People with disabilities may find it difficult or impossible to stand up in a regular bathtub, walk into a normal-size shower stall, get on and off the toilet at times, or even turn around inside a bathroom that is too small for their wheelchair. Below are some accessible bathroom designs for people with disabilities.
Making a bathroom more accessible can help people stay independent and comfortable while using the restroom. There are many different ways to make a bathroom more accessible, so no matter what your needs are, you should be able to find a solution that works for you.
There are many different ways to create a handicapped bathroom that is both beautiful and functional.
Design your accessible bathroom in a way that will make it easier for disabled individuals to do everyday activities such as reaching countertops, opening cabinets, and using accessories like towel bars.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Different simple things can make a bathroom more accessible, including installing grab bars near the toilet, adding a fold-down seat to the shower, and using nonslip materials on the floor.
- Walk-in Tubs
- Roll-in Showers
- Tub Chairs – Shower Chairs
- Anti-scald Faucets
- Hand-Held Shower Heads
- Single Lever Faucets
- Accessible Sinks and Vanities
- Raised Toilet Seats
- Grab bars and Shower Rails
- Non-Slip Flooring
- Wider Doors
- Angled Mirrors
- Automatic Soap Dispensers
the Shower/Bathtub
If you use a bathtub/shower combination, make sure your handicapped tub is wide enough for a wheelchair as well as long enough to allow room for other fixtures such as grab bars and handheld showerheads.
Many people prefer a handheld showerhead since they are easier to adjust than shower heads installed above the handicapped bathtub.
In addition to installing anti-scald valves, consider that older disabled individuals may have difficulty adjusting the water temperature. Adding a thermostatic mixing valve will quickly change the water temperature to their liking.
Grab Bars and Shower Rails
Many seniors find it challenging to use the bathroom due to a lack of grab bars. Grab bars are necessary for many people with mobility issues, but they can also be handy for anyone who has trouble getting in or out of the shower. They come in different shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to measure your space before purchasing any products.
If you’re trying to decide whether or not installing grab bars is worth it, consider that most accidents happen when people are trying to get up from sitting on the toilet. So why risk an accident just because you don’t have anything nearby? It’s time to think about safety.
the Bathroom Sink
If your disabled loved one has difficulty reaching the sink, consider adding a pedestal sink or wall-mounted sink to make things easier. You may also want to install a faucet with a pull-out spout so they don’t have to reach as far.
When planning an accessible bathroom design, it is essential to remember that the bathroom should be handicapped-friendly in layout and fixtures. For example, grab bars are beneficial for disabled individuals, especially those who use canes or walkers.
Part of handicapped bathroom design is deciding where you will put everything. For example, if your disabled family member is using a wheelchair, you’ll want to make sure there is enough space for the chair to navigate the room. Before doing any handicapped bathroom design, measure your disabled loved one’s reach with their cane or walker so they can easily access everything.
Give your handicapped bathroom countertops plenty of room so disabled individuals can easily use various products and appliances. Consider installing handicap grab bars near the toilet and sink to provide stability while using these fixtures.
Accessible Bathroom Designs
Design a layout that meets your handicapped bathroom needs.
Make a list of handicap aids you think you will need.
For seniors, handicapped bathroom design is all about adapting the bathroom to meet your needs. Such as installing products like a walk-in bathtub, handicap bars, and rails, or a handicapped shower. It’s essential to work with a CAPS specialist to create a bathroom that is accessible and meets your specific needs.
To start accessible bathroom design, look at the space you have to work with for your project. What will your handicap aid products be?
Will they fit into the available space?
Are you going to replace your current flooring?
Keep this in mind as it may affect the layout and handicap aids that go into the room. For example, you may want to consider widening doorways, if at all possible, to make it easier for disabled persons to enter and exit the bathroom.
Start drawing up some plans once you have a general idea of what you want and how much space you have to work with; start drawing up some projects! You’ll want to consider the placement of everything in the room, including the toilet, sink, and shower.
You’ll also want to think about storage, as disabled persons often have specific needs in this area. For example, those who use a wheelchair may need medical supplies stored in the bathroom.
Working with a Small Budget
Getting Started with handicapped bathroom design ideas
Ask the doctor for a formal prescription. Your insurance company may require a doctor’s prescription if you are ever planning to file an insurance claim for your handicapped bathroom. In some cases, physicians will already know what is best to enable more accessible toileting and bathing.
Many older bathrooms can be quickly and inexpensively updated with adaptable items such as a raised toilet seat, tub chair, and expandable door hinges.
Widen Doorways with an Offset Hinge
Offset hinges extend the width of a door by up to 2 inches so that a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid can easily pass through.
In addition, these hinges are simple to install and require no significant re-working of your doorways; they swing the door 90 degrees when opened.
These offset hinges for doors keep the door open at an easy angle for people using wheelchairs to get through. They are also easy to install without hiring a contractor or handyman.
Once you have done a handicapped bathroom design, don’t neglect the rest of your house. If possible, make all public rooms wheelchair-friendly with ramps and grab bars. Updating the whole house will ensure that your disabled loved one always feels comfortable in their own home.
If you are on a tight budget, you do a few projects yourself. Handicap bars and rails can be fixed to walls or laid against them for support. You can also use non-skid adhesive mats in the shower or bathtub. If you have a little more money to spend, consider installing a walk-in bathtub, becoming more and more affordable.
A handicapped bathroom remodel is an essential step in making your home comfortable for a disabled loved one. With the right products and some careful planning, you can easily create a handicap-accessible bathroom that meets your loved one’s specific needs. For more information, be sure to consult with a CAPS specialist.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article has given you some helpful ideas for designing and decorating a handicapped bathroom. Remember to always consult with a CAPS specialist.