Senior Living: Easy modifications to make a home accessible

When it becomes necessary to begin using a walker or wheelchair, it can be a pretty big adjustment for a lot of people. It can be especially difficult if a home is not set up for the safe use of such equipment. In addition, if one cannot properly use a walker or wheelchair in their home, it can put that person at risk for a fall.

Many times there can be relatively easy modifications to make it easier to use a walker and wheelchair in the home. I spoke to Marty Kunkle of M. Kunkle Construction about the most common changes that people make after they begin using a walker or wheelchair. Kunkle, who has extensive experience with modifying homes for people after injury or illness, shared with me the top five easy home changes to consider.

1. Widening doorways: Many times doorways are so narrow that a wheelchair will not fit through or the homeowner must turn a walker sideways to fit. This is especially true in bathrooms. Widening a doorway even just an inch or two can allow for a wheelchair or walker to safely move through.

2. Handrails and grab bars: I have always been a big proponent of grab bars. M. Kunkle Construction (Marty Kunkle at 602-558-5558) said it is also a simple job to put in handrails throughout hallways or in areas where one may need to go down a few steps, such as in a sunken family room.

3. Ramps: Ramps can be very helpful for those in wheelchairs to get in and out of their homes and can greatly increase one's safety and independence.

4. Shower modifications: There are quite a few options for creating an accessible shower, depending on the homeowner's mobility and the size of the bathroom. Kunkle says that most people are surprised at how easy the solution usually is.

5. Removing carpet: Carpet is very difficult to move across in a wheelchair and replacing it with something like wood laminate, wood or tile, especially in high traffic areas like the hallway, can make mobility easier.

Sometimes just a few changes can greatly increase one's quality of life after an injury or illness and help one stay safe and independent in their own home.

Linda Schlenker is an occupational therapist specializing in home health care and fall prevention among the elderly. For more information, visit www.safeandindependent.com or call (602) 576-3828.