Handicap Accessible Bathroom Design Guide

Someone who uses a wheelchair deserves a bathroom at home that accommodates her or his abilities. Professional construction companies help homeowners create accessible bathrooms, and homeowners could need a guide to help them understand all the elements of the bathroom redesign.

Walk-In Tubs

Walk-in tubs make it easier for those who use wheelchairs to groom and bathe with as little hassle as possible. Accessible tubs come in various styles, including simple walk-in tubs and models with jets that provide a soothing massage. The most favorable choice depends on a person’s needs and budget.

Bathroom Layout

A bathroom’s layout determines how easy or difficult it becomes to move around and use the space. Those who need accessible bathrooms must think about where to position the tub and commode for easy access. It’s also a great idea to choose a bathroom sink with plenty of room underneath for a wheelchair. 

Lighting

All bathrooms require sufficient lighting to dispel shadows and avoid accidents. Specially designed bathrooms may need lower light switches for those who use wheelchairs. Those who struggle to use light switches may feel more comfortable with motion detector lights in the bathroom. The right accessible design may need to include dimmers that let users adjust brightness levels to their liking.

Additional Considerations

Some people with disabilities may prefer a walk-in shower to a walk-in bathtub. Those who do must understand the risks of using a walk-in shower, such as slipping and falling. It makes sense to choose a shower or tub with grab bars and a designated place to sit. An accessible bathroom should also have grab bars near the toilet. Towel bars are designed for towels, not grabbing, so relying on them for support could cause injury.

Designs for accessible bathrooms must suit the individual using them. Helpful guides steer parties in the right direction and allow them to make well-informed design decisions.