ORIGINAL REDDIT POST
Any ideas on how to make a closet more handicap friendly
Currently moving my family into an assisted living facility and we don’t want to put any holes in the walls. The wire rack in the closet is too high as she is wheelchair bound can’t stand up at all to reach. So far we’ve thought of a hook and chains with a…
Currently moving my family into an assisted living facility and we don’t want to put any holes in the walls. The wire rack in the closet is too high as she is wheelchair bound can’t stand up at all to reach. So far we’ve thought of a hook and chains with a bar between to lower it but curious if anyone has any better ideas. Thank you in advance!
Collected discussion
Spring tension rods and loose swinging things are potentially a hazard for a wheelchair bound person who doesn’t have quick reflexes anymore. The fact that assisted living doesn’t have accessible closets is infuriating. Put in a sturdy shelf and rod. If they complain about holes raise a stink about lack of accessibility!
I think most residents are able to get out of their wheelchair and she can’t so it’s not set up properly yet, we’re still in the first few days so maybe they will be more helpful soon.
We also did pick her up one of these too!
I would put holes in the walls. Screw holes and other minor drywall damage is easy to fix. Mounted into studs, you can place the shelving at any height you choose
Just wanted to update everyone on our solution, we did ask if we could drill holes but no one ever gave us an answer. We went to Walmart and were able to find some adjustable garment rack for about 15 bucks that works until we find out if we can remodel the room or not. Usually this place has residents with higher mobility than my aunt does, and we will not be surprised if they move her to the nursing home side instead. So we didn’t want to do too much just incase. I appreciate everyone’s help and suggestions!
Have you asked the staff there? Can’t be the first client with this issue!
Can you just add in the right height drawers/cabinets underneath? I'd also complain about lack of accessibility, particularly since they're supposed to cater to people with disabilities
They make a thing called a closet rod doubler that hangs from the top rod. They're not expensive at all and some are adjustable.
She is moving in, not staying a week. Drill the holes. It’s odd they didn’t do this in the units from the start. Lower the rod and shelf to a standard double hang height if that works for her. Mounting the shelf at 40” above floor and again at 84” are standard. If rod is separate from shelf, it’s usually 3” below. Rev a Shelf makes pull down rods - but they are expensive and you have to make sure you have the right clearance in front of the closet for the mechanism to extend properly. It may be easier to do a standard double hang and have someone switch out of season clothing to upper bar to keep it out of the way.
When my mom moved into assisted living, Maintenance helped with certain things like mounting TVs, hanging pictures, etc as part of the move-in fee. Have you asked if they will move down the shelves as an accommodation for your mom? We didn't have to pay anything extra on the back end for holes in the walls because they do a paint and flooring refresh for every new tenant. It's worth asking about if you haven't already.