Accessible bathrooms designs help people with different mobility requirements to continue living independently. Their features can be customised according to the specific needs of an individual, making their life easier and more convenient. This means less reliance on other people and the ability to live life more on your own terms.
Benefits of an accessible bathroom
Accessible bathrooms can make a huge difference to the lives of residents on a day-to-day basis. They help them to overcome many of the challenges due to their mobility issues and allows them to remain independent and safe for a long time.
Helps people maintain independence
When people have impaired mobility, this may require them to have assistance for completing certain everyday tasks. It may be tricky for them to navigate the bathroom safely when the space is cramped and slippery. By adding accessible features to be a bathroom, they’re able to do more on their own and be more independent. Many of us don’t like to be assisted, especially if we can still do things on our own, and having an accessible bathroom makes that possible even when we’re at an advanced age.
Improves safety
Bathrooms can be dangerous, as they tend to be slippery and full of hard surfaces. This creates the potential for accidents and injuries, which are especially risky if you’re not as mobile. Many accessibility features help to make the bathroom safe, minimising the risk of falls, slips, or other accidents.
Allows you to stay in your home longer
As people grow older and notice their mobility decline, they may begin to consider moving to an aged car facility. However, by incorporating accessible features, you’re able to manage your health and mobility to remain independent and stay in their homes for as long as possible. This lets you stay in the home you’re used to with the neighbours you know and the life you’re comfortable with.
Accessible bathroom features
There are a variety of features that are used to make bathrooms more accessible. The exact ones you choose will depend on the specific needs someone has, their budget, and their personal preference.
Seated shower
A seated shower helps individuals who struggle with standing for longer periods of time. Shower seats can be wall-mounted or free-standing, depending on someone’s preference. You can also add arm rests and slip-resistant surfaces. If you want to save space, you can use foldable models.
Handheld shower head
Handheld shower heads help users to shower in a way that lets them direct water flow to their convenience. This goes well with shower seats and you can find a model with the right adjustable settings to be convenient. You should get a model with adjustable settings to maximise both functionality and style.
Hand rails
Hand rails provide something for users to grab for extra balance and support near the toilet and shower. They come in different varieties like stainless steel or powder-coated, so you can choose the look and material that you like best.
Raised toilet
Installing a higher toilet makes it easier for users to transport themselves on and off when they need to. This makes it more comfortable and lowers the risk of a slip or accident. You can also add support frames for additional stability and a reduction in the strain on the knees and hips of the user. Some come with armrests to provide an additional bit of help.
Wide doorway
Some people use wheelchairs or walkers to help them with their mobility. You need to ensure that the bathroom doorway is wide enough that they can comfortably get through it. It also makes moving around a lot easier.
Non-slip flooring
One of the biggest risks that come from bathrooms are slipper floors, particularly when they’re wet. You may want to opt for materials like vinyl, texturing tiling, or rubber floors to ensure there is good traction. You can even add bath mats to add some additional friction.
Walk-in shower
By building a walk-in shower, the bathroom can become more convenient for users. You can make access easy by adding a curbless, stepless entry entry, so that you don’t have to worry about stepping over steps of ledges. Additionally, a flat floor is important, especially for wheelchair users.
Accessible vanities, basins, and tapware
It’s important to make vanities, basins, and tapware low enough that they can be accessed by wheelchair users. You can maximise convenience by opening space underneath and make all of these elements easy to reach. Additionally, adding sensor-activation for taps may make it easier for them to operate.
WA Assett can help you renovate your bathroom and make it accessible
If you want to renovate your bathroom and make it more accessible, you’ll need to do some careful planning. Luckily, WA Assett has an experienced team of bathroom renovators to help make the process smooth and easy. We’ll work with you closely to determine your unique needs so that we can recommend solutions and fittings that address those needs. These include your safety, storage, and space requirements, so you can have a bathroom that matches your style, has adequate space, and allows you to maintain your independence as you grow older.
Our team is equipped with the necessary skills, training and education to convert bathrooms in line with accessible standards. Enquire to book your complimentary in-home consultation today and look forward to bathroom bliss. Contact us and let’s get started.
