Handicap Bathroom Fixtures That Make Life Simpler And Safer
For people with disabilities one of the most dangerous spots in the house is the bathroom. Not only access is difficult but wet floor, slippery surfaces and heat associated with taking a shower or a bath are the main causes of home injuries for the elderly and disabled.
There are many things that can be done to facilitate the use of bathrooms without being worried that a simple basic thing like washing up or using a toilet can bring harm.
Grab bars and hand rails are the first and most common accessory to a bathroom. They can be installed by a shower or a tub, or by a toilet to help with sitting down and getting up. They are easy to install, either during remodeling when a wood backing can be installed between wall studs to insure sturdiness or not during remodeling when the bar should be installed using the wall studs.
Sinks can be installed in different heights of 27” or 30” to facilitate access of a sitting person with openings that enable a wheelchair to get close to the sink, or as high as 40” for those who find it difficult to bend. Counter tops can be installed at the same height.
Roll-in showers and walk in bathtubs are also available for people with mobility difficulties. Special shower chairs and sit in tubs are also common and can be found in many manufacturers websites or stores.
When talking about accessibility to toilets, they can be installed higher or with a seat extension to help in sitting and getting up. Mirrors should be installed lengthwise to accommodate a sitting person.
Bath fixtures and handles can be changes to accommodate reduces hand coordination and grip. Door entrance should be 32” to 36” wide and plenty of room around the toilet should be considered to enable wheelchair maneuverability.
Accessibility Environments Inc. (acessinc.com) has an array of fixtures. Themedicalclub.com has many ideas for safety products, as does barrierfree.com. They all meet ADA dimensional and design criteria.
Bath safety products are not only for the handicapped or the elderly, bur for everyone who has difficulty getting in and out of the shower or tub, especially for those who are at risk of loosing their balance and slipping. Each accessory can be adjusted to the unique customer's needs.