If you’re considering a move to a residential park home and you use a wheelchair or walking aids, you’ll want to know how well these properties can work for your needs. The good news is that park homes are naturally suited for wheelchair and mobility aid users, thanks to their single-level design and thoughtful layout. We’ll walk you through the accessibility features that make park homes wheelchair accessible, the specific adaptations available, and what you can expect from daily living in these mobility-friendly park homes.
Key takeaways:
- Park homes offer single-level living with no stairs, making them naturally accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking aids
- Modern park homes typically feature wider doorways (800mm or more) and open-plan layouts that accommodate mobility devices
- We can help you customise your park home with ramps, grab rails, walk-in showers, and other mobility adaptations
- Our residents with mobility needs successfully participate in community activities thanks to accessible pathways and facilities
What makes park homes naturally suited for wheelchair and mobility aid users
The single-level design of residential park homes is perhaps their biggest advantage for anyone using wheelchairs or walking aids. Unlike traditional houses with multiple floors, park homes eliminate the need for stairs entirely. This means you can move freely throughout your entire home without worrying about steps or stairlifts.
The open-plan layouts found in modern park homes create a natural flow between living spaces. When you’re using a wheelchair or rollator, you’ll appreciate how easily you can move from the lounge to the kitchen to the dining area without navigating tight corners or narrow doorways. These layouts aren’t just aesthetically pleasing – they’re genuinely practical for daily life with mobility aids.
Manufacturers design park homes with accessibility in mind from the ground up. Standard doorway widths in park homes are typically more generous than those in older traditional houses, which often have doorways as narrow as 750mm. This thoughtful design means many park homes work well for mobility needs without requiring extensive modifications.
The construction method also plays a role. Because park homes are built to British Standard BS3632 under controlled workshop conditions, manufacturers can incorporate accessibility features more consistently than in traditional construction. This gives you confidence that your home will meet high standards for mobility access.
Specific accessibility features you’ll find in modern park homes
Modern park homes wheelchair accessible designs include wider hallways and doorways – typically 800mm or wider – which comfortably accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames. You won’t find yourself struggling to navigate through your home or worrying about scraping walls with your mobility device.
Level-access thresholds between rooms and to outdoor spaces make a real difference in daily life. You won’t encounter the raised thresholds common in older properties that can catch wheelchair wheels or create tripping hazards for those using walking aids. This seamless transition means you can move between your indoor spaces and enjoy your outdoor area without assistance.
Bathroom configurations in park homes often include walk-in showers rather than baths, and many come with provisions for grab rails. The layout typically allows for the turning circle a wheelchair needs – usually around 1500mm diameter – so you can manoeuvre comfortably and safely.
Kitchen designs increasingly feature accessible storage options and worktop heights that work for wheelchair users. Lower worktops in key areas and pull-out shelving mean you can prepare meals independently without straining or requiring help to reach everyday items.
Bedroom layouts in park homes provide ample space for mobility aids and wheelchair turning circles. The open design means you can arrange furniture to suit your specific needs, and there’s typically room for equipment like hoists if required.
For external access, ramps can be added to create smooth entry points to your home. The flooring choices in park homes – typically vinyl or laminate – work well for wheelchairs and walking aids, providing a smooth, stable surface that’s easier to navigate than carpet.
Park home accessibility features at a glance
- Doorway widths: 800mm or wider as standard
- Level-access thresholds throughout
- Walk-in shower options with grab rail provisions
- Wheelchair turning circles in bathrooms and bedrooms (1500mm)
- Smooth, wheelchair-friendly flooring
- Open-plan layouts for easy navigation
How we help you customise your park home for your mobility needs
At Arden Parks, we understand that everyone’s mobility requirements are different. That’s why we offer a consultation process where we discuss your specific needs before you purchase. Whether you need particular adaptations or you’re planning for future mobility changes, we’ll work with you to make sure your park home works for your life.
The best time to arrange mobility adaptations is during the installation phase, before your home is fully set up on the plot. This allows us to incorporate features like ramp installation, grab rail placement, and accessible shower installations more seamlessly than retrofitting later.
Common adaptations we facilitate include external ramps with appropriate gradients for wheelchair access, strategically placed grab rails in bathrooms and hallways, and level-access shower installations with non-slip flooring. We can also arrange kitchen modifications such as lowered worktops or adapted storage solutions.
Our experience working with the 50+ demographic means we understand mobility considerations that you might not have thought of yet. We can advise on practical solutions based on what has worked well for other residents. For example, at Leedons Residential Park, we’ve helped numerous homeowners create comfortable, accessible living spaces that suit their changing needs.
We’re here as knowledgeable partners who actively support accessibility needs, not just property providers. If you’re looking at Broadway Park, we can show you existing homes with accessibility features and discuss what’s possible for your specific plot.
What our residents say about living with mobility aids in their park homes
The real test of park home accessibility features is how they work in daily life. Our residents who use wheelchairs, walking frames, and other mobility aids consistently tell us that the single-level design and thoughtful layout have genuinely improved their quality of life.
One resident at Leedons Residential Park shared that the level pathways around the community enable her to get outdoors independently with her rollator, something she couldn’t do easily at her previous property. She particularly values being able to reach the community hall for activities without assistance.
The community spaces at our parks accommodate mobility devices comfortably. Whether you’re attending the book club, Tai chi class, or coffee morning, you’ll find that our facilities work well for wheelchair users and those with walking aids. The indoor heated swimming pool is particularly popular with residents who find aqua aerobics helpful for maintaining mobility.
Several residents have told us that they initially worried about maintaining their independence as their mobility changed. The accessible design of their park homes has allowed them to continue living comfortably without needing to move to more supported accommodation. This peace of mind is worth a great deal.
The social aspects matter too. Residents using mobility aids tell us they appreciate that the level access throughout the parks means they can visit neighbours easily and participate fully in community life. The outdoor bowling green and covered patio area are accessible spaces where residents gather regardless of their mobility levels.
Practical tip: When you visit our parks, bring your mobility aid and try navigating the show homes and common areas. This hands-on experience will give you the best sense of how comfortable you’ll be living here.
Making your decision about accessible park home living
Park homes offer genuine advantages for wheelchair users and those using walking aids. The combination of single-level living, wider doorways, level-access thresholds, and open layouts creates a naturally accessible environment that works well without extensive modifications.
Here’s what you should remember:
- The single-level design eliminates stairs entirely, making navigation straightforward with mobility aids
- Modern park homes include accessibility features like 800mm+ doorways and wheelchair turning circles as standard
- We’ll work with you to customise your home with ramps, grab rails, and other adaptations you need
- Our residents with mobility needs live independently and participate fully in community activities
- Level pathways and accessible facilities throughout our parks support outdoor mobility and social engagement
If you’re concerned about how your mobility needs will be met, we’d love to show you around our parks and discuss your specific requirements. You can see for yourself how the homes and facilities work for residents using wheelchairs and walking aids. Our team has years of experience helping people find mobility-friendly park homes that support their independence and quality of life.
Visit us at Leedons Residential Park or Broadway Park to experience the accessibility features in person. We’ll answer all your questions and help you understand exactly how a residential park home can work for your needs. Get in touch with us today to arrange your visit – we’re here to help you make an informed decision about your next home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a permanent wheelchair ramp at my park home?
Yes, you can install wheelchair ramps at your park home, though you’ll need written approval from the park as per the site rules. We work with residents to arrange appropriate ramp installations that meet safety standards and blend well with the home’s appearance. The ramps are typically installed during the setup phase, but can also be added later if your mobility needs change.
Are the community facilities at Arden Parks wheelchair accessible?
All our main community facilities are accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking aids. The community hall, indoor heated swimming pool, and covered patio area feature level access and sufficient space for mobility devices. The pathways connecting these facilities are level and well-maintained, making it easy to get around the park independently.
What happens if my mobility needs change after I’ve moved in?
We understand that mobility needs can change over time. If you need additional adaptations after moving in, we can discuss options for modifications like adding grab rails, installing a level-access shower, or adjusting kitchen layouts. Many residents plan ahead by choosing plots that would accommodate future ramps or by selecting homes with layouts that work well for progressive mobility changes.
Do park homes have enough space for mobility equipment storage?
Yes, residential park homes typically provide good storage space for mobility equipment. The open layouts and generous room sizes mean you can store wheelchairs, walking frames, and other aids without cluttering your living space. Each home also comes with a garden shed (6×8) which some residents use for storing outdoor mobility equipment or spare devices.
Can I visit with my wheelchair to test the accessibility before deciding?
Absolutely – we actively encourage this. Bring your wheelchair, rollator, or walking frame when you visit so you can experience the accessibility features for yourself. Try navigating the show homes, moving between rooms, and using the pathways around the park. This hands-on testing is the best way to confirm that a park home will work comfortably for your specific mobility needs.
