What is the best way to make a small bathroom accessible for wheelchairs?
Invest in a roll-in shower
Tubs are tough to access for those in wheelchairs or people who have difficulty walking. A curb-less shower stall removes any complications, enabling full access for those who can’t move over a tub wall or curb. When remodelling, Make sure that your walk-in shower is wide enough to fit a wheelchair or shower chair. Also, installing a fixed seat is a good idea for those who want to sit while showering.
Invest in a safety tub
A safety tub is a bathtub that fills and empties after you’ve entered and sat down. Unlike a regular bathtub, the safety tub has high walls and a swinging door, making it simple to get in and out. If a traditional shower doesn’t interest you, these can be an excellent option.
Install hardware for more stability
There are several functional hardware choices for your accessible bathroom. Often you can put hardware in your bathroom without having to make significant renovation changes. Installing the following items is a good starting point in changing your bathroom to a more accessible one.
• Grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower.
• Portable shower head with a long hose.
• Simple push/pull sink handles or motion sensors.
Door opening
Wheelchairs need a lot of space, so the bathroom door should be modified to make it as simple as possible for a wheelchair to enter and leave. Based on ADA requirements explained on http://buildings.com/, a single-user bathroom must include:
• 30”x 48” access to the sink.
• An empty circle of 60” or more enables a wheelchair to turn.
• A centerline space of the toilet is at least 16” from the wall.
Although these regulations are for public restrooms, considering them as guidelines for your home’s bathroom can improve accessibility and comfort.
Fix the height of the Sink according to your needs
Sink height may need to be adjusted to make it effortless to use, especially for a person who is using a wheelchair. Ensure that sink is low enough to be reachable for a seated person and include faucets that are easy to reach and use. Removing under-sink cabinets and opting for a pedestal sink will enable the person to get as close as possible. However, if a person can walk but has trouble bending, a higher sink may be better.
