Planning and introduction of some modifications form the integral part of designing handicap accessible bathroom. Whether you consider structuring a new bathroom or a simple renovation for independent handling, the following inclusions make room for safety, easiness and comfort of the disabled people.
Bathroom Doors: If you are designing a bathroom for disabled compliance, wider the availability of space, the better it will be for maneuvering a wheelchair into the area. The width of the entrance is therefore crucial. For ideal maneuvering, the doors should have 36 inches of width to move inside in a wheelchair with comfort. While the doors may occupy some space or pose difficulty in opening and closing, the slider door models can be good choice.
Elevated Toilet Seat: The height of the toilet seat is very important for handicap access. The standard height of toilet seats available is around 15-18 inches. Raising the height of the toilet seat to about 4-6 inches more will allow comfortable sitting experience preferably if the sitting equipment is wide and soft.
Walk-in Bathtub with Doors: The traditional bathtubs with greater height posed problems in entrance and exit for both handicapped and elderly people. The modern walk-in bathtubs with lightweight door are easy to use and safe for such people. These bathtub models are generally accompanied by a raised seat and cozy footpads inside that allow comfortable positioning for long duration bathing. The doors generally have grab bar fixtures on either sides for supreme control and support.
Modified Shower Area: Bathrooms with less space availability can have a shower area with special adjustments instead a bathtub that occupies larger area. The floor level of the shower area for the disabled people should be the same as the rest of the bathroom. The shower panel and fixtures should be at a height expediently reachable while seated on the wheelchair.
Slip- Proof Coated Floors: The modern flooring solutions with extra gloss are generally slippery especially when in wet conditions. Slips and falls can be hazardous causing serious injuries when the handicapped people are using the bathroom without any aid. The bathroom floors for the safe disabled accessibility should have a non-slip coating to prevent slips and falls. In addition, the height of the bathroom floor should be evenly spread at par with the height of the adjacent rooms for eased mobility.
Grab Support: Even though the disabled person moving inside the bathroom is seated on the wheelchair, the convenient mobility and added safety is a concern. Installing grab bars in areas like the toilet seat, shower, near bathtub, and the sink is an additional safety measure to prevent slips and falls. Always use grab rails with ADA compliance for greater support and safety.
While the abovementioned ideas make the handicapped people really comfortable with their bathroom access requirements, some additional measures like lowering the sink height to reach while sitting on the wheelchair will further enhance their comfort. Always ensure that the cabinets or any other storage area for keeping the essential toiletry items are within the reach of the disabled people on wheelchair for regular usage and convenience.