Accessibility is vital in the home, especially if you are a wheelchair user or struggle with mobility issues. While it may be difficult to refit your entire bathroom all at once to make it more accessible, there are several steps you can take to easily make your bathroom more mobility friendly.
By making a few small changes, you can instantly create a space that is safe and accessible in your home, so you are free to use the bathroom independently without worrying about any unexpected accidents or issues.
One great way to make your bathroom more accessible with little work is to install handrails and supports. These can be installed along walls, by the sink and toilet and also in the bath and shower.
Support rails give added stability and allow you to maneuver around the bathroom safely.
This can be a great choice for those who still want to be able to use their bathroom independently but may require some additional help in sitting and standing themselves as well as getting in and out of the bathtub or shower.
Another really easy way to make your bathroom safer is to add non-slip mats. These are perfect for use in showers and bathtubs to help prevent slips and falls, but they can also be used on the floor as well.
Installing non-slip mats or flooring around the sink and toilet can add some extra support and security for those who worry about falling when their feet, or the floor, is wet.
Tiles can be extremely slippery, especially when wet, so having this additional protective layer can help make it much easier to use the bathroom without worrying about injuring yourself.
Installing cabinets or storage shelves that are above floor level is a great, easy way to open up the bathroom and give additional floor space. This is a good choice for wheelchair users as it gives much more room to fit a wheelchair in the bathroom and move around comfortably.
Bathrooms can be quite small, so having as much useable space as possible is essential. By moving all unnecessary items from the floor and mounting storage solutions on walls, you can open up the room and make it much more accessible.
Another great tip is adding cords for the lights in the bathroom. Light switches are often positioned high up on the wall, making them difficult to reach, especially for those using wheelchairs.
A pull cord is a great alternative that allows anyone to reach the light and turn it on and off as needed.
A slightly more complex change is investing in a walk-in bathtub. You won’t have to remodel your entire bathroom for this change, as walk-in baths come in a variety of sizes making them perfect for any bathroom.
These are a great alternative bathing option for those who struggle to get in and out of a traditional bath or shower, as they have a door on the side which allows for easy access and exit.
A walk-in tub can also be used as a regular bathtub, making it the perfect choice for those who want the option of accessibility, but who may not always need it.