An unexpected accident or deteriorating illness can suddenly thrust a family into caring and coping alongside a disabled family member. It could be a child born with a disability or an aging parent seeking the comfort and support of family life. In either situation, appropriate changes must be made to the home to allow the disabled family member to live independently and with dignity.
For the most part, the disabled want to be as self-sufficient as possible. However, young children and the elderly may require extra attention according to their respective ages and the nature of the disability. Lifestyle and budget will dictate the types of modifications that are possible and adaptable within the limits of your existing dwelling. Numerous national and regional service organizations can provide up-to-date information regarding the rules and regulations for renovating housing for the disabled.
Before starting any renovations or engaging an architect, carefully investigate your options, as it may help you save yourself time and money. If you are in rental housing, you must have the consent of the owner. If you own a co-op or condominium, you may need renovation permission from the board of directors.
Sometimes modifying an existing home may be a cheaper and more feasible option than moving to a new property. Municipal by-laws will govern the extent of renovations to your property, i.e. front yard parking and/or the construction of entrance ramps and lifts, even if you own your own home. In some cases, it might make better sense to find a new accommodation to customize.
Newer Condominiums will have all of the basic exterior accessibility issues covered with ramps, handicapped parking, elevators etc. and if you buy a brand new condo you could even have the builder incorporate all the modern accessibility equipment into the design from the start. Every situation is unique and must be considered from many perspectives including financial, lifestyle and family requirements.
Determine the specific needs and requirements of the disabled person. What are their limitations? Are they mobile or confined to a wheelchair? You must know their comfort level and particulars as you aim for their domestic independence. Exact measurements must be taken, standing if mobile or seated if not, for the following:
- Arm reach, left or right-handed, note strength in hand
- Eye height
- Elbow height
- Shoulder height
- Body width
- Specs on size of wheelchair with turning radius, etc
The ideal home should be accessible on all levels. The most essential rooms to approach first would be the bathroom and the kitchen. Since each has its required 
hardware, spacing of the various appliances will make the difference.
Contact your local Planning and Property Development Department or Zoning Department before making any structural changes which may require building permits. While you are there, talk to the city officials to see if you can have a handicapped loading zone added in front of your house to enable easier loading and unloading for your family members.
Many alterations to the home can be done at minimal cost. Examine the changes you can make working with a basic checklist:
- Measure the width of entrance and other doors
- Modify doors to swing both ways
- On entrance door, check doorknob height and peep-hole, type of handle, etc.
- Height and maneuverability of windows
- Floor surfaces should be skid-free, if carpeted low pile
- Storage cabinets within reach
- Investigate the different types of ramps, lifts and elevating devices, etc.
- Consider grab bars and chair rails for the bedrooms and bathrooms
- Lower existing light switches or check out motion activated or remote controlled lighting
- Enlarge parking areas to allow for more room to get into and out of vehicles
- Raised toilets may be required (or add an elevated seat as a cheaper option)
- Sinks should have clearance below for legs and wheelchair foot rests
- Most handicap designed bathrooms have a 5 foot turning radius
- A tub transfer bench or a shower bench can make bathing easier
- Investigate adjustable height handicapped beds
Once you have established the ground rules, creativity can come into play as you redesign. Greater public awareness has opened a market offering a variety of equipment and gadgetry once the basics are in place. For instance, when planning an entrance ramp to your home, you could have it wrap around to a side entrance if space permits and the doorway is wide enough. It could be built in sections with level platforms and you could add some shrubs to help it blend in.
Although your primary objective is to accommodate the difficulties of the disabled, there are ways to renovate your property and please the eye as well.
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