It's easy to take daily bathing tasks for granted, yet for a person with a physical disability, there's nothing easy about it, particularly in a bathroom that's not designed to meet their special needs.The key to remodeling a bathroom to make it accessible to the physically handicapped is to envision the bathroom from the point of view of a person using a wheelchair, cane or walker. The room requires wide open spaces with zero obstacles between the fixtures, and plenty of clearance for maneuvering, spaces for the disabled person to sit comfortably during grooming or bathing. Surfaces need to be tiled or otherwise waterproofed, with plenty of grab bars where transitions occur (say from wheelchair to toilet, and back again) and things should be placed at low levels - that is, shelves containing soaps and accessories need to be low enough to be reached from the wheelchair.
The Shower and Toilet Area
shower and a room in one.
The toilet, when closed, can serve as a seat during a shower, with stainless steel grab bars on the tiled wall behind it to make the transition (when it comes to the toilet seat, larger models are better, in most cases). Similarly, a small rectangular bench covered in tile can be used is an alternative, if the toilet is already on the vanity side of the tiled wall. Walls covered in small square tiles make a particularly nice visual impression.
The Sink And Vanity
vanity counter with space underneath for legs, created so the user can glide their wheelchair under the surface (or transition to a chair) for grooming is the most practical way to accommodate the disabled person's special needs. A slightly lower counter is helpful - but not too low. A shallow, above the counter vessel sink is a good idea; an undermount sink will bump against the legs. Bathroom faucets that extend outward - an arched faucet, for example - can be reached easily. The sink trap fixtures may be exposed; white is the least noticeable with most decor. Find a plumber who knows how to set the trap pipe further back, to provide more leg room. A rolling set of cabinets provides moveable storage. The toilet might also be included against a wall in this area, or in the shower area as described above.
The Tub Space
Bathing is an ideal way for a person with limited mobility to soothe themselves and clean, and if the space is available, a bathtub can be placed nearby. Grab bars are critical for allowing the user to transition from the wheelchair to the tub, and back again. Make sure the faucet fixtures can be reached from the outside of the bathtub, in a wheelchair. A built in, possibly sunken tub makes the most sense here, as a variety of arrangements can be made in regards to positioning of steps and spaces where the wheel chair can be parked. Additionally, a built in tub allows for tiled areas that can be used for seating, grooming, and for making the transition from wheelchair to tub, and back.
Working with the space you have available to create a bathing area that's fully accessible is what it's all about: in this case, form follows function. Yet you don't have to scrimp on style. When you're looking for the fixtures to convert your bathroom into a stylish bathroom that provides maximum comfort and mobility for the physically handicapped bathroom, you've come to the right place. ExpressDecor.com has all the plumbing fixtures you require - from arched faucets to vessel sinks - and everything in between.
