So many folks worldwide desire to safely and happily age in ‘their place’ – a place they know as home, and feel like their most authentic versions. As you age, you would require assistance, and instead of moving out, you could live in your home if it offered the same comfort and accessibility.
Hence, remodelling your washroom and adding accessibility features will help you in the long run. Additionally, it will be a great relief for any disabled visitor.
Here are five areas you must diligently work upon to create a perfect disabled bathroom layout.
- Washroom entry
To make a washroom accessible and disabled-friendly, the first point in focus is the bathroom entry. A standard wheelchair is around 24 to 27 inches wide.
So, as per the disabled washroom standards in Australia, your bathroom entry should be a minimum of 700 mm or 27 inches wide for the comfort of a wheelchair user. For more ease, widening the door and making it 36 inches wide would ensure ample space.
This would allow for effortless entry and access, especially if the washroom is in the hallways and the wheelchair needs to turn sideways for entry.
Add to this, make sure that the floor at the washroom entry is entirely flat. Avoid any door sill or threshold bump.
- Showers
Walk-in showers are the most comfortable for everyone. It can be easily installed and provides excellent convenience to disabled individuals. It’s even easily accessible for people in wheelchairs or individuals who are at significant risk of slipping or falling.
A shower chair, whether on wheels or fixed, will also be a great addition. Anyone can sit down on it and enjoy a comfortable shower. The apt height for this seat would be around 17 to 20 inches. You could also attach a small foldable stool to one of the walls in the shower.
- Bath area
The more you include certain innovative features such as height adjustment and other internal features which ensures seamless movement, the more accessible your washroom becomes.
Walk-in baths are ideal. They allow for easier entry into the bathtub without climbing on the sides. Moreover, having tank controls closer to the front will eliminate the need to reach far off to turn the faucets on/off.
- Toilets
Extra space on one side of the toilet is a relief for anybody who needs to draw their wheelchair closer or needs transfer assistance. Moreover, you can also add grab bars near the toiler for better safety and grip.
Make sure that the flush control for the toilet is easy to locate for any user, as well.
- Sink Area
A disabled bathroom layout with a slight slant near the sink area is an ideal requirement. It will allow wheelchair users to roll themselves near the sink easily. Make sure to have nothing underneath the sink, either.
If you desire a second choice, you can consider getting a pedestal sink or one with a single, long handle for the faucet.
Ensure that the mirror above the sink is angled downwards so the wheelchair users can easily use it. Also, do not store medicines in a cabinet above the sink. Please keep it in the storage space that’s easy to access.
Wrapping up
Having a disabled bathroom layout with accessible features does not mean resigning to a clinical-looking bathroom. Your compromises on certain key elements to accommodate the accessibility requirement will only help you in the long run.
You can make it as stylish and modern-looking as you please while also catering to the needs of both elderly and youngsters.
So, consider the tips above and transform your washroom for better comfort and access.
