A Practical Guide to Making Your Home Wheelchair Accessible: Simple, Budget-Friendly Solutions

If you or a loved one has recently started to use a wheelchair, you understand that it can be very difficult to navigate certain parts of your home. But you may not want or be able to invest thousands of dollars into renovations, so what can you do? Here are a few tips to help you or your loved one navigate your home more safely and easily.

1) Getting in the house.

Before we even discuss what happens in your home, let’s first figure out how to make entering your home easier. While permanent ramps are one solution, exploring alternative entry points can offer simpler solutions. Many homes have easier access through garage or back doors, where portable ramps can effectively bridge one or two steps. These pre-built ramps provide a cost-effective alternative to permanent construction.

2) Doorways

It takes a lot of work to widen a door frame. One alternative you could try would be to replace your normal door hinges with offset door hinges. These can be installed on most regular doors, and modify the way it opens which can buy you a few inches of much-needed width.

3) Hallways + Walkways

While there isn’t much you can do about widening narrow hallways, you can at least make efforts to keep them clear. Maintain a minimum width of at least 3 feet in all areas where the wheelchair-bound person will be. Consider moving things away from the corners of hallways and walkways to make turning in and out of rooms easier.

4) The Floor

Ideally, you will have smooth floors like tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, and concrete. Many carpeted floors can still work, however, unless they are very thick and/or have a very soft padding underneath.

It will be easier and safer to maneuver if you remove all rugs. These are easy to catch with a wheelchair, and can also create tripping hazards if a walker is being used.

5) Bathrooms

Bathrooms can present a lot of risky areas for people in wheelchairs. It can be difficult to transition from a wheelchair to a toilet, shower, or tub, so keeping these areas clear of towels and other trip hazards is critical. Any rugs should have very grippy rubberized backings to prevent slipping. Make sure that the floor of your shower and/or tub has enough grip, also.

It is best if you can install grab bars around tubs, showers, and toilets. Also consider adding a shower chair or bench so that you or your loved one can sit while bathing.

6) The Bed

Consider changing your bed frame if it is taller than around 21 inches (which is the average height of a wheelchair seat). Make it as easy as possible to slide between the wheelchair and the bed. Many wheelchair users also like to dress while sitting on the edge of the bed, which could be both uncomfortable and dangerous if the bed is too tall.

7) The Kitchen

If you are trying to keep things simple and not do a full kitchen remodel to accommodate wheelchair use, you should at least create as much accessibility as possible. This includes having plates, glasses, bowls, and silverware low enough to be easily reached, and making sure that sharp objects like knives are not hidden from view in drawers.

Consider how you can make food easily obtainable. Have commonly-used items at a wheelchair-accessible height in the refrigerator and/or freezer. Consider having bottled water, or at least a pitcher on an easy-to-reach refrigerator shelf or countertop.

Additional Considerations

Remember that wheelchair accessibility isn't just about physical modifications—it's about creating an environment that promotes independence and safety. Regular assessment of your space can help identify new areas for improvement as needs change.

Implementing these modifications gradually allows you to evaluate their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. While some changes may require minimal investment, their impact on daily living can be substantial.