Part 2 - Household Modifications for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Last week, we published the first in our two-part series on Household Modifications for Children with Cerebral Palsy. That blog focused on Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (EAA), low-cost changes to a home to improve independence. In Part 2, we will outline home modifications for children with Cerebral Palsy. In the simplest definition, home modifications are alterations and structural changes to a home to improve independence and accessibility. Home modifications range in price, time, and labor effort depending on the project, plus it’s recommended to consult an occupational therapist and home improvement professional prior to beginning a project. Home modifications are ideal for children at Level 3 to Level 5 on the Gross Motor Function Classification System.?
A key recommendation prior to undertaking a home modification is to consult an occupational therapist (OT) to evaluate the home with a certified home safety assessment. OTs play a critical role in the evaluation of the home and planning for the right home modification(s) for the specific health condition of the child. OTs can support the patient/caregiver in identifying the right home modification professional to complete the modifications too.?
Due to the physical disability and mobility challenges of children with Cerebral Palsy, removing physical barriers and implementing home modifications results in a much safer and healthier environment. As children age, the home modifications needed for them will change too. An often overlooked benefit of home modifications is the improvement of safety for the parent/guardian. We will get into many more benefits in the blog below, let’s start!
1. Curbless Shower??
It’s rare for a residential bathroom to be accessible. As a child ages, bathing and transferring them to and from a bathtub can become difficult and unsafe for parents, guardians, and home health aides. A curbless shower (see below) provides a safer alternative to a traditional bathroom design. The ability to enter the shower with a patient, supporting them throughout the bathing process if critical for their health and hygiene.? The timeline to install a curbless shower can take around 2-3 days. A few additions for a great curbless shower are the following:
2. Widen Entryways
The average entryway width in residential homes in the U.S. is between 28 to 36 inches, but the majority of interior doorway widths are 28 to 30 inches. To best accommodate a child with Cerebral Palsy, doorway widths should be at least 36 inches. This width can accommodate a wheelchair and other adaptive devices like a mobility scooter/aid.?
Is it expensive to widen an entryway? Yes and no, the average price is between $300 to $2,500 per door depending on the material/labor and if a doorway is load-bearing. Please consult a general contractor prior to beginning a project. The timeline to complete a project is normally 90 minutes per door.
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3. Modify Flooring
An overlooked modification to help prevent trip and improve mobility in the home is to modify the flooring in high traffic areas (e.g., hallways, living room, kitchen, etc.). Implementing the right flooring options can increase functionality of a wheelchair or mobility device, provide better traction, and enhance the sensory experience. The typical flooring options we recommend are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring or berber carpet. LVP comes in a variety of colors, and the finished product will provide a hardwood aesthetic. Moreover, most LVP are waterproof, scratch proof, and can sustain high impact from wheels to sustain their shape. Berber carpet has tight coiled fibers, providing a smoother and solid surface for individuals. Both of these flooring options are fairly easy to maintain, clean, affordable, and readily available.
4. Accessible Ramps?
Accessibility ramps are the first home modifications that come to mind for children with Cerebral Palsy. When installing an accessible ramp, we recommend implementing a ramp at all highly utilized entryways, and consider small bariatric ramps between rooms with level changes. If you want a deeper guide into accessibility ramps, including average cost of materials and cost per type of ramp, please check out our full guide here. What’s important to note is that accessible ramps do not have to be traditional aluminum or steel, you and your home modification provider can design unique solutions like the photos below.
If you’re renting, know that there are temporary ramp solutions available too. Plus, your landlord is legally required to make the modifications for you to support your health needs if you have a physician’s note. If you’re unsure how to begin that process, please let us know and we’d be happy to support.
In Summary?
While some of these modifications might seem overwhelming at first, but with proper time and professional support, they can have a major impact on you and your family. As mentioned previously in the article, if you are renting many of these options cannot be done alone. Make sure to work with your landlord as well as any attending physicians to ensure your home is as safe as possible for you and your family.?
Our team is well equipped to support you with your home modification projects. If you and your family need assistance with projects such as these please reach out. I hope by reviewing this article and our first installment it gives you a better idea of what household modifications can be done to seriously improve the lives of children with Cerebral Palsy.