For anyone living with a disability, being in a home where they can move around freely and live comfortably is vital to their quality of life. However, this is not always possible in every part of the home. One room that can be altered is the bathroom, the place most important to anyone’s independence.
Remodelling Your Bathroom To Improve Accessibility
There are many different ways in which you can provide better accessibility with a new bathroom installation, here are a few for you to consider:
Space
Having enough space for access and manoeuvrability is the first priority; if possible make sure there is an open area within the bathroom that’s at least 5 feet in diameter, which allows for easy turning. Also provide 4 feet of clear space in front of each fixture to allow easy use.
Grab Bars
To make balancing and moving around the toilet easier, consider installing grab bars. They easily fit onto any wall, giving the user something to hold onto to prevent a fall or slip when moving about the bathroom.
The Bath
To safely get into the bath or shower, easy access or a low level shower is of paramount importance for any elderly or disabled user. For better mobility bathing there are two different options, one is a level access shower which can be used by everyone, whether they’re walking, rolling in a wheelchair or transferring into a shower chair. The other option is a walk-in bath; this is similar to a normal bath but has a door on the side which opens to allow the user to step into the bath with ease.
Doorways
Make doorways 3 feet wide so a wheelchair can easily pass through. The bathroom door must swing outward rather than inward and should be fitted with a lever-type handle, not a knob. In small spaces, a pocket door may also be a good option.
Switches and Taps
Finally, make sure that all light and power switches are fitted in a lower position so that any user can easily reach them. This also applies to shower controls and the sink, which should have enough space to allow access for a wheelchair user.
As every person’s requirements vary depending on who they are, deciding how to adapt your bathroom is not always obvious. An individual with a progressive medical condition may require further assistance in the future. In this situation a level access shower or wet room would be the best solution, and it can also be used by anyone.
If you want to find out more about accessible bath and showers please visit www.bathtimemobility.co.uk to find something that works around you and your lifestyle.