A Guide to Physical Accessibility in Care Homes

Providing physical accessibility in a care home is essential for the safety, dignity, and independence of residents. Many care home residents face mobility challenges or have disabilities that require the environment to suit their needs. Ensuring accessibility involves both eliminating barriers and adopting supportive measures.

In this guide, we cover the steps you can take to make a care home inclusive and physically accessible.

What is Physical Accessibility?

Physical accessibility means that individuals are able to move around and use facilities without barriers. This includes people who use wheelchairs, walking aids, or have limited mobility. It also considers sensory disabilities like vision or hearing impairments. Promoting accessibility ensures everyone has equal access to facilities, services, and spaces.

This process stretches beyond basic adjustments, requiring a focus on all areas used by residents. Accessibility changes improve independence while meeting legal standards like the Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination.

Building Layout and Design

The building’s layout plays a big role in accessibility. Care homes must be designed with open spaces, minimal obstacles, and easy access to essential areas.

Changes you can make include:

• Ramps and Lifts: Install ramps with non-slip surfaces at entrances and exits. Ensure lifts are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and include handrails.
• Level Floors: Avoid steps or uneven flooring. Consider using slip-resistant materials and keep all surfaces level.
• Wide Doorways: Adjust doorways to at least 800mm wide to accommodate wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids.
• Signage: Use large, clear signage with contrasting colours for people with visual impairments. Signs should be at eye level.
• Automatic Doors or Easy-Opening Mechanisms: Doors should be fitted with automatic options or lever handles that are easier to grip.

Accessibility in Bedrooms

Bedrooms in the care home must meet the needs of each resident. Residents need a space that provides comfort without compromising accessibility.

Key recommendations:

• Adjustable Beds: Provide height-adjustable beds to help residents safely get in and out of bed.
• Sufficient Space: Ensure plenty of space around the bed to allow for wheelchair turning and carers assisting residents.
• Accessible Storage: Place wardrobes and drawers at reachable levels. Include sliding doors to prevent blocking space.
• Emergency Call Systems: Fit accessible call buttons near beds and connected to staff services.

Bathroom Modifications

Bathrooms can pose a significant challenge for residents with physical disabilities. Modifications ensure safety and independence.

Suggestions for accessibility include:

• Grab Rails: Install grab rails near the toilet and shower to support balance and movement.
• Shower Seats: Add foldable shower chairs to reduce strain and prevent falls.
• Low-Level Fixtures: Use toilets, sinks, and basins at a lower height or fit adjustable models.
• Non-Slip Flooring: Install slip-resistant flooring to prevent accidents.
• Walk-In Showers: Replace bathtubs with walk-in showers to remove potential hazards.

Mobility in Communal Areas

Communal areas like lounges, dining rooms, and gardens are vital for socialising and maintaining mental health. Making these spaces accessible helps residents enjoy their surroundings.

Things to include:

• Furniture Arrangement: Place furniture to allow wheelchair movement with minimal obstruction.
• Height-Appropriate Tables: Ensure dining tables, chairs, and lounges accommodate people with mobility issues.
• Accessible Garden Paths: Use flat, paved paths with handrails to create wheelchair-friendly outdoor areas.
• Lighting for Visual Impairments: Bright, even lighting improves visibility for those with limited eyesight.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency situations require specific accessibility measures to minimise responsibility and save lives. Care homes should have clear evacuation plans tailored to residents with mobility issues.

Prepare for emergencies by:

• Fire Escape Routes: Ensure fire exits accommodate wheelchairs and walkers with ramps and wide pathways. Avoid stairs without alternatives.
• Evacuation Chairs: Provide stair-climbing evacuation chairs to safely transport residents between floors.
• Personal Evacuation Plans: Assess each resident’s needs and create personalised evacuation strategies.
• Accessible Alarm Systems: Use visual and vibrating alarm systems alongside audio alarms for residents with hearing or vision impairments.

Transport Considerations

Transport accessibility ensures residents can participate in external activities, attend medical appointments, or visit family safely.

Steps to improve accessible transport:

• Wheelchair-Friendly Vehicles: Use minibuses or cars with ramps or lifts.
• Secure Seating: Provide safety harnesses for wheelchairs and extra stability for seated passengers.
• Driver Training: Train drivers to assist residents safely.
• Parking Spaces: Include disabled parking spaces close to the care home entrance.

Training Staff on Accessibility

Staff training is critical to uphold the care home’s accessibility standards. Ensuring that staff understand and respect individual mobility needs improves overall care.

Effective training should include:

• Using Accessible Equipment: Teach staff how to operate hoists, ramps, and other mobility aids correctly.
• Manual Handling: Provide training in safe lifting techniques to support residents without risk of injury.
• Disability Awareness: Help staff learn about residents’ unique needs relating to mobility, vision, or hearing.
• Emergency Response: Train staff on assisting disabled residents during emergencies.

Regular Maintenance and Updates

Physical accessibility is not a one-time effort. Care homes need ongoing maintenance and adjustments to meet residents’ changing needs.

Implement regular checks by:

• Inspecting Equipment: Ensure ramps, lifts, grab rails, and other aids meet safety standards.
• Updating Features: Adapt the care home as mobility aids and technology improve.
• Listening to Feedback: Speak with residents about their experiences and improve accessibility based on their input.

Technology to Improve Accessibility

Modern technology can help make care homes more accessible. Using assistive devices or gadgets improves independence for many residents.

Examples include:

• Voice-Activated Devices: Introduce voice-controlled systems for lights, appliances, and door locks.
• Mobility Monitoring Apps: Track mobility patterns to suggest adjustments that fit residents’ needs.
• Hearing and Vision Aids: Provide devices like hearing amplifiers or magnifiers for residents with sensory impairments.
• Accessible Call Systems: Use wireless emergency buttons residents can carry or hold.

Legal Considerations

Physical accessibility must comply with UK law. The Equality Act 2010 mandates non-discrimination against disabled individuals using public facilities, including care homes. This involves making reasonable adjustments to promote inclusion.

Familiarise yourself with legal requirements:

• Building Accessibility Standards: Follow regulations set by Part M of the Building Regulations.
• Employment Equality: Make sure staff hiring policies meet disability discrimination laws.
• Regular Compliance Checks: Use external consultants to assess your care home’s adherence to legal standards.

What are Benefits of Physical Accessibility?

Promoting physical accessibility has many advantages:

• Safety: Preventing falls and injuries through adjustments reduces risks to residents.
• Independence: Supporting movement improves residents’ ability to perform daily activities themselves.
• Social Inclusion: Accessible communal spaces encourage bonding and participation, benefiting mental health.
• Staff Efficiency: Fewer obstacles free up time for staff to focus on providing care.

Final Thoughts

Making a care home accessible requires attention to the needs of all residents. Simple modifications, staff training, and adherence to legal standards promote a safe, inclusive environment. By improving accessibility across all areas – from bedrooms to gardens – you ensure that every resident feels respected and cared for. It’s not just about building adjustments; it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel at home.