Preparing a Home for Limited Mobility

Homes can become difficult and dangerous for those developing mobility issues. Ensure that a home is safe and secure for your loved ones.

Select a Bedroom on the Main Floor of the House
- If the room must be reached by stairs, consider installing an elevator or a chairlift in your home
- If designing the bedroom to accommodate a wheelchair, make sure it is ADA-compliant
Select a bed that is a comfortable height
Install Bed Rails
Install wall-to-wall carpeting to decrease the likelihood of falls
Update the bedroom lighting
Make communication easy and simple
- Install a bedroom phone or a house-wide intercom system
- Install a wireless doorbell in an easily accessible location
Remove heavy objects such as large dressers or other furniture that could potential fall or become an obstacle
Remove closet doors
Install additional insulation to provide a more comfortable climate and eliminate ambient noise

If redesigning the bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair, make sure it is ADA-compliant
Install bathroom assistive devices such as grab rails or bars near the toilet and shower
Install a lever-handled or hands-free faucet
Install an anti-scald device
Place non-skid, non-slip mats inside and outside of the shower/tub, near the toilet, and near the sink
Install a raised toilet seat
Consider ways in which you can make bathing easier:
- Purchase a transfer bench
- Install a showerhead with a detachable, handheld option
- Install a step-in or “curb-less” shower
- Install a walk-in bathtub
Ensure the space is adequately lit, even at night

Relocate Kitchen to the main floor of the home (if not already situated there)
If redesigning the kitchen to accommodate a wheelchair, make sure it is ADA-compliant
Adjustments to the sink
- Install a shallow sink
- Install a lever-handled or hands-free faucet in an easily reachable location
- Consider installing a motorized sink that can be easily raised and lowered
- Install an anti-scald device
- Install anti-slip mats near the sink
Adjust Appliances
- Consider the logical and most easily accessible placement for each appliance
- Select appliances that are easy to use and display information clearly
- Install anti-slip mats near each appliance
- Install drawer-style appliances
Adjust the height of countertops and cabinets
Add pull out shelving to cabinets
Install levers or “D” shaped pulls on cabinets

Preparing a Home to Accommodate Those with Limited Mobility