A guide to disability bathrooms
Designing a bathroom to meet the needs of a disabled family member or friend can at first seem a daunting task; however, there are many easy accessories that you can make to transform any standard bathroom into a disabled accessible one.
More often than not, the simple addition of hand rails at key spots throughout your bathroom may be all you need. Installing rails over toilets, sinks, and along the wall are effective and cost efficient ways to maximize mobility and convenience. For showers and bathtubs, suction cup handles and grips can be quickly attached to nearly any flat surface. Most of these attachments come in various shapes, sizes, designs, and colours to match any style of home.
Full of hard, slippery surfaces, an unequipped bathroom can be a hazardous place. For those worried about stable footing, nonslip shower and bath mats, for both in and out of your shower, can greatly improve balance and footing. Curved mats are available for your toilets as well. Used in conjunction with safety steps, any surface or area can be made accessible.
Another two simple additions that work in any bathroom are toilet supports and shower seats. These solutions provide extra support while standing or sitting and fit into nearly every bathroom configuration. No matter your toilet design, the safety support will fit comfortably in the space you have available. Just make some basic measurements and pick out the support system that fits your needs best. Shower chairs come in just as many configurations, meant for everything from the simple stall to the most complex tubs.
For those interested in more extensive redesigns, or for those with specific needs, a suite of options are available for every bathroom fixture. Walk in showers and tubs can often be installed in or around existing baths and are specifically designed for independent use. Disabled toilets that are longer and lower to the ground, often designed specifically for those in wheelchairs, can replace your existing toilet. Sinks too can be adjusted to allow use from a seated position.
Finally, some of the simplest solutions can often be the most effective. Accessibly placed shelves, convenient toilet paper holders, mirror mounted toothpaste holders, and easy open door knobs can make a visit to the bathroom an easier experience for anyone in your family.