Wheel chair access

[hemi68charger]

Hey gang...
As some of ya'll know, I'm having a house built because we have to move. The move is because I've brought in my Mom to take care of her... She'll be with us probably for good... In an attempt to plan for the future, I'm having her bathroom door widened in the event that one day she'll need to use a wheel chair. For any of you with experience, will a 2'8" (32") be wide enough?

Thanks..
Troy

[draftingmonkey]

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act says that doorways need a minimum clear opening of 32".  So you should be fine if you have a full swing door (180 degrees)  If it will only open 90 degrees you may want to go up to 36" as this will give more manuevering room.  Have you also taken into consideration future access ramps exterior to the house.  You may also want to consider installing handicap railings in the bathroom,especially in the shower or tub/shower combo, depending which you install.

[hemi68charger]

Yo Monkey..
I'll surely ask...... Thanks for the input !!!!!  That totally makes sense about the door opening at a 180 degree radius...

Troy

[BigBlackDodge]

In some cases a pocket door might help with door swing issues.


BBD

[hemi68charger]

In some cases a pocket door might help with door swing issues.


BBD

That was our first thought for we upgraded/change put a lot of pocket doors throughout the house. but, this particular door really doesn't have enough space either side for a pocket door... Too bad, for that would have been perfect...

[472 R/T SE]

Of all the forums you've come to the right place Troy. 

My suggestion would be to somehow measure your mom's backside so you know how wide of a chair she'll need.  As you know the wider the butt, the wider the chair.  There's a couple rooms I still can't get into.  Not because I have a large arse either.  In our whole house there's only one room that we could use a pocket door.  What about her bathroom?  Will you address other parts of the home?

Maybe pick up a set of these.  They give more room to get in and out.
http://www.allegromedical.com/daily-living-aids-c519/swinging-door-hinge-offset-door-hinges-w-brass-finish-p191898.html

[hemi68charger]

I knew you would contribute Mike..

I've made sure her bedroom door is wide-enough.. The rest of the house is accessible and ok.. She's not there yet, I'm just playing devil's advocate for the future.. She's pretty slim, so width shouldn't be a problem..

Thanks for the input and hinge suggestion......

back to my class.....

Troy

[Steve P.]

From someone who has spent some time in a wheelchair, I think the best thing to do is plan big. I have been in many homes that are supposedly (wheelchair accessible). Yeah right. Maybe on a no thought plan...  I highly recommend that you visit some high end wheelchair homes. Making sure you are looking to the future. You know, the day may just come when you want to sell this home and the better the layout in a special needs home the better all around.

Also look make plans now for the ability to change or move your plumbing in the bathroom. You can't wash your hands with a full vanity. Also you may consider putting in a roll in shower. These are big around me. It's a large shower stall that has a floor just an inch or two below the main floor. This helps keep the water in the shower and keeps the ramp length short. Make sure the shower is deep and long to be able to change chairs.

A hand held shower wand is a must. Being able to easily control the shower is also a must. Also plan on a NO SCOLD valve.

I think I see things differently now than I would have never being in a chair. Maybe even go to a place that has plenty of w-chairs and get in one. Go into rooms and bathrooms and see where you have trouble and not. Also keep in mind that ALL doorways and openings need to be plenty wide to maneuver around the house.

Having to be taken care of is depressing enough. Being able to do anything on your own is a step up..

[68chrgrwife]

wow, that is depressing me.  One day I will be wheelchari bound and to read all the stuff I might go thru.........

[hemi68charger]

wow, that is depressing me.  One day I will be wheelchari bound and to read all the stuff I might go thru.........

make sure you're nice to the lil' one you're holding there, she may have to take care of you one day.......

[dkn1997]

In some cases a pocket door might help with door swing issues.


BBD

That was our first thought for we upgraded/change put a lot of pocket doors throughout the house. but, this particular door really doesn't have enough space either side for a pocket door... Too bad, for that would have been perfect...

what about two small pocket doors that meet in the middle?

[68chrgrwife]

wow, that is depressing me.  One day I will be wheelchari bound and to read all the stuff I might go thru.........

make sure you're nice to the lil' one you're holding there, she may have to take care of you one day.......

Thanks..I'll have to remember that...although she is the youngest of three......

[Steve P.]

It sounds like you are planning to be in a chair. What's up with that??  If you know you have a problem you need to start working against it now..

[68chrgrwife]

It sounds like you are planning to be in a chair. What's up with that??  If you know you have a problem you need to start working against it now..

I have MS there is not much I can do to stop it....there is no cure or good outlook yet.

[Steve P.]

It sounds like you are planning to be in a chair. What's up with that??  If you know you have a problem you need to start working against it now..

I have MS there is not much I can do to stop it....there is no cure or good outlook yet.

Yes, there are things you can do. One is to not stop doing anything you like to do. Two is work out often. Not too much, just often.

My wife has MS also. She is one that is giving up. Not in a chair yet, but not ever doing anything.. Live is too short to give up.. Don't do it........

[68chrgrwife]

It sounds like you are planning to be in a chair. What's up with that??  If you know you have a problem you need to start working against it now..

I have MS there is not much I can do to stop it....there is no cure or good outlook yet.

Yes, there are things you can do. One is to not stop doing anything you like to do. Two is work out often. Not too much, just often.

My wife has MS also. She is one that is giving up. Not in a chair yet, but not ever doing anything.. Live is too short to give up.. Don't do it........

I am staying positive and I do continue to keep moving...my aunt has had it for 10 years and so she has given me tons of advice.  I have been getting progressively worse the last few months..Need a cane more and more when I am out and now even in the house!  My aunt did well for the first few years, but is wheelchair bound now...Just thinking ahead though so there are no surprises.  I am very early on in my diagnosis so the haven't started me on the meds...I only have 1 clinical episode to prove MS, so the insurance won't allow me to be "diagnosed"---IDIOTS.  I also have had a few mini strokes, so my prognosis is not good according to my Neurologist.

[70charger_boy]

It sounds like you are planning to be in a chair. What's up with that??  If you know you have a problem you need to start working against it now..

I have MS there is not much I can do to stop it....there is no cure or good outlook yet.

Yes, there are things you can do. One is to not stop doing anything you like to do. Two is work out often. Not too much, just often.

My wife has MS also. She is one that is giving up. Not in a chair yet, but not ever doing anything.. Live is too short to give up.. Don't do it........

I am staying positive and I do continue to keep moving...my aunt has had it for 10 years and so she has given me tons of advice.  I have been getting progressively worse the last few months..Need a cane more and more when I am out and now even in the house!  My aunt did well for the first few years, but is wheelchair bound now...Just thinking ahead though so there are no surprises.  I am very early on in my diagnosis so the haven't started me on the meds...I only have 1 clinical episode to prove MS, so the insurance won't allow me to be "diagnosed"---IDIOTS.  I also have had a few mini strokes, so my prognosis is not good according to my Neurologist.

I don't usually pray, but I will say one for you.  Either way, we'll keep ;ovin' you

[68chrgrwife]

Thanks....now back to the show....