What Can I Do to Make My Bathroom More Accessible and Safe?

Making your bathroom more accessible and safe involves several modifications and additions that cater to the needs of individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or aging-related concerns.

Last update on 2024-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Here are some detailed suggestions:

1. Install grab bars: Grab bars provide stability and support when moving around the bathroom. Place them near the toilet, shower/bathtub, next to the sink. Make sure to install them properly by anchoring them securely to the wall.

Example: A person with a mobility impairment can use grab bars to transition from a wheelchair to the toilet or to maintain balance while showering.

2. Install a raised toilet seat: A raised toilet seat improves accessibility for individuals with limited mobility or who use a wheelchair. It raises the height of the toilet seat, making it easier to sit down and stand up.

Example: An older individual experiencing difficulty in bending their knees can benefit from a raised toilet seat, reducing the risk of falls.

3. Add an accessible shower or bathtub: Replace traditional bathtubs or showers with accessible alternatives like roll-in showers or walk-in bathtubs. These options have no or minimal barriers, allowing easy entry and exit.

Example: Someone using a wheelchair can roll directly into a roll-in shower, eliminating the need for assistance.

4. Install a shower seat or bench: Adding a shower seat or bench provides a secure place to sit during showering, reducing the risk of falls and providing comfort for individuals with limited mobility.

Example: A person with balance issues, fatigue, or who cannot stand for long periods can rest on a shower seat while bathing.

5. Ensure slip-resistant flooring: Opt for slip-resistant flooring in the bathroom to prevent slips and falls. This can be achieved using textured tiles, rubber mats, or anti-slip coatings.

Example: An individual with stability or mobility challenges can confidently move around the bathroom without fearing slipping on wet surfaces.

6. Improve lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial for safety in the bathroom. Install bright, glare-free lights to ensure clear visibility, especially in areas prone to wetness or shadows.

Example: Older adults or individuals with visual impairments can see clearly and avoid hazards like tripping or misjudging distances.

7. Adjust the sink height: Consider lowering the sink height to accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs or have difficulty bending forward. An adjustable or wall-mounted sink can also provide more flexibility.

Example: A person in a wheelchair can comfortably access the sink and perform necessary tasks without straining or requiring assistance.

8. Accessible storage options: Make sure bathroom essentials are easily reachable. Use adjustable height shelves or install lower cabinets to ensure accessibility to toiletries and supplies.

Example: Individuals with limited reach or mobility can access everyday items without relying on assistance.

9. Upgrade the toilet flush mechanism: Replace traditional flush handles with lever-style or touchless mechanisms. These modifications require less strength and dexterity to operate, making them more accessible.

Example: Individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity can independently flush the toilet without struggling.

10. Use contrasting colors and textures: Incorporate contrasting colors and textures for walls, floors, and fixtures. Clear boundaries between different surfaces help individuals with vision impairments navigate more easily.

Example: A person with low vision can easily identify the edges of the toilet seat or shower curb if they have contrasting colors.

Remember, these suggestions can be tailored to specific needs, and consulting with a professional or occupational therapist for personalized advice is recommended.

Light sensors

Installing light sensors in bathrooms is an easy way to make them safer and more accessible. It’s also easy to increase visibility for people with vision problems.

You can also install motion-sensor night lights to make your bathroom safe at night. However, installing these devices requires some time and patience.

Accessibility is the priority when designing a bathroom.

The bathroom must be wide enough to prevent tripping and have plenty of lighting.

The doors should be at least 36 inches wide to allow easy entry and exit.

It’s also wise to install lever knobs rather than twisting handles.

Also, sliding doors are convenient for people with wheelchairs.

Motion sensors can also help reduce falls in your home.

They’re especially helpful in places where there is minimal traffic.

A motion sensor can turn the lights off when someone enters or leaves the room.

This feature will also eliminate the need to reach for the light switch. As a result, you’ll be saving energy and money!

Last update on 2024-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bath lifts

Bath lifts are a wonderful solution for those who need assistance getting in and out of the bathroom.

They are fitted in the tub and feature a belt that spans the width of the tub and a seat for seated assistance.

They are operated via a waterproof remote control or wired controller. Some models are even portable.

Bath lifts can be installed in your bathroom with minimal effort, making bathing easy and safe.

They gently lower and raise a person into the tub.

Many models feature a non-slip transfer seat for added safety. They also enable a caregiver to assist a senior if needed.

Bath lifts also come with grab rails, a great mobility aid. They can be wall-fixed or floor-standing and provide steady pivot points for users.

A grab rail can also help someone get in and out of the bath without help.

Grab rails come in many styles, including chrome, stainless steel, and epoxy-coated.

Bath lifts make bathing safer and more comfortable for you and your family.

They are ideal for those with difficulty getting in and out of the bath.

They also help you maintain a standard of bathing. Bathing in a slippery bathtub can be a difficult task.

Rolling shower chairs

A rolling shower chair is essential bathroom equipment that makes bathing easier for people with physical disabilities.

Its wheels provide 360-degree mobility and can be positioned in any direction. It should be made of water-proof materials with stainless steel fittings and good-quality rubber to prevent slipping.

It should also support the weight of the user.

Choosing the right shower chair height is essential to safety and comfort. Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury worldwide.

Adding a rollable shower chair to your bathroom can make bathing easier and safer for you.

You can also add a seat cushion to reduce pressure on your skin.

Shower chairs come in different styles and materials. Some are spinners, while others have a storage shelf under the seat. Many of them also include a footstool.

Choosing one with a footstool will help those with limited vision find the seat.

Wider doorways

Adding extra light sources and wider bathroom doorways is necessary for increased safety and accessibility.

Wider doorways are easier to open and close in an emergency, and lever knobs make it easier to turn them.

You can also remove locks to make the room more accessible to wheelchair users.

Bathroom doorways should also be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices.

A standard accessible doorway is thirty-two inches wide but can be wider with the installation of new door hinges.

Towel bars, while decorative, can be hazardous for people with mobility problems.

Grab bars should be made of stainless steel or aluminum and securely attached to the wall.

These bars should be installed at least one meter high near the toilet and at least one-third of the width of the doorway.

A bathroom with a threshold is also difficult to navigate, but there are solutions.

You can install ramps in a bathroom to make it more accessible.

Last update on 2024-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Grab bars

Grab bars are designed to give people extra stability while showering.

While they don’t support a person’s full weight, they can help them stand up and exit the shower safely. They should be installed at least 33 inches from the floor.

Be sure to choose a product with a weight capacity that matches your needs. Most range from 250 to 500 pounds.

Grab bars are best installed on the back wall of a tub/shower combination or the wall nearest the shower controls.

The ADA recommends installing two bars on the back wall of a tub.

One bar should be eight to ten inches from the tub’s rim, and the other should be parallel.

A walk-in shower should also have grab bars on the side wall near the shower seat and controls. A bathroom that has two bars will be safer for users because of the extra balance they give them.

Grab bars are often seen in public bathrooms but are not limited to there.

They are also used in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and private homes. They can be installed in any bathroom and can increase the safety and accessibility of the space.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 230,000 people sustain non-fatal injuries in the bathroom each year.

Most of these injuries occur in the shower and bathtub, and the rate increases with age.

Thermostatic taps

This is generally optional – but could help in some situations

Thermostatic taps make your bathroom safer and more accessible by keeping the temperature consistent. They are installed with a valve that controls hot and cold water.

You can install a thermostatic tap yourself by following a few simple steps.

You will need a pipe cutter set to cut the riser pipe.

Once the pipe is cut to size, you must drill holes in the bracket and thermostatic valve.

Thermostatic taps are more expensive than mixer taps, but they save water and last longer.

They are best for lower-pressure heating systems. You can also opt for a thermostatic tap with a temperature selector.

This type of tap ensures you don’t accidentally turn up the temperature or water stream.

Aside from replacing a standard faucet, you can also install ADA-compliant showerheads and taps. These fixtures are designed to be easier to use by people with small hands.

You can find these ADA-compliant taps in hardware stores or online.