We all know someone in our lives with limited mobility. Whether they use a wheelchair, move slower, or require more assistance than others, our loved ones deserve the best options.
One way to help our loved ones feel more comfortable in their homes is through accessible home designs. This is especially important in the bathroom, which we use every day but can take for granted how difficult it can be to maneuver.
With a few changes to your shower, toilet and sink, you can make your bathroom safe for everyone in your household, especially those who need it most.
Easier Access
One major benefit to making your bathroom more accessible is just that: having more access. From walk-in showers, standing sinks and even handrails, making your bathroom more accessible can benefit everyone.
These accessibility-first designs make it easier to access every important appliance. They also make the bathroom more convenient and safe, allowing everyone no matter their ability to efficiently take care of their morning routines.
Added Features
Accessibility features in sinks and showers are designed to make it easier to clean yourself.
These include detachable shower heads to easily clean your entire body, or faucets and knobs that are easy to turn. These added features benefit those with limited motor functions, helping them to clean themselves throughout the day.
It can also speed up your own morning routine, helping you clean yourself and get ready for the day.
Improved Safety
Plenty of accidents can happen in the bathroom. From slippery floors, dangerous electrics, and scalding hot water, many things can go wrong during your morning routine.
By designing your bathroom with accessibility in mind, you can reduce the chances of these accidents. You can install multiple handrails to help people get up and stay there. There’s also non-slip materials you can use for flooring, or advanced temperature control options for your shower and sink.
Any way you look at it, a more accessible bathroom is a safer bathroom for everyone in your household.
Easy to Clean
Your average bathroom can be a hassle to clean, since there are so many corners and hard-to-reach spots.
It’s easy for dirt and grime to build up, especially if you don’t always have the time to thoroughly clean your bathroom. With an accessible bathroom, you not only have more room, but easier access to almost every part of the room.
You can reach underneath the sink or toilet when they’re directly attached to the wall. You have less shower to clean where there isn’t a tub lip covering dirt.
How to Make Your Bathroom ADA Compliant
Making your bathroom more accessible is no small task. There are many specifications to consider that change depending on the mobility concerns you need to accommodate.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) details specific measurements and features your accessible bathroom should have. These are designed to accommodate multiple varieties of common disabilities.
There are plenty of reference guides and materials online that you should refer to when designing your accessible bathroom, either for your home or business. These guidelines are a requirement for businesses and some homes, though if you’re privately upgrading your bathroom, these can help you build an accessible foundation for your plans.
At the end of the day, these are general guidelines. You should consider what your person with limited mobility needs in order to be comfortable in their bathroom.
Contact the Chesterfield Plumbing Experts
When it’s time to upgrade your bathroom, you’ll need experienced plumbers to help adjust your plumbing. Mike Wilson Plumbing has decades of experience in the Chesterfield area helping homeowners improve their plumbing.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and help your loved ones live a more comfortable life.
Sources:
https://www.braunability.com/us/en/resources/caregiver-resources/ada-compliant-bathroom.html
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm
https://jdsbath.com/how-to-design-an-accessible-bathroom/
https://communityrenovations.net/the-benefits-of-installing-a-walk-in-shower-in-your-bathroom/