- Raised Toilet Seat
Low-placed toilet seats are hard and complicated to use for everyone; not just the disabled. They force to bend our knees so low while squatted, which can affect bones and joints. If, for instance, the person using the toilet has bone-related conditions, they will have a very difficult time. However, when the toilet is raised a few inches higher from the floor, the disabled will have an easier and simpler time because they do not have to bend their knees.
- Enough Space
Constrained space in the washroom makes the lives of the disabled very hard and stressful since they will have nowhere to place their legs or turn their wheelchairs. Enough space on the other hand allows easier turning of the wheelchairs, as well as allowing the door a full swing so that the wheelchair can easily turn around.
- Grab Bars
Anything can happen in a bathroom, especially if the bathroom floor is slippery. Since we can never be certain or predict the timing of the accident, we should have features to prevent and reduce the magnitude of injuries when accidents occur. Installing grab rails is the best way to enhance the safety of the disabled in the bathroom; they are the things to hold on to when they are climbing from the wheelchair onto the toilet seat. Experts advise that both ends of the grab rails should go into the walls, which prevents hurting the hands of the disabled person. The grab rails should be installed on both sides of the toilet seat, behind the toilet seat and the area around the vanity, and they should be horizontally placed.
- Accessible Doorway
An accessible doorway is one that is light enough to allow the person seated in the wheelchair to swing it inwards and outwards. It should also open from outside so that in case of an accident, a person coming to help can easily open the door from outside. The door should also have horizontal grab bars on the inner face, and the doorknobs should be good enough to open with just a slight turn. The door should also be wider enough to allow the wheelchair to turn around in the bathroom.
- Lower Placed Mirrors and Sink
Sinks for an accessible bathroom should be installed lower than normal to make it easier and simpler for the disabled people. Even as you do that, ensure that the sink has enough space beneath it, so that the disabled persons can freely move their feet below the sink. A lower placed sink also allows disabled individuals to clean their hands with ease. In the same way, the mirrors should also be placed lower than normal to allow the person to have easy access without them having to rise from the wheelchair. The toilet paper rolls, soap, towels, and hand dryers should also be within the reach so that the disabled do not have to climb from the wheelchair to access them.
An accessible toilet is very essential, as it helps individuals with mobility issues to use it with ease. One important feature that you should consider is having a working alarm system. This allows the disabled person to call for help while they are lying on the ground in case something goes amiss. It should be in the form of a cord and placed about 40cm from the floor. Experts’ advice is the best way to know what features make a bathroom accessible. Besides, they help you know just where to get such features and how to install them. As you look for an expert, ensure to pick the best one. Checking for their customer reviews and ratings can help you land the best bathroom expert in town.