What is Home Accessibility?
Living with a disability may require various adjustments to daily routines, especially in the way one lives in and moves around the home. A home accessibility assessment is a key consideration when creating an optimal living space, as it addresses specific requirements for individuals with increased mobility needs or those seeking enhanced security and independence.
For example, consider someone who once lived in a second-floor apartment with no elevator. If that individual now requires a wheelchair after an illness or injury, they must consider relocating to a more accessible home, as their current space no longer meets their needs. By ensuring that the individual can comfortably move in, out of, and around their home, they can continue to live an active, healthy, and social life.
Home accessibility modifications are often completed with the help of dedicated professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and environmental access consultants. Many service professionals and designers now specialize in making homes more convenient and safe for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
By implementing these modifications, individuals can maintain a high quality of life and experience a greater sense of freedom, confidence, and comfort.
Common Home Modifications
Below are some common home modifications considered for individuals with disabilities. These modifications can help when updating an existing home or when selecting a new, more accessible home.
- Ensure access to all levels: Secure access to a first-floor bathroom and bedroom. Ramps, stair-lifts, chairlifts, or elevators may be necessary for wheelchair users to access all floors. Additionally, external stairs or steps by the doorway can be remedied by installing a ramp or creating alternate access through a backdoor or garage.
- Measure, measure, measure: For wheelchair users, accurate measurements are crucial to ensure that hallways and doorways are wide enough. A minimum 5-foot turning radius is important for making a full 360-degree turn, and floors should be level to prevent difficulties in maneuvering a wheelchair.
- Bathroom access: Modifications such as roll-in shower chairs, safety grab bars, and channel drains improve safety and accessibility. These features help prevent slips and falls and ensure easy movement in the bathroom.
- Focus on the details: Lowered countertops, accessible light switches, and lowered storage spaces can make daily activities like cooking, dining, and reaching for items easier for individuals with limited mobility.
- Add a smart system: Voice-activated smart systems can control lights, thermostats, and appliances, greatly benefiting individuals with dexterity issues.
What Home Modification Could Cost
The cost to remodel a home for accessibility depends on the type and scope of the modifications, and expenses can add up quickly. Home accessibility means something different for each person, and every home is unique. Below are some sample cost ranges for common modifications (source: Angie’s List):
- Kitchen Remodel: Approximately $25,000 – modifications may include pull-out cabinets, accessible shelving, and touch faucets to accommodate aging or disability-related needs.
- Bathroom Remodel: Around $20,000 – adjustments may involve widening doorways for wheelchair access, creating a walk-in shower, adding grab bars, and lowering sinks and cabinets for ease of use.
- Ramps to Doorways: Ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on design complexity and length.
Financial Assistance for Home Accessibility
Financial assistance is available to help make home accessibility modifications more affordable. Here are a few resources:
- The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
- Housing Grant for Disabled Veterans
- Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program
- Section 203(k) loan program from the Federal Housing Administration
Additional resources may be available depending on your state and county.
Are you curious to learn more about how to make your home accessible? Contact us for a home accessibility report today.