driveway, a concrete ramp is a great permanent solution for providing safe access to and from your home. There are building regulations in place to ensure the gradient of your ramp will never be too steep, and if required, it will be  installed with level platforms to provide rest zones. Giving you total peace of mind that your safety is a top priority.

External ramps can also be a fantastic addition to your garden if it’s terraced or on a slope. With a choice of non-slip, weather-resistant materials to choose from, which can blend into the outdoors to create a harmonious environment.

Another option to consider for any ramp is a wheelchair-height handrail. These give a chair user extra confidence and something to grab onto should difficulties occur.

Special projects

Door Widening

You can’t fit a square peg in a round hole, and you can’t fit a wheelchair through a standard doorway.

What’s the difference?

2 inches!

The width of a standard doorway is 30 inches, but a wheelchair requires a gap of at least 32 inches. It doesn’t take Carol Vorderman to realise that the maths just doesn’t work. 

Installing wheelchair-accessible doors and widening door frames, internally and externally, will increase mobility and improve the quality of life you can lead in your home by making it fully accessible. Other benefits include…

  • Increased independence.
  • Prevention of slips, trips and falls.
  • Improved self-reliance.
  • More presentable home.
  • Better sales potential.

Level Access Shower

If you’re a wheelchair user living in a home with a bathtub or shower tray, you’ll know how difficult it can be to maintain your safety. Wet surfaces are hazardous enough, but adding in a change in level takes things to a whole new level of risk, increasing your dependence on others.

Installing a level access shower can help give you back control over your personal self-care.

A level access shower doesn’t have any steps or lips for you to climb, giving you complete, unrestricted and safe access to your shower. Much like a wet room, waterproof, non-slip, level flooring creates a seamless transition throughout the space. Specialist shower chairs help make the experience even more comfortable, convenient and carefree.

Did you know we also install temporary showers?

If your wheelchair use isn’t permanent, your accessible shower doesn’t need to be. Portable showers are available for people who don’t want to remodel their bathrooms. Giving you the option to continue looking after your own personal hygiene whilst you recover.

Other adaptations you could consider to enhance your personal care routine include, accessible sinks, wash and dry toilets, automatic lighting, underfloor heating and strategically placed grab rails (we even have a range that look like everyday fixtures and fittings to keep a homely feel).

Other Things To Consider

The above are the 3 most common adaptation requests we get for wheelchair users, but adaptation options don’t stop there. To make life as independent, easy and safe as possible, you could also consider…

  • Lowered worktops, appliances and storage in kitchens.
  • Raised sockets and lowered light switches.
  • Low pile carpet or hard flooring.
  • Motorised window coverings.
  • A stair or platform lift.

All these wheelchair-friendly accessibility options, when installed correctly by an expert adaptations contractor, will help to make things easier, give you back control and promote independent living for longer.

To find out how you can adapt your existing bathroom to make it a safer place to be in, promote privacy and dignity and give you back independence over your personal care, click here…