What to Look for in a Disabled Access Apartment
If you are helping someone to find a disabled access apartment, then you want to familiarize yourself with some of the different features that you are going to want to look for. Here are some of the features you want to look for in an apartment for someone who is disabled and therefore needs one with more handicap features:
1. The hallways and entrances must be wider
Not everyone who is disabled will require wider hallways. However, if you are helping someone find an apartment who is in a wheelchair, then the hallways need to be wide enough for them to navigate in the wheelchair. You should also be able to get through all of the doors throughout the apartment.
2. The bathrooms need to be both accessible and safe
Bathrooms should have things like higher toilets with extra space around them and grab bars near the toilets and in the showers. The showers need to have level flooring and enough room for a shower chair.
3. The sinks, countertops, and cabinets need to be reachable
Take a look at the sinks to ensure there is enough space under the sink area for the wheelchair. Otherwise, make sure they can easily reach and control the handles and that there aren't any obstacles that would be hard for them to navigate around.
The countertops and cabinets also need to be lower for someone in a wheelchair and there needs to be some space underneath of them that allows for the wheelchair to go underneath them a bit. You should be able to access foods, dishware, and anything else that you store in the apartment. For someone who is in a wheelchair, the cabinets will need to be set even lower, so they can get in them from their wheelchair.
4. The flooring needs to be flat and even
While flat and even flooring is a must for someone who is in a wheelchair, it is something you want to look for in an apartment for anyone with mobility issues. When someone can't get around well, even a small lift in the flooring from one area to another can pose a serious threat of falling for them.
5. The appliances need to be usable
The appliances have to be designed so someone can use them while in a wheelchair. Even if not in a wheelchair, they should have things like easier and safer to reach handles and levers.
For more information, contact services that offer disabled access apartments.
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