CHLA Lodging News July/August 2021

www.calodging.com July/August 2021 9 MOBILITY FEATURE GUEST ROOMS Clothes Closets Another item is closet space—one of each type of storage in each space is required to be within reach range in mobility guest rooms. So this could be hang rods, shelves, or drawers. Be aware of placing a safe or a small refrigerator under the lower hang rod since this can block the area for hanging pants, dresses, or other longer garments. Also, consideration should be given on only placing a partial amount of storage at a lower reach range, since a companion using the closet may be able- bodied and a higher hang rod is desirable for their use. So high shelves and low shelves, high hang rods and low, and robe hooks at 48" above the floor works for everyone. And if there is a shoe rack, there should also be one at 15" minimum above the floor. Beds One of the questions that comes up—how high do the beds need to be? Currently this is not regulated. With that being said, it is suggested to track which guest rooms have beds that are high and which ones have beds that are low and provide it as a choice when someone books a room. Taller beds work better for some, whereas lower beds work better for others. If possible, it is about choice and communication. The other item about beds is to provide clear space on each side or if there are two beds in the room the space can be shared. If someone brings their personal lift device to transfer from their wheelchair to the bed, it is suggested to provide enough space underneath. Typically a clear height of 7" by 30" deep under the length of the bed, and this is a requirement in California. Area Rugs Another issue that comes up is loose rugs being placed in the guest rooms to provide a more residential feel. Although these may not be directly regulated, unfortunately, they can become a tripping hazard since they are not firm and stable. In order to avoid this, place special double-sided tape along the edges so the rug is fixed to the floor. This will need to be ‘re-taped’ depending on how often it is lifted and the floor is cleaned, in order to keep it securely fastened to the floor. And do realize, that the pile height should be kept to ½" maximum with firm or no pad, otherwise it is difficult to roll a chair over it or even use a walker or a cane.