Accessible shower with a bench seat and roll under sinks
For an aging parent or someone with special needs an existing bathroom can be a dangerous place – slippery floors, low toilets, bathtub rails and shower curbs to step over, narrow doorways and hard to reach light switches are all obstacles to overcome. You may be wondering how you can make an accessible bathroom that is useable and stylish. Here’s 7 ideas to consider for your next bathroom remodeling project:
Idea 1 – Add decorative grab bars – Why use a grab bar that looks like it was taken off the wall of your neighborhood hospital? Add style and safety inside a shower stall, bathtub or near a toilet with stylish grab bars made of colored acrylic or specialized finishes to match your plumbing hardware.
Idea 2 – Install comfort height toilets – At 20” highcomfort height toilets make it easier and safer to transfer from a wheelchair or walker to the toilet. Add grab bars next to the toilet for additional stability.
Idea 3 – Add a glass block shower wall vs. a standard glass enclosure – Sturdy and decorative glass block walls add style and structure to a shower (you can even add etched, colored glass blocks or glass block tiles for a designer accent).
Idea 4 – Change smaller in-swing doors for wider out-swing doors – Widen your existing doors to 34” to 36” and have them swing outside the bathroom to make it easier to exit the room in case of emergencies.
Idea 5 – Convert a tub to a walk in or roll in shower– Eliminate the risk of stepping over a tub rail with a low (or no) threshold walk in or roll in shower. Add style and a luxurious look with tile floors and tile wall surrounds.
Idea 6 – Use a roll under sink with lever type faucets near the front – This type of sink uses universal design concepts and makes it easier to everyone (from grandchildren to grandparents) to use.
Idea 7 – Purchase a walk in bathtub – With numerous messaging features these tubs are not only easy to get in but they provide therapeutic benefits as well.
Have you completed any accessible bathroom home modification projects and can share your experiences? Please comment below.
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
[…] 7 Accessible Bathroom Home Modification Ideas to Add Safety, Style & Function […]
admin
Great thoughts about the Occupational Therapist and the Home Consultant. They can be very helpful in understanding how the potential client/patient wants to be use the space.
The pricing for the walk in bathtub is certainly up there – checking out alternatives is sound.
accessible home
The above suggests are a good start. Keep in mind that an experienced occupational therapist and home consultant is ideal in the initial phase of home evaluations so the most beneficial and cost effective home modifications, accessible and universal designs can be achieved. When it comes to home modifications ‘one size does not fit all.’
Finally, Idea 7-Install a Walk-In Tub, has some caveats, namely the price tag. In addition to the price tag, an individual has to wait for the tub to fill and drain not to mention the high water and energy use associated with walk-in tubs. Other low ticket modifications should be considered first.
admin
Good ideas – handrails, grab bars, anti-slip mats and walk in tubs are all good ways to increase safety in the bath/shower areas. If possible look for more decorative items that not only add function but style as well.
Renov
There are many ways to make a bathroom safer without sacrificing its functionality, and these ideas are very useful. Installing safety fixtures like hand bar and anti-slip mat can be useful to avoid accidents. A walk-in tub is also a good option especially for those families who have elders or handicap members.
Universal shower, handicap accessible roll in shower, home modifications, age in place remodeling Cleveland Columbus Cincinnati Ohio
[…] 7 Accessible Bathroom Home Modification Ideas to Add Safety, Style & Function […]
Small bathroom remodeling, bathroom vanity, bath remodel contractor, bath vanity, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati Ohio
[…] 7 Accessible Bathroom Home Modification Ideas to Add Safety, Style & Function […]
admin
Great thoughts about the Occupational Therapist and the Home Consultant. They can be very helpful in understanding how the potential client/patient wants to be use the space.
The pricing for the walk in bathtub is certainly up there – checking out alternatives is sound.
accessible home
The above suggests are a good start. Keep in mind that an experienced occupational therapist and home consultant is ideal in the initial phase of home evaluations so the most beneficial and cost effective home modifications, accessible and universal designs can be achieved. When it comes to home modifications ‘one size does not fit all.’
Finally, Idea 7-Install a Walk-In Tub, has some caveats, namely the price tag. In addition to the price tag, an individual has to wait for the tub to fill and drain not to mention the high water and energy use associated with walk-in tubs. Other low ticket modifications should be considered first.
admin
Good ideas – handrails, grab bars, anti-slip mats and walk in tubs are all good ways to increase safety in the bath/shower areas. If possible look for more decorative items that not only add function but style as well.
Renov
There are many ways to make a bathroom safer without sacrificing its functionality, and these ideas are very useful. Installing safety fixtures like hand bar and anti-slip mat can be useful to avoid accidents. A walk-in tub is also a good option especially for those families who have elders or handicap members.
http://www.worldsbestwalkintub.com/