Creating an Accessible Home

Source: AARP.org |  | February 1, 2004

We all like getting from one place to another without any trouble, without any barriers. We even have special names to describe this freedom. Some call it "smooth sailing." Others refer to it as "a walk in the park." Those who love sweets say it is "a cakewalk." And those who build accessible homes call it "clear pathways."

A clear pathway lets your relatives and friends get out of a car and into your home without running into any barriers. Visitors will also be able to get into all your important rooms: the living room, the kitchen, a full bathroom, and a bedroom. This will be true even for those guests who use a wheelchair or a walker.

Barrier-free Entrance

Does your home pass the "clear pathways" test? To find out, imagine that a person in a wheelchair has just arrived in your neighborhood. How will he or she get from the car to your door?

A smooth, wide sidewalk can take you or a guest from the curb to your house. Make sure the walkway follows the contour of your property. Is your house on a slope? Don't take guests over the steepest part of that slope. Instead, let the path make a gradual approach to the front door, even if this means taking a longer route.

The path should be 36 inches wide. Cut back shrubs on the side of the pathway. Trim branches that hang over it. Get rid of trees that drop leaves or berries that could become slippery when wet. Fix any holes in the paving. Make sure the path is even, but not slippery. A gravel pathway isn't a good idea. A slightly textured surface is safer.

It goes without saying that steps don't allow a clear pathway. Even one small step will stop the person in a wheelchair. So if you have stairs, you'll need to find a way around them. A ramp to the front door can help. Or, you can bring the person into your house through a garage door. You may need to install a small ramp if you have a step between the garage and your house.

Don't ignore your steps, even if you have a ramp. Make sure every step has a non-slip surface. Put a railing next to every set of stairs - even if it has only one step.

Keep in mind that darkness can also be a barrier. Make sure that the path to your front door has plenty of light. Put up lights that turn on when someone moves in front of them.

Getting Inside the House

Don't strand your visitors once they get to your porch. Is the front door is wide enough for a wheelchair or walker to pass through? There should be at least 32 inches of space when the door is open. The door needs lever handles that are easy to open. And the threshold should not be any higher than ½ inch.

First Floor Living

Congratulations! Now you and your guest are inside the house. But can you get where you want to go? Can you reach the living room or dining room without going up steps? Can someone in a wheelchair roll into the kitchen, or is the doorway too narrow? It should be at least 32 inches wide.

Is there a full bathroom and bedroom on the first floor? This is critical. A guest in a wheelchair will not be able to get upstairs.

Start planning now for the day when you or an older relative won't be able to use the stairs safely. That's when your house will need a bedroom and a full bathroom on the ground floor. You'll also need a washer and dryer on the same floor as your bedroom. Without these simple features, you may not be able to stay in your home for as long as you had planned.

Tips for Keeping Pathways Clear

Try these additional tips to keep your pathways clear:

• Clear clutter from the floor. Get rid of magazine racks, plants and other things that people can trip over or that can stop a wheelchair.
• Move furniture out of the way. Create a path so you can move easily between and through rooms.
• Get rid of area rugs. If you can ' t do that, secure them to the floor with non-skid tape.
• Make sure your flooring is smooth and slip-resistant. If you have a carpet, choose a low pile and a firm pad. The pile should be less than half an inch. Anything higher will stop wheelchairs in their tracks. It could also cause you to trip.
• Keep electric cords out of your path. They present a tripping hazard too.