Ramps - Getting in and out of the house is the first order of
business. If you need a wheelchair ramp there are a number of
different materials to choose from. You can use treated lumber,
aluminum, concrete, or the newer composite decking material.
Some important design issues to keep in mind are found in the ADA
guidelines. The ramp should not have a slope greater than 1:12.
That means for every one inch you need to go down you need 12 inches
of ramp. A 1:16 slope is more comfortable and if you have the
available space is my recommendation, especially for a manual chair
user. When measuring do not just measure the height of the
steps. Measure from the top of the steps to the point where the
ramp will end. This way you account for the slope of the yard.
Make
sure you follow the ADA guidelines regarding railings and curb stops.
You will need to add a non-skid coating if you build with wood.
Also, there are guidelines that call for a 5'x5' level platform at
changes of direction and also level in-line platforms for long runs.
When in doubt, over-engineer. A power wheelchair can weigh 400
-500 lbs empty, then add the weight of the person.
Door Widening - Wider doorways make it much easier for the
person in a wheelchair to navigate. Even though the wheelchair
may be 26" wide remember to account for things like elbows. Try
maneuvering a power wheelchair, it is not as easy as it looks.
If your loved one has vision or fine motor deficits they may need all
the space they can get.
Go with 36" wide doors if you can. If you can not widen the
doors you may want to consider offset hinges to provide a little more
usable space. Some other options include double doors or pocket
doors. Use lever handles throughout.
Threshold Ramps - A common problem is that there may be
thresholds throughout the house that include a drop-off taller than
the 1/2" recommended maximum. Again, you don't think about it
until you are in the chair and the drop-offs rattle your teeth.
There are aluminum, recycled rubber, or wood threshold ramps you can
add to alleviate the problem.
Ceiling Lifts - We are seeing an increase in ceiling lifts as
agencies are instituting tighter "no-lift" standards on their nurses
and aides in order to avoid back injuries. These lifts run on a
track system that is mounted to the ceiling. they can be motor
driven or free-wheeling, permanent or portable. If you are
unable to help your loved one with transfers, you may want to inquire
about these lifts.
Roll-In Showers - A roll-in shower as the name implies
allows the person to roll directly into the shower while in their
shower wheelchair. The advantage is you avoid a very dangerous
situation of trying to transfer someone without clothing and while
they may be slippery. These units can be custom built with tile
or use a fiberglass panel assembly.
Grab Bars - Grab bars are another important safety device.
Make sure the bars are either 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" in diameter per ADA
guidelines. I like the 1 1/4" for use by people with smaller
hands. I use a connector to attach the grab bars that is easier
and stronger than a trying to center them on the studs. I
typically use a 36" and a 16" bar in a tub/shower.
Door Openers - There are power door opening units that will
open and close the door for the person to enter and exit the house
unaided. The timing of the open and close settings can be
adjusted for each person. There are also options such as
different types of switches, digital keypads, electric strikes, and
outdoor access buttons.
