HOW TO MAKE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES ACCESSIBLE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS?

How to Make Your Hospital or Nursing Home More Accessible for Wheelchair Users

Imagine being a patient in a hospital, trying to make your way through narrow hallways, squeeze through doors that barely accommodate your wheelchair, or struggle to reach a counter that’s too high to interact with. Now, imagine enduring this on top of being sick or in pain. For the 3.3 million Americans who rely on wheelchairs for mobility, this is not a rare inconvenience, it’s a daily reality. The truth is, accessibility in healthcare settings is not just a legal obligation but an essential part of providing compassionate, effective care.

For hospitals and nursing homes, ensuring that wheelchair users can access all areas of the facility with ease is a necessity. Whether you’re a healthcare administrator, a nurse, or a patient advocate, improving accessibility is a collective responsibility. In this blog, we’ll explore actionable steps that hospitals and nursing homes can take to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.

Group of seniors in wheelchairs having a conversation in a nursing home.

Steps to Make Your Hospital or Nursing Home More Accessible for Wheelchair Users

Making your healthcare facility accessible for wheelchair users goes beyond just meeting legal requirements. It is about creating an environment where all patients, visitors, and staff can feel respected, comfortable, and supported. Here are the key steps to take to ensure your hospital or nursing home is more accessible for wheelchair users:

1. Assessing Current Accessibility and Identifying Areas for Improvement

Before implementing changes, it’s essential to assess your hospital or nursing home’s existing accessibility and identify key problem areas.

Performing an Accessibility Audit

An accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your facility’s current layout, services, and physical infrastructure. This audit should look at everything from the entryway to patient rooms, common areas, bathrooms, and elevators. Some specific aspects to assess include:

• According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), doorways must be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair.
• Ramps should meet a proper incline ratio of 1:12, ensuring a safe, smooth passage.
• Uneven flooring, raised thresholds, or cluttered hallways can all create barriers for wheelchair users.
• Elevators should be large enough to comfortably fit a wheelchair and have accessible control panels.
• Bathrooms should be designed with enough space for wheelchair users to turn around, with properly placed grab bars and accessible sinks.

Consulting with Wheelchair Users

Incorporating the perspectives of wheelchair users, whether patients, family members, staff, or visitors, into your assessment is invaluable. Many accessibility issues are subtle, and people who rely on wheelchairs daily can point out challenges that others might not notice. Their feedback will help you prioritize what needs to be addressed first.

2. Designing or Updating Physical Infrastructure

Now that you’ve assessed your facility, it’s time to start making changes. The goal is to create an environment where wheelchair users can move freely and safely without assistance.

Accessible Entrances and Doorways

First and foremost, make sure that the entrances to your facility are wheelchair accessible. Automatic doors are ideal because they eliminate the need for manual effort. For manual doors, ensure that they are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs (at least 32 inches) and can be opened with minimal force. Thresholds should be level to prevent any obstruction, and door handles should be easy to operate.

Wheelchair-Friendly Hallways and Pathways

Narrow hallways are one of the most common obstacles faced by wheelchair users in hospitals and nursing homes. The hallways should be wide enough to allow wheelchairs to pass easily, ideally 48 inches or more. Keep these pathways free of obstacles like carts or medical equipment that can block the way. Additionally, ensure that floors are smooth, level, and slip-resistant. Textured floors can be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate, so opt for smooth, firm surfaces with non-slip coatings.

Ramps and Elevators

Ramps are essential when there are any steps, and they need to be built with the correct slope (1:12). This means for every inch of rise, there should be 12 inches of ramp length. Install handrails along the sides to provide extra support. If your facility has multiple levels, make sure elevators are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and have easily accessible control buttons. Elevators should also have audible and visual signals to help those with additional disabilities, such as vision or hearing impairments.

Accessible Parking and Drop-off Zones

Don’t overlook the parking lot. Designate accessible parking spots close to the entrance, ensuring that they are wide enough for wheelchair users to enter and exit their vehicles comfortably. Drop-off zones should also be clearly marked and close to the entrance, making it easy for caregivers and patients to transfer into the facility.

3. Accessible Restrooms and Shower Facilities

Restrooms are one of the most critical areas that need to be accessible to wheelchair users, especially in hospitals and nursing homes where patients often require assistance with personal care.

Restroom Design

Bathrooms should be spacious enough for wheelchair users to maneuver comfortably. A standard wheelchair-accessible bathroom should include:

• At least one toilet with a height that accommodates wheelchair users.
• Grab bars placed at the correct height and angle for safe transfer.
• Sinks that are mounted at wheelchair-accessible heights, with enough clearance underneath to allow for easy access.
• Emergency call buttons that are reachable from the floor.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of accessible bathrooms are crucial to keep these spaces functional and safe.

Shower Accessibility

Hospitals and nursing homes should also provide roll-in showers that allow wheelchair users to enter without needing to transfer. These showers should have a seat, grab bars, and non-slip flooring to ensure safety. Shower chairs or transfer benches can also be made available for those who need assistance during bathing.

4. Technology and Communication

Advancements in technology can significantly improve the hospital experience for wheelchair users. Not only can assistive devices make it easier for patients to navigate the facility, but they can also help staff deliver more personalized care.

Assistive Technology

Implementing assistive technology can help wheelchair users communicate more effectively and navigate the hospital more easily. For instance, voice-activated controls in patient rooms or mobile apps that provide real-time navigation help individuals find accessible routes. In addition, consider accessible medical equipment, such as wheelchair scales or adjustable-height exam tables, to ensure that all patients can be treated comfortably and accurately.

Clear and Inclusive Signage

Effective signage can prevent confusion for wheelchair users, especially in larger facilities. Use clear, large-font signage with Braille or tactile indicators for the visually impaired. Ensure that signs point to accessible features, such as ramps, restrooms, and elevators. Digital signage can also be updated to guide wheelchair users through the hospital, ensuring they are always aware of the most accessible routes.

Staff Training

Training your staff in accessibility is just as important as the physical changes you make. Healthcare providers, administrative personnel, and other staff should be trained in how to assist wheelchair users properly. This includes knowing how to maneuver wheelchairs safely, understanding the needs of people with disabilities, and ensuring that patients feel comfortable and respected.

5. Policies and Services for Wheelchair Users

Policies that support accessibility go beyond just physical infrastructure. They should also extend to the way services are provided and how staff are trained to interact with wheelchair users.

Inclusive Admission and Care Policies

Ensure that your hospital or nursing home has inclusive admission procedures that prioritize accessibility. When a patient is admitted, staff should ensure that all necessary accommodations are made, such as adjusting bed height or providing a wheelchair for mobility within the facility. Care plans should also consider mobility challenges to ensure that patients can move around the facility and receive the care they need.

Emergency Preparedness

Hospitals and nursing homes should have specific evacuation plans in place for wheelchair users in the event of an emergency. Evacuation chairs, staff training in emergency procedures, and clear evacuation routes are essential components of this plan. Regular drills should ensure that all staff are prepared to assist wheelchair users quickly and safely in emergencies.

6. Legal Compliance and Accessibility Standards

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that healthcare facilities, like hospitals and nursing homes, must provide equal access to services and programs for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

Understanding ADA Guidelines

Make sure that your hospital or nursing home is in full compliance with the ADA. ADA guidelines cover a wide range of accessibility issues, including the dimensions of doorways, ramps, restrooms, parking spaces, and signage. Staying up to date with these regulations ensures that you’re not only providing a more accessible environment but also minimizing the risk of legal issues.

Female healthcare worker helping an elderly man in a wheelchair at a hospital.

Conclusion

Improving accessibility in hospitals and nursing homes is about more than meeting a set of guidelines. It is about enhancing the quality of life for the millions of individuals who rely on wheelchairs every day.

At Infina Health, we understand the importance of accessibility, especially for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Our wheelchair transportation services are designed to ensure that those with mobility challenges can travel comfortably, safely, and with dignity. Whether you need transportation for medical appointments, social outings, or other essential trips, our trained team is here to help.