If you have an aged or disabled member of your family, you might have realized the importance of making your house more accessible. One area that you should mostly focus on is the bathroom. You need to think about how these people can manage their daily cleaning routines independently. This article looks at some easy tips you can implement to make your bathroom accessible, while still making it look stylish.
Zero-Threshold Shower
A zero-threshold shower is one that does not require you to step into a basin or tub. There is no need to lift your leg with this kind of a shower. This means that you can just step in and have your shower. This offers you with great ease and simplicity regarding what you experience with age. Apart from this, a zero-threshold shower offers you an unbroken appearance, which looks sharp and classy, regardless of your bathroom’s style. You will be in a position to customize the shower depending on what you desire to achieve, add flooring, tiles, and hardware to match your style needs.
Seat in Shower
Another way you can make your bathroom more accessible while still making it look stunning is to include a sit in shower. Small stylish stools allow you to sit while taking your shower. They can always be removed when need be. Built-in seats offer a good option when remodeling your bathroom. We recommend that you install a seat opposite the controls. If you have a small shower, consider working with fold-down seats.
Wall-Mounted Sinks
You should also consider installing wall-mounted sinks, which offer enough space beneath a bathroom lavatory for mobility devices like wheelchairs. In addition to this, wall-mounted sinks have supporting legs or vanity cabinets, which make it easy for you to clean the floors. Depending on the design you want to achieve, some sinks have shrouds, which conceal water supply tubes and drain traps beneath the sink.
Walk-In Tubs
Swinging your legs while sitting down over the side of your bathtub can be quite tough, especially when you have stiff joints. A walk-in tub offers an incredible solution for that homeowner that loves to relax, but still needs easy access.
Grab Bars
Having grab bars close to the tub or shower, makes it a lot easier to use bathroom fixtures. Adding grab bars in the right places provides support and stability, and they do not need a major remodel. If you think that the grab bars will affect your bathroom design, then you should note that numerous companies out there manufacture fully functional and beautiful bars.
Faucets
Hands-free and single-handle faucets make it a lot easier to use the lavatory. With a single-handle faucet, you can easily turn on and adjust the flow of water without having to twist the wrist or grab tightly. Some manufacturers have come up with hands-free faucets, which use a sensor to detect your hands. This works in the same way to what you mostly find in public restrooms.
Hand-Held Shower
Hand-held showerheads are made in such a way that you can use them while sitting. Many come with a trickle setting, which enables you to wash without wasting water.
Toilet Placement
The toilet seat should be positioned with two support bars, which should be about 35 inches apart. Having a toilet that is 17 inches in height is very comfortable for everyone.
Light Switches
Although they are very easy to overlook, light switches play a significant role in creating accessible bathrooms. The first thing you need to consider is lower the light switches, so they are easily accessible by a person on a wheelchair. The next thing is to install large toggle or push buttons, which do not need pinching to turn on or off.
Storage
Pullout drawers are very easy to open compared to cupboards. You can also consider having an open storage, which makes it easy for your loved ones to grab a washcloth or towel. When doing this, you should make sure that there is an accessible place for regularly needed items.
When the disabled or seniors are able to use the bathroom independently, it allows them to go about their daily activities with ease. Therefore, designing a safe and accessible bathroom is very important. Making accommodations for walkers, medical equipment, wheelchairs, and more helps your loved ones feel independent and safe. If you are looking to do major improvements to your bathroom, then consider reaching out to a professional to help you out.