Is a Wheelchair Accessible Home Required for Assisted Living?

assisted living business assisted living fire department inspection assisted living zoning requirements buying an assisted living facility converting a home into assisted living ral residential assisted living wheelchair accessibility for assisted living Feb 25, 2025

If you’re thinking about starting an assisted living facility, you’ve probably wondered: Does my property need to be wheelchair accessible? The short answer is: it depends on your state, local regulations, and the needs of your future residents. Let’s dive into what wheelchair accessibility means, why it matters, and how to determine if it’s required for your business.

Check out the video, too:

What Does Wheelchair Accessibility Mean?

Wheelchair accessibility ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can move around safely and comfortably. Here are the key features to consider:

Doorways: Must be wide enough for wheelchairs to pass through, typically at least 32 inches wide.
Hallways: Should be spacious enough for easy navigation, generally at least 36 inches wide.
Stairs and Ramps: Stairs need to have alternatives like ramps with a gentle slope or chairlifts.
Bathrooms: Sinks, showers, and toilets should have open access, grab bars, and space for wheelchairs to turn.
Flooring: Smooth, non-slip surfaces make it easier and safer for wheelchair users to move around.

Accessibility doesn’t stop there—fire safety, parking spaces, and even furniture placement may need adjustments.

Why Wheelchair Accessibility Matters

Resident Safety and Comfort: Accessibility features ensure that all residents can move freely and safely in their environment.
Legal Compliance: Many states have specific regulations about accessibility in assisted living facilities. Non-compliance can lead to legal trouble or delay your opening.
Market Appeal: Making your facility accessible appeals to a broader range of residents and their families, increasing occupancy.

How to Determine Accessibility Requirements

Here’s a simple roadmap to ensure your property meets accessibility standards:

City Planning Approval: Check with your local zoning office to ensure the property is approved for assisted living.
Fire Department Inspection: Schedule an inspection to identify upgrades needed for accessibility and safety.
Follow the Punch List: The fire department will give you a checklist of changes. Common tasks include widening doorways, installing ramps, and adding grab bars.

Two Ways to Start Your Assisted Living Business

When deciding how to launch your business, accessibility plays a big role:

Option 1: Buy an Existing Facility

Pros: Many older facilities may already meet accessibility standards or be grandfathered into older regulations.
Cons: You’ll still need to confirm compliance with safety codes through inspections.

Option 2: Convert a Residential Home

Pros: You can customize the space to meet accessibility requirements and resident needs.
Cons: Renovations like widening doorways and adding ramps can be costly upfront but are worthwhile investments for long-term success.

The Benefits of Accessibility Upgrades

Even if wheelchair accessibility isn’t required, making these upgrades offers advantages:

Increased Property Value: Accessible homes are more appealing to future buyers.
Broader Market Appeal: You’ll attract more residents by being inclusive.
Regulatory Peace of Mind: Meeting or exceeding accessibility standards ensures compliance and avoids headaches down the line.

Final Thoughts

While wheelchair accessibility may not always be mandatory, it’s a smart move for any assisted living facility. It ensures safety, expands your potential resident pool, and boosts your facility’s reputation. Whether you’re buying an existing property or converting a home, prioritizing accessibility creates a welcoming space where everyone can feel at home.

Start small, take it one step at a time, and remember: thoughtful planning today leads to a successful business tomorrow. You’ve got this!

If you need help creating a business plan as you get started with your licensing process, download our Business Plan Checklist. It provides a comprehensive guide to creating a successful business plan, helping you lay a solid foundation for your facility. If you need help launching your assisted living business, including navigating the complex assisted living facility licensing process, apply to our Assisted Living Investing Mastermind program to get the support and guidance you need to be successful.

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