Bathroom Accessibility

About Bathroom Accessibility Products

Bathrooms can be a challenging place for vulnerable people, especially for those with mobility issues. However, with the help of bathtub products, such as grab rails, these challenges can be overcome. They enable users to sit down while showering or easily move onto a toilet seat. The purpose is always to make users' lives easier, and the products are designed to be affordable so that everyone can have access to them.

Advantages and Applications

Bathroom accessibility products are designed with specific users in mind. Some are most appropriate for elderly people and allow them to rest while taking a shower. Others form part of a handicap accessible bathroom and facilitate easy movement onto a toilet seat or into a shower area. 

Below are some major advantages and applications.

For Wheelchair Users

Features such as grab rails are a key part of wheelchair accessible bathroom design. Placed in key areas, they allow wheelchair users to easily move from one area of the room to another without assistance. Shower seats are another useful product that enables wheelchair users to wash independently.

For Disabled Users

A disabled bathroom can be designed to provide privacy to the user while easily calling for assistance where needed. The entire room's design is also a key advantage - it can be made more spacious to enable easy movement.

For The Elderly

Many bathroom accessibility products are designed to allow elderly people to shower and use the toilet easily and with dignity. For example, this could mean a toilet set at a height that reduces the need for bending or a seat to reduce the risk of slipping or feeling exhausted while showering.

Types

Basins

Accessible basins are located at a convenient height and with an easy-to-operate tap. In addition, they take up less of the room than conventional basins, allowing more floor space for manoeuvring.

Bathtubs

Accessible bathtubs are a key feature of many handicap accessible bathrooms. They may include features like a watertight access door and a seating area. They're designed to provide room for grab rails and allow users to bathe independently and with dignity.

Showers

Features of accessible showers include wall-mounted showerheads or detachable showerheads with additional elements to allow users to grip them more easily. They may also have intuitive aspects like Bluetooth compatibility for temperature control.

Toilets

A disabled bathroom featuring accessible toilets will be open to facilitate easy manoeuvre onto the toilet. For example, the toilet might be raised to a level that makes it comfortable for elderly people to sit on or have a flush design that is easier to use without turning.

Bath Seats and Boards

To enable bathing without the user having to submerge themselves in the tub, bath seats and boards are rust-resistant products that can be attached to the tub's sides. A seat may be slightly submerged into the tub and includes drainage holes or gaps to prevent cold water from pooling.

Grab Rails

Grab rails are a key feature of almost any handicap accessible bathroom. They are sturdy and can be placed anywhere around the disabled bathroom to allow users freedom of movement and support in key areas.

Shower Seats

Shower seats allow users to rest and prevent the risk of slipping in the shower. They are located underneath the showerhead with access to the temperature and power controls. They typically have holes to let water drain through the seat and prevent pools of colder or stale water from developing.

Shower Trolleys

Shower trolleys are features of a disabled access bathroom that operate on a hydraulic system and allow the user to be safely and comfortably moved from a bed to the bath. These bathroom accessibility products have to meet key safety standards and can radically improve the lives of their users.

Factors

Specialised Fixtures

A handicap accessible bathroom can't work on a one-size-fits-all basis. It has to be tailored to the needs of the individual. Specialised fixtures can be found to suit the needs of disabled or elderly people, but suppliers should always be consulted if there's a question over whom a product is appropriate for.

Size

Items like shower seats are available in many sizes. Measurements are typically provided with the item in question. This should be considered when choosing a product for a disabled person, as comfort is paramount in bathroom accessibility products.

Floor Space

The floor space of an accessible bathroom should be wide and open. Wheelchair accessible bathroom design needs enough space for the user to manoeuvre easily and comfortably. The size of any installation is therefore important.

Features

The features of any handicap accessible bathroom product should be tailored to the user. Suppliers should be consulted if it's unclear whether a product has the appropriate features.

Design & Style

Comfort, sturdiness, and reliability are the most important elements of design in these products. However, many are also available with attractive, ergonomic designs: a disabled bathroom can be visually appealing as well as functional.

Installation

Most products will be installed by a trained professional. The supplier will usually arrange this.

Other Things to Consider

A disabled bathroom needs to be planned from the start. Floor space should be given priority, while products should be arranged in a way that makes the accessible bathroom easy for the user to navigate. Finding the right products while designing the room is a good idea.

Learn more about the range of bathroom accessibility products available by contacting ArchiPro today.