Sunday, 15 August 2010

Making a Home Wheelchair Available

An area that most people fail to think about when elder proofing a home is the size of doorway openings. A typical non powered wheelchair & most walkers will fit through a 32 inch threshold. Power wheelchairs often take up to 36" to pass through & even more for a wide body wheelchair. Be definite to measure the wheelchair your elder will be coming home in before making modifications.

Some communities need one - even when you are basically building a wheelchair ramp. Check along with your local building department to see if a permit is necessary.

There is a very worthwhile web-site that provides home alteration solutions, suggestions & funding options called Elder Action: Action Ideas for Older Person & Their Families. It is located at aoa.gov. This is run by the government agency Administration on Aging.
The will often have information on free or lower cost home alteration or repair programs that are available in your area.

Elders that suffer from a state of confusion will often actually walk in to walls. When doorways, walls & floors areas are all painted in the same color, it is very like walking in a fun house to elders. This type of situation may even be used to prevent your elder from going out a door to the outside of the home. Basically paint the door the same color as the walls & they will likely think the door is basically the wall. Now this trick is a great one when an elder lives with you in your home.

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