Does Your Home Pass the Accessibility Test? Find Out With This 6-Step Guide

Why Every Home Needs an Accessibility Check

Most homes aren’t built with accessibility in mind. They’re built with aesthetics, space, and resale value leading the way. But as we age—or as we support loved ones navigating new mobility challenges—our homes need to work for us, not against us.

That’s where an accessibility test comes in.

At KGC Access and Mobility Solutions, we work with homeowners across Richmond who want to age in place safely, confidently, and without having to move. And we start by walking them through the same six questions you’ll see here. This guide is built to help you evaluate your own space, identify opportunities for improvement, and take steps that support long-term independence.

Let’s begin.

Step 1: Entry and Approach – Can You Get In Safely?

Before you ever walk into your home, you have to reach the door. For people using a cane, walker, or wheelchair—or recovering from surgery or illness—just getting to the threshold can be one of the most physically demanding parts of the day.

Ask yourself:

• Are there stairs at the front, back, or garage entry?

• Is there a handrail on both sides of those stairs?

• Is there enough space to walk or roll up to the door without bumping into shrubs, planters, or steps?

• Can the door open easily with one hand? Does it require twisting or pulling?

• Are thresholds low enough to roll or step over without tripping?

• Is there lighting at the door for nighttime visibility?

Failing this step doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re in the majority—and you have a chance to fix it. A small threshold ramp, a modular entry ramp, lever-style handles, and solar lighting go a long way without requiring renovation.

Step 2: Flooring and Transitions – What’s Underfoot?

Slippery surfaces, raised edges, and thick rugs can all create hidden hazards. For people with balance issues, neuropathy, or post-op restrictions, these are more than annoyances—they’re safety risks.

Ask:

• Are all flooring surfaces in good condition (no curling tile, frayed rugs, etc.)?

• Are transitions between flooring types (tile to carpet, wood to vinyl) flat and even?

• Are throw rugs secured—or better yet, removed?

• Is the flooring slip-resistant in bathrooms and kitchens?

Solutions:

• Non-slip floor coatings or mats

• Low-profile transitions and threshold ramps

• Removing rugs that can slide or bunch

• Updating surfaces to materials with texture and grip

One of the most effective fall-prevention upgrades is simply making sure the floor doesn’t fight back.

Step 3: Navigation and Reach – How Easily Can You Move?

Accessibility is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about how confidently you move. Whether you’re using a mobility device or simply dealing with fatigue or pain, the layout of your space plays a critical role.

Ask:

• Are hallways at least 36" wide? Can you pass through them comfortably?

• Are doorways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair (minimum 32")?

• Are high-use items (light switches, dishware, towels) between shoulder and hip height?

• Can you turn around easily in tight spaces like laundry rooms, bathrooms, or pantries?

Considerations:

• Adding offset hinges to widen narrow doorways without rebuilding frames

• Rearranging furniture to open paths

• Installing storage at accessible heights

• Placing small benches for resting between rooms

Navigation is as much about comfort as it is about mechanics. When a home flows well, the people inside it move with more ease, more confidence, and more consistency.

Step 4: Kitchen and Bath – Are Daily Tasks Within Reach?

These two rooms have the biggest impact on independence—and also the most risk. The kitchen requires strength, balance, and coordination. The bathroom requires stability and safety under slippery conditions.

In the Kitchen:

• Are cooking essentials (pans, seasonings, utensils) stored between knee and shoulder height?

• Are the countertops easy to reach without leaning or straining?

• Is there a seated prep area or adjustable-height workspace?

• Are the appliances easy to open and operate one-handed?

In the Bathroom:

• Is the shower step-free or low-entry?

• Are there grab bars installed into studs near the shower and toilet?

• Is the toilet height comfortable for sitting and standing?

• Can water temperature be adjusted easily and safely?

Simple fixes:

• Add tension or wall-mounted grab bars

• Use non-slip decals or mats in the shower and tub

• Install comfort-height toilet seats

• Swap out fixed shower heads for handheld options

These updates don’t just increase safety—they increase the likelihood that someone uses the room with independence instead of avoiding it or relying on others.

Step 5: Lighting and Visibility – Can You See What You Need?

Good lighting supports everything from movement to mood. Poor lighting creates shadows, confusion, and hesitation—especially for individuals with visual impairments, glaucoma, or balance issues.

Walk through your home at night and ask:

• Are high-traffic areas well-lit?

• Are switches easy to reach from both sides of a room?

• Is there light in closets, hallways, and stairwells?

• Do rooms have multiple light sources (overhead + task lighting)?

Lighting solutions:

• Motion-sensor nightlights in bathrooms and hallways

• Stick-on LED tap lights for cabinets and closets

• Smart lighting you can control by voice or remote

• Daylight-colored bulbs that reduce shadows

Improving visibility is one of the cheapest, fastest ways to make a home more accessible—and it often goes overlooked.

Step 6: Emergency Access – What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

No one wants to imagine the worst—but a truly accessible home considers what happens when something unexpected does occur.

Ask:

• Can emergency responders access the home easily?

• Is there a key box or smart lock for safe, fast entry?

• Are emergency numbers posted in visible locations?

• Is there a phone or voice assistant reachable from the floor in case of a fall?

• Can your loved one communicate even if they can’t reach a phone?

Optional additions:

• Personal emergency response systems (PERS)

• Voice-activated assistants programmed with call commands

• Entry ramps or walkways wide enough for a stretcher

• Medical info cards or apps stored near the door

This step is about peace of mind. It’s the difference between living alone—and living confidently.

What to Do With Your Results (and How KGC Can Help)

If you walked through these six steps and noticed some problem areas, you’re not alone. Most homes—especially those built more than 10 years ago—weren’t designed with accessibility in mind.

That’s where we come in.

At KGC Access and Mobility Solutions, we:

• Provide free home assessments (no pressure, no obligation)

• Help prioritize updates based on your needs and budget

• Install ramps, stairlifts, grab bars, and more with minimal disruption

• Offer guidance on funding sources, tax deductions, and grant options

• Tailor every solution to the person—not the product

Whether you’re aging in place, recovering from surgery, or caring for a loved one—you deserve a space that supports your lifestyle.

Your Home Should Grow With You

An accessible home isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s what lets you live where you are, stay connected to your routine, and continue choosing what your day looks like.

And it doesn’t always take a remodel. Sometimes, it just takes the right small changes in the right places.

If you’re ready to take the next step, connect with KGC Access and Mobility Solutions. We’ll walk the home with you, ask the right questions, and help you make changes that empower—not overwhelm.

Your home already holds your story. Let’s make sure it supports your future.