1. Remodeling tips to make your home more wheelchair and handicapped accessible

2. Introduction What makes a home handicap and wheelchair accessible? It’s the ability to enter and move around without any of the obstacles such as steps and narrow doors.

3. Doorways Wheelchairs need a minimum 32 inch door width for a straight in approach. If a sharp turn is required such as entering from a hallway, a 36 inch wide doorway is necessary. Expandable offset hinges can be added to gain about 2 inches in clearance. Doorway thresholds should be level with the floor.

4. Ramps Aluminum or concrete wheelchair ramps are preferable over wood. Wood requires constant maintenance, and it can be slippery when wet. If necessary rolled asphalt roofing can be added to a wooden ramp as a solution. For each foot of rise you will need 12 feet of ramp.

5. Bathroom A bathroom should be as roomy as possible to allow for wheelchairs, transfer equipment, and space for caregivers to maneuver. Enlarge the bathroom until you have at least 60 inches of space in the center of the room to maneuver a wheelchair. Install the door so that it swings outward, not inward.

6. Bathrooms Wheelchair transfers are easier if the places you are transferring to are the same height. Raise the height of the commode for easy transfer, and install transfer bars on the sides of the commode for easier transfers.

7. Bathroom Install a roll-through shower that allows someone to transfer to a shower chair and then pushed into the shower. Mount sinks on the wall so that a wheelchair can maneuver underneath. Use faucet levers and low mirrors, and drawers at a reachable height.

8. Living Room and Bedroom Arrange furniture for open spaces and clear passage. Arrange the bed and phone for easy access.

9. Kitchen The biggest obstacles to designing a handicapped accessible kitchen are sinks, cabinets, countertops and appliances. The kitchen also needs to be roomy enough to maneuver a wheelchair.

10. Kitchen Install handicap accessible cabinets that raise and lower, either mechanically or manually. Pull out shelves, cutting board or customized island as a work table. Open knee space under the sink for accessibility. Faucet with levered design.

11. Kitchen Drawer and cabinet hardware with “U” shape design for easier grasp. If kitchen remodeling is not an option, adjust by turning tables into counters and place extensions on kitchen sink faucets. You can also open up areas under counters for chairs to slide under.

12. Kitchen Move the switches lower on the wall to about 36 to 48 inches from the floor. Raise electrical outlets to the same level whenever possible.

13. Traditional homes Traditional home builders often do not consider the needs of those who are disabled or elderly. Your home remodeling will need to take into account your equipment and space requirements, and the need for assistance from others.

14. Resources Physical Therapy consultant for remodeling projects: Jodi Cosey MPT Ability Options 7 Hilltop Dr. Grantville, PA 17208 717-461-5613 Local Business that offers home remodeling: Family Home Medical 1 Sprint Drive Carlisle, PA 17015 (717) 249-8051