Creating a Wheelchair-Accessible Home

Navigating Home Adaptations: A Guide for Wheelchair Users

Wheelchair accessibility has formed part of new build regulations in the UK for a quarter of a century now, but many homes are still not suitable for daily wheelchair use. With an estimated 750,000 wheelchair and powerchair users in the UK, more certainly needs to be done to make existing homes more accessible. Today we’ll look at some ways you can convert older homes to make them more wheelchair friendly.

Making home modifications can provide both emotional and practical hurdles to solve. Emotionally, many people are hesitant to make permanent changes to their home, as it is a reminder of changing health and the challenges they face. On a practical level, updating a home can be costly, time consuming and disruptive. For a comprehensive change, you will need builders, carpenters, electricians, flooring specialists and decorators. Although a skilled general contractor could potentially complete all the work to an adequate standard.

Just about every part of the home can pose problems for wheelchair users, from entering through the front door and navigating through internal doors, to using the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, and operating light switches and window latches. Uneven flooring and tight corridors just add to the problems. Let's look at some ways to make your home more wheelchair accessible. 

Doorways and Corridors

Since approximately 1999, it’s been a requirement that all doorways in the home are a minimum of 33 inches (84cm) and that corridors are at least 36 inches wide. Many experts recommend that doorways are 35-39 inches wide for ease of access for all wheelchair models.

If your home has smaller doorways then they need widening. Whether you have a timber framed home or solid internal walls, this will cause some considerable disruption while the modifications are installed, but it is highly recommended to ensure you can continue to use your home.

Where there are thresholds, such as over the front and back doors, you will need to install ramps. Again, modern homes are designed with level entrances, but most old homes have high steps. Sometimes a metal access ramp can be fitted, but when the steps are very high, it is often required that a longer concrete ramp is installed. If you have the space and funds for a solid, permanent ramp, then this is the best long-term solution. If you only have a small step over the threshold, then a rubber threshold ramp is a good solution.

For homes built with timber stud walls, a good space-saving solution is to use pocket sliding doors. These not only create less of an obstacle for wheelchairs, but are also easier to open and close from a seated position. Consideration is needed however for the running of utilities, such as electrical cables and heating pipes, which are often also run close to door frames.

Flooring improvements

While carpets provide a much cosier feel to any room, they can hinder wheelchair movement, especially thick pile carpets. Rugs and uneven flooring pose even greater risks, as they can create dangerous obstacles. This may not seem a big problem at first, but if you are using a wheelchair all day at home, the extra energy needed to propel them over thick carpets will certainly be noticeable.

Another consideration is that regular wheelchair use will create wear and tear on carpets, and any dirt in the tyres will likely transfer to the carpet too, so upgrading to solid flooring is recommended. Whether you have solid wood flooring installed, refinish existing wooden floorboards, or install luxury vinyl tiles, it makes little difference in terms of accessibility.

Switches, Sockets & Smart Gadgets

Plug sockets tend to be too low for wheelchair users, and light switches too high. While neither are usually out of reach, if work is being carried out to improve comfort then it makes sense to reposition light switches and power sockets at the same time. A qualified electrician is needed for this type of work, and wall mounted conduits may be suggested to reduce installation costs and time.

Sockets in kitchens need to be within easy reach. Some options include pop-up sockets built into worktops, or on raised plinths, or designing the kitchen with sockets on the end panels of worktops - these need to be away from sinks.

Smart gadgets and remote switches provide practical ways to make life easier. Motion sensor light bulbs in hallways mean you never need to look for a switch in the dark, and remote controlled curtains, and extractor fans, for instance, are all helpful. If the main consumer unit can be repositioned to a lower position, this will allow wheelchair users to access it if there’s a power problem - note that work to consumer units is regulated and needs to be approved, and carried out by qualified electricians.

Kitchen Changes

Kitchens pose several problems for wheelchair users. Investing in rise and fall worktops, low level sinks, and slide out food preparation areas will all improve independence in the kitchen.

As well as height adjustable worktops and sinks, improving ergonomics and layout can make a huge difference. The kitchen triangle, of the fridge, hob and sink, with the main worktop between the hob and fridge, should be a feature of every kitchen, but for those with mobility issues, especially those in a wheelchair, it becomes a godsend. Ideally, you should be able to reach all the key areas of the kitchen with minimal movement.

Ovens, microwaves and hobs all need to be placed where they can be more easily reached without having to stretch - it's when overstretching that accidents are most likely to occur.

Bathroom Improvements

We’ve talked about How To Make Your Bathroom More Accessible previously, but the key rules apply: install a lower, easy to reach basin, have good solid grab bars around the toilet and install a ride-in shower.

Wheelchair Selection & Home Accessibility

As well as improving your home, it is essentially to get a suitable wheelchair that is designed to maximise your mobility.

We have many self-propelled wheelchairs, and a few stand-out products are the X8 High Active Wheelchair, CareCo Ergo Pro Self Propelled Wheelchair, and the proLite VOLAR 10 Self Propelled.

X8 High Active Wheelchair: The X8 High Active empowers active users with its lightweight, compact folding design, ideal for navigating homes and transporting easily. Removable rear wheels and width-wise folding simplify storage. Thick cushioning and ergonomic features ensure all-day comfort. Flip-up armrests aid transfers, while puncture-proof tires provide a smooth ride. Its robust aluminum frame supports up to 125kg, making it a stylish and practical choice for independent living.

CareCo Ergo Pro Self Propelled Wheelchair: The CareCo Ergo Pro blends comfort and practicality with quick-release wheels for easy maneuvering and storage. A tension-adjustable backrest provides personalized support for extended use at home. Puncture-proof tires minimize rolling resistance, while anti-tip wheels enhance safety. Crash-test certification adds peace of mind. Attendant-controlled brakes offer additional assistance when needed, making it a versatile choice for home and beyond.

proLite VOLAR 10 Self Propelled Wheelchair: The proLite VOLAR 10, the UK's lightest self-propelled wheelchair at just 6.9kg, prioritizes effortless mobility within the home. Its lightweight aluminum frame allows for easy propulsion and maneuverability. Quick-release wheels and a half-folding design facilitate compact storage. Ergonomic handrims enhance comfort and control. Removable leg rests aid transfers. A 10-year frame warranty underscores its durability, making it ideal for independent living.

We also have a growing range of lightweight powerchairs that are perfect for home environments, including the Stratus Powerchair and the proLite Evisu.

How to get started with home improvements

Home improvements can be both costly and disruptive and it’s important to weigh up all costs before commencing. You should always seek quotes from multiple businesses before making any agreements. The long-term benefits of improved accessibility in your home will always outweigh the short-term costs though.

Funding is often available through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). You can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) if you or a member of your family has a disability and you need to adapt your home to make it suitable for a person with disabilities.

Start planning today

Start by taking a critical look at your home and identifying all the areas where accessibility can be improved, and make a list. Then speak to the DFG to determine if funding is available, and take it from there.

If you need help with learning which products can best improve accessibility in your home, please call CareCo today on 0333 015 5000.