Innovative Ideas

Explore recommendations for Improving Mobility in your home. 

Below please find several ideas to help guide you to making modifications to your home to help serve those that may need mobility access. We have put together several categories that will help you navigate your needs. Below the categories please see the examples of some before and after photos from remodels that our clients have performed. 

EXTERIOR

couple exterior wheel chair

For the Exterior of Your Home

  • Try a low-maintenance exterior like vinyl or brick
  • Low maintenance plants and shrubs create a green environment with less upkeep

Entryways

  • Sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock
  • Non-slip flooring in foyer
  • Accessible path to the home
  • At least one covered, no-step entryway
  • Entry door sidelight or a high/low peephole
  • Sidelight should provide both privacy and safety
  • Locate the doorbell at an accessible height
  • A surface on which to place packages while opening the door

SAFETY AND SECURITY

changing light

Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security in Your Home

  • Install new smoke and CO detectors
  •  Install automated lighting
  •  Install an emergency alert system or a video monitoring system
  • Easy-to-see and read thermostats
  • Accessible light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms
  • Light receptacles with at least with at least two bulbs in vital places (such as exits and bathrooms)
  • Light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher and 48 inches off the floor
  • Move electrical cords out of the flow of traffic
  • Replace standard light switches with rocker or touch-light switches
  • Pre-programmed thermostats
  • Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas

REDUCE MAINTENANCE

cleaning

Reduced Maintenance and Convenience Features

  • Easy-to-clean surfaces
  • Built-in recycling system
  • Central vacuum
  • Built-in pet feeding system
  • Intercom system
  • Videophone system

BATHROOMS

couple in bathroom<br />

For Your Bathrooms

  • A fold-down seat installed in the shower
  • Adjustable showerheads with hose attachment
  • Lighting in shower stall
  • Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters, and removable base counters
  • Contrasting color edge border at countertops
  • At least one wheelchair-maneuverable bath on the main level of the home
  • Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars
  • If the main bathroom has a stand-up shower, opt for a curb-less and wide shower pan
  • Low bathtubs
  • Higher toilets or height-adjustable toilets
  • Toilet paper holders that can be changed with one hand
  • A wall-hung sink with knee space and a panel to hide and protect user from pipes
  • Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower

AROUND THE HOUSE

wheel chair mobility

Flooring

  • If carpeted, use low-density material and a firm pad.
  • Smooth, non-glare, and slip resistant surfaces are ideal for indoor and outdoor areas.
  • Try contrasting colors and textures to indicate changes in surface level.
  • Fasten down rugs and floor runners and remove unnecessary rugs.

Floor Plan & Hallways

  • Wide, well-lit hallways are ideal
  • Avoid steps between rooms on a single level
  • Main living on a single story, including a full bathroom
  • 5 foot by 5 foot clear turning space in living areas, kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom

Storage

  • Lighting in closets
  • Adjustable closet rods and shelving
  • Easy to open doors that do not obstruct access

Windows

  • Plenty of windows for natural lighting
  • Low maintenance exterior and interior finishes
  • Lowered windows, or taller windows with lower sill height
  • Easily accessible and operable hardware

Stairways, Lifts and Elevators

  • Adequate handrails on both sides of the stairway
  • Increase visibility on stairs with contrast strips on top and bottom stairs
  • Color contrast between treads and risers with lighting
  • Residential elevator or lift

KITCHENS

woman at table in wheel chair

For Your Kitchen

  • Microwave oven in wall or on counter
  • Refrigerator and freezer side by side
  • Side-swing or wall oven
  • Controls that are easy to read
  • Raised washing machine and dryer
  • Front-loading washing machine and dryer
  • Raised dishwasher with push-button controls

    For Your Stove

  • Replace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burns
  • Electric cooktops with level burners for easy food transfer between burners
  • Front controls and downdraft feature that pulls heat away from the user
  • Light to indicate when the surface is hot

    Counters

  • A base cabinet with rollout trays
  • Pull-down shelving
  • Multi-level workspaces
  • Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets
  • Upper wall cabinetry lower than conventional height
  • Accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation in the workspace
  • Counter space for dish landing adjacent to, or opposite from all appliances
  • Glass-front cabinet door
  • Open shelving for easy access to frequently used items

HVAC AND VENTILATION

women wheel chair window

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

  • Install energy-efficient units
  • HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible
  • Windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation and fresh air

Miscellaneous

faucet

Other things to think about that may make a difference.

  • 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances, or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns
  • Loop handles for easy grip and pulling
  • Pull-out spray faucets
  • Levered handles
  • Open, under-counter seated work areas
  • Laundry chute, or laundry facilities located in master bedroom in multi-level homes

Advice for those who wish to age in place

  • Talk with family members about your long-term living preferences. Do you want to downsize to a smaller single family home or plan to stay put in your traditional family home?
  • Take a look at your finances and retirement funds. With your current savings and assets, will you be able to pay for home maintenance? Consider starting a separate retirement savings account strictly for home maintenance.

PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER

FOR BATHROOMS

Zero Entry Threshold Shower Pan

Zero Entry Threshold Shower Pan

Features & Benefits:

• Structural which replaces the flooring.
• Base can be cut to length in the field for custom sizes
• Anti-slip floor & texture expedite water flow to the drain with no wave action
• Alcove and corner units available
• Can be used in bariatric applications
• No need to profile the floor for zero entry application
• Clamping bar provides water tight seam at floor
• Secures ramp for non-level entry application
• Comes with tile adapter

 

Shower Seats

An image of an accessible shower seat.

Features & Benefits:

• Designed following consultation with occupational therapists, end users and installers resulting in attractive, strong, safe, comfortable and rust proof products
• Removable closed cell foam cushions that will not absorb water, even when damaged
• Cushions in gray or blue to aid the visually impaired
• Rubber Wood slated model available, provides a smart domestic appearance
• Seat, armrest & legs fold up for greater usable space in the shower when not in use
• Folds up past 90 degrees to minimize chance of falling back down
• All seats include 2 adjustable height legs
• 1 leg has fine adjustment to accommodate slope in floors such as pitch to drain
• Seats & backs can be removed for cleaning & installation
• Hinges are designed to minimize pinch points during use
• Seats are available with or without U-shaped aperture to facilitate intimate hygiene
• 20 styles/variations to choose from
• Lifetime warranty on stainless steel frame

Half-Height Caregiver Doors

An image of a half-height shower door.

Features & Benefits:

• Half-height design allows care provider to assist bather while controlling water deflection and staying dry
• The barrier gives bather sense of independence in an otherwise intimate setting
• Bi-fold design allows swing in either direction up to 180 degrees for greater opening area, enabling the door to be positioned out of the way
• Incorporates rise and fall hinge
• Door rises off floor when opening, lowers to floor when closing which avoids dragging across the flooring
• Adjustable width to accommodate variations in walls
• Lifetime Warranty

Vanity Bench

 

The image shows a vanity bench, a piece of furniture made of wood and ceramic often used in bathrooms with accessible features.

Features & Benefits:

• Addresses equilibrium issues commonly associated with aging and/or standing for prolonged periods causes difficulty
• Seat benefits caregiver providing assistance
• Bench seat effortlessly glides in and out of cabinet
• Cabinet allows for wheelchair access
• Furniture-grade appearance, generous storage and quality craftsmanship
• Available in oak, cherry or maple construction
• Can be unfinished or a variety of stained finishes

Comfort Height Toilets & Tank Protector Back Rest

 

A high toilet, beside a double support bar designed for accessibility.

Features & Benefits:

• With the rim of the bowl two or three inches above the height of normal toilets, comfort height toilets make toilets much more accessible
• Tank protector prevents damage to tank from patient “flopping”
• Provides backrest & support for patient during use

Body Dryers

An image of a body dryer designed for use in bathrooms.

Features & Benefits:

• Dries patients who have difficulty with towel drying due to bariatric and/or mobility challenges
• UL (Underwriter Laboratories) approved

FOR HOUSE

Push-Pull Door Handles

 

An image of an accessible doorknob.

Features & Benefits:

• Requires only ½” travel vs. approximately 4” rotation for traditional lever handles
• Less than 1 LB push or pull to operate
• Guide dogs can be easily trained to operate

 

Newel Stairs Handrail

An image of a staircase that has a stair handrail attached on the side.

Features & Benefits:

• Provides grip while using stairs without having to release hold
• 90 degree turns around the newel post

Vanity Bench

 

The image shows a vanity bench, a piece of furniture made of wood and ceramic often used in bathrooms with accessible features.

Features & Benefits:

• Addresses equilibrium issues commonly associated with aging and/or standing for prolonged periods causes difficulty
• Seat benefits caregiver providing assistance
• Bench seat effortlessly glides in and out of cabinet
• Cabinet allows for wheelchair access
• Furniture-grade appearance, generous storage and quality craftsmanship
• Available in oak, cherry or maple construction
• Can be unfinished or a variety of stained finishes

RAILS AND BARS

Grab Bars and Rails

An image of a grab bars with different size.

Features & Benefits:

• Heavy Duty – ADA • Bariatric – Rated @ 440 lbs.
• Integral flange construction ensures no metal connections are exposed, therefore no electrical earthing required
• Fluted surface offers additional grip, UPVC extruded plastic for warm to touch feel
• Reinforced aluminum tubular core & flanges have 5 fixing points

Double Fold-Up Support Bar

An image of a double foldup support bar inside a bathroom.

Features & Benefits:

• Units with legs are rated for 440 lbs.
• Height adjustable during mounting
• Available with or without support leg
• Locks in the up position

Newel Stairs Handrail

An image of a staircase that has a stair handrail attached on the side.

Features & Benefits:

• Provides grip while using stairs without having to release hold
• 90 degree turns around the newel post

Cranked Grab Rail

An image of a woman holding her left hand in a steel grab bar while her right hand opening the door.

Features & Benefits:

• Offset design allows user to step up to & through a doorway

Adjustable Grab Rails

An image of a bathroom that has an adjustable grabrail.

Features & Benefits:

• Cut-To Length
• Can install long, horizontal or vertical runs to fit needs of client

 

Stainless Steel Grab Bars

An image of a stainless-steel bars in a different size.

Features & Benefits:

• Alternative to fit traditional stainless design choice

Remodels for Mobility

Coming Soon....

Please be patient as this part of the website is in developement.