How to equip an apartment for a person in a wheelchair

A person's life after an injury or disability requires not only medical support, but also a comfortable space in which every day will be comfortable and safe. Relatives or close people should take care of arranging an apartment for a person in a wheelchair. This requires attention to detail, knowledge of medical products for the disabled and understanding the everyday needs of a person with disabilities. 

Access to the house and apartment

The first challenge that a person in a wheelchair faces is getting into the home. If the apartment is not located on the first floor, it is important to think about how to lift the person in the wheelchair. Depending on the type of building, you can use ramps, mobile lifts or transport chairs-crabs.

For example, the MED1 KY702S transport chair-wheelchair-lift for the disabled - this is a practical solution for moving a patient up the stairs. It is light, compact and allows you to safely raise or lower a person, even if the house does not have an elevator. Such a device greatly simplifies transportation to the apartment or to the street.

Entrance to the apartment

Door openings should be no narrower than 80 cm so that a wheelchair can pass freely. It is worth removing thresholds or making smooth transitions. For people who use electric wheelchairs, it is advisable to install automatic doors or levers that are easy to open with one hand.

Moving around the apartment

The floor should be flat, without carpets that may interfere with the movement of the wheels. All furniture should be arranged so that there is at least a meter of space between them for turning the wheelchair. 

Switches, sockets, cabinet handles and shelves should be placed at a height accessible from a sitting position.

If a person spends a lot of time in bed, a back support for bedridden patients will help — This device supports the body in a semi-sitting position, making it easier to eat, read or communicate. It is also worth buying an anti-bedsore mattress for the bed where the disabled person will be staying to prevent the formation of wounds from prolonged lying.

Kitchen arrangement

The kitchen should be as functional as possible. The sink and work surface can be installed at a height of 80-85 cm so that a person in a wheelchair can comfortably reach them. The refrigerator and cabinets should be easy to open, and dishes and food should always be within reach.

If the patient cannot eat independently, special tables should be used that are installed above the wheelchair or bed.

Bathroom

It is in the bathroom that most often household injuries occur, so the safety of a person with a disability comes first. For a person in a wheelchair, it is important to provide:

• wide doors without a threshold;
• wall-mounted handrail near the toilet and shower;
• shower chairs or bath seats;
• non-slippery floors or special rubber mats.

Among the bathroom products in the MED1 online store are models with adjustable height, which ensure comfort and safe use even without the help of others.

Toilet and hygiene

If using a standard toilet is difficult, you can install lifting or portable seats, as well as special nozzles. For care, it is convenient to use sanitary chairs or mobile toilets that can be placed next to the bed.

Bedroom and rest

The main rule is safe movement. The bed should be stable, with sufficient height for convenient transfer from the wheelchair. If there is a need to change body position frequently, a medical bed or orthopedic back support will be useful.

It is equally important to buy an anti-bedsore mattress to improve blood circulation, reduce pressure on the skin and prevent the formation of prolezhny.

How to help a person in a wheelchair in everyday life

Every little thing in everyday life matters. Especially if it is a person in a wheelchair or a person with a disability who needs attention and more comfort. Yes, you will significantly improve the life of a person in a wheelchair if you can arrange the following:

• Essential items (telephone, water, remote control, medicine) will always be at hand;
• light portable seats are used for bathing;
• a manual or electric wheelchair is available for short distance travel;
• handrails are installed near the bed, in the hallway and in the kitchen;
• door handles have a convenient shape for weak hands.

You can find everything you need in one place. In our online medical equipment store you can buy a wheelchair, special supports, beds or medical products for the disabled online. The MED1 catalog presents a wide selection of models for home, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. With us you can quickly and easily order products that will make the life of a person with limited mobility comfortable and safe.