When you’re planning a bathroom remodeling, this is not necessary only when you decide that it’s time to upgrade your bathroom, but also when you want to make it accessible for all the family members. In case of people with disabilities or elders, the bathroom is one of the rooms in a home that requires additional attention.
The bathroom is one of the places were safety is most important, but also to ensure de comfort of all family members. It’s so easy to slip and fall in the shower, to have troubles simply by getting up from the toilet or to slip on the wet floor. In fact, the bathroom is one of the rooms in the house where everyone need to take caution measures, because it’s always possible to have minor accidents.
That’s why the bathroom is one of the first things to consider when you want your home to accommodate people with disabilities and it should be the first place for repairs and modifications. Therefore, here are some tips to help you get started when you plan a bathroom remodeling, but don’ hesitate to discuss with your contractor about other things that can be improved in this room.
Installing grab bars
Grab bars should be installed in locations that give more support. They are relatively easy to install and you can find various types of grab bars on the market. However, you should opt for grab bars that crew into the wall instead of those who are just glued to the wall, because they offer more support and are sturdier. Some grab bars are rated to support the weight of the person who will be using them, so it’s important to consider this aspect as well.
Keep in mind to install grab bars near the shower or bathtub and near the toilet. It’s also a good idea to have grab bars in the shower. If you choose a grab bar for the shower, make sure that it has as textured handle, because it’s not so slippery when it gets wet. For bathroom with bathtubs, a clamp – on safety bar installed on the side of the tub is a good idea, because it can be difficult to step in and out of the bathtub. Having a safety bar within reach offers the necessary support.
Accessibility in the toilet area
Higher toilets make it easier for persons facing physical challenges to stand up or to get down on the toilet. If you don’t want to replace the entire toilet, it’s possible to install raised toilet seats. Pay attention to the toilet paper holder. If it’s mounted to high on the wall it may be more difficult to reach, so consider moving it a little lower. You can also opt for toilet paper holders that stand on the floor, because you can also move them around if you need more room in the area.
Items that are often used should also be placed within reach, such as some extra toilet paper or even medical equipment. You can achieve this by having some extra storage space in a small cabinet or by installing a couple of shelves if you have the extra space on the wall.
As mentioned above, it’s important to have grab bars installed near the toilet, preferably one on each side of it, so the person who is using it can use both hands to get up.
Shower remodeling
Remodeling a shower can be costly if you have to replace everything, but it’s an investment that it’s worth making. Shower stalls that don’t have a curve are more efficient, because it’s easier for a person with disabilities to get in and out of the shower. The shower should be wide enough, to offer enough room. Consider installing a built-in shower seat, so it’s not necessary to stand up in order to use the shower.
Don’t forget to install grab bars. You can even use them as accessories, because you can find very nice brightly colored grab bars that can go with the theme of the bathroom and add a pop of color.
Hand-held showers are also a good idea, because they make it easier to control the water. They’re also useful when more than one person is using the shower, because the adjustable hose allows controlling the height of the water jet.
As you can see, the bathroom doesn’t have to be a space where people with disabilities or elders have to face safety risks on daily basis. The bathroom remodeling is, in this case, not dictated by design, but by necessity.
When it comes to remodeling, the Good Deal Remodeling team considers that customer satisfaction comes first and we make sure that you’re 100% happy with your bathroom remodeling. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details.