To make a home wheelchair-friendly, remove all throw rugs to prevent wheels from catching. Install threshold ramps at doorways to eliminate bumps. Rearrange furniture to create 32-inch wide clear pathways, and consider offset hinges to widen narrow interior doorways without major remodeling.
Transitioning to a wheelchair often means looking at your home through an entirely new lens. Suddenly, a plush carpet feels like quicksand, and a small bump in the doorway becomes an insurmountable roadblock. Preparing your home for a wheelchair doesn't always require a massive, expensive remodel; many changes are simple and highly effective.
Clear the Pathways
The first step is decluttering. A standard wheelchair requires a minimum of 32 inches of clearance to pass through comfortably. Rearrange living room furniture to create wide, straight pathways. Ensure electrical cords and clutter are completely removed from the floor.
The Throw Rug Ban
Throw rugs are the enemy of mobility aids. Wheelchair casters will catch the edges of rugs, bunching them up and making it impossible to roll forward. Furthermore, they are a massive tripping hazard during transfers. Remove all throw rugs from the home. If you must have a rug, ensure it is a low-pile carpet securely taped down with double-sided carpet tape.
Conquering Thresholds
Even a half-inch bump in a doorway can stop a manual wheelchair in its tracks or cause a jarring jolt to the user's spine. Purchase inexpensive rubber or aluminum threshold ramps. These small, wedge-shaped ramps sit flush against the doorframe, allowing the chair to glide smoothly from room to room.
Widening Doorways on a Budget
Older homes often have narrow bathroom or bedroom doors. If a door is just an inch or two too narrow for the wheelchair, you don't necessarily need to tear down the wall. You can install "offset hinges" (also known as clear-swing hinges). These allow the door to swing completely out of the doorway frame, instantly adding about two inches of clearance.
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