Home Safety for People With Disabilities: How to Modify Your Home to Reduce Your Risk of Injuries
By Scott, Tom; Action Magazine,Publication Date: July 20, 2008
Article discusses home modifications to reduce the risk of injury to people with disabilities. Advice regarding precautionary measures is offered in light of statistics from the National Safety Council showing 75 percent of all disabling injuries occurring in home and community settings. Safety modifications for interior areas of the home include: (1) widening bathroom doorways to accommodate inhabitants in wheelchairs and walkers; installation of grab bars, transfer seats, and non-slip tub mats, as well as a swivel-style shower seat or a roll-in shower; and adding accessibility options such as height-adjustable sinks and toilets and easy-grip lever-type faucets; (2) installing handrails, mounted to support up to 250 pounds, on all stairways; ensuring staircases are adequately lit without creating glare; and installing any ramps required with a maximum slope of 1 inch of height for every 12 inches of length; and (3) for safe maneuvering throughout the kitchen, using wheelchair measurements to determine the amount of floor space needed, providing adequate knee space under counter surfaces, installing non-skid floors and floor covering, mounting a kitchen-grade fire extinguisher in an easily-accessible area, and ensuring pathways for transferring groceries into the kitchen are kept short and straight. Other kitchen accessibility options mentioned include adjustable-height countertops and chairs, lazy susans for corner cabinets, and sling belts installed on a counter for those who cannot stand for long periods of time.
Published by: United Spinal Association (Website:http://www.unitedspinal.org)
Link to text: http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/20/home-safety-for-people-with-disabilities/
