Paralyzed In An Accident And Suddenly In A Wheelchair? Changes You Need To Make In Your Home
If you were paralyzed in an accident and are suddenly in a wheelchair, your home is not likely set up for this. Unless it is in your budget to build a new home that will work well for a disability like this, below are some things you need to change.
Store Things in a Storage Unit
You need as much space as you can get for your wheelchair, so you need to remove things from your home that are going to get in your way. For example, there may be some furniture in your living room that prevents you from easily getting through the room. To take care of this you can put your things in a storage unit until you get a larger home or organize your home to fit these things.
When it comes to a storage unit, there are certain things you need to consider. First, make sure the storage unit has security already in place. This will prevent someone that does not have a storage unit from entering the property. The units should have humidity and temperature control just in case you have things that would be damaged due to high humidity and cold or hot temperatures, such as many electronic devices.
Ask the storage unit manager if they have pest control, as many critters can easily set up home in storage units, such as mice, rats, and insects. Regular pest control will keep the storage units critter and pest free.
If you will have things you may need to get out at night or on the weekends, look for a storage unit facility that is open 24/7.
Make Changes to Your Home
There are some changes that need to be made to your home. For example, the doorways should be widened so your wheelchair can fit through them. Doors should have a clear width of at least 32 inches.
The bathroom is also a room that will need to be changed. First, lever style door handles will make it easier for you to open the bathroom door. Changing the door so that it will swing outward will give you more space. The toilet should be raised so that it is the same height as your wheelchair. A roll in shower would make it easier for you to enter and exit the shower area. Place grab bars on each side of the shower, as well as grab bars on either side of the toilet.
A wall hung sink in the bathroom would be easier for you to use because you could roll up and under the sink to have better access to the faucets.
Once you move into your home, it will not take you very long to see what changes need to be made to make things easier for you.
