Features To Consider When Designing An Accessible Bathroom

Accessibility is a key consideration when designing a bathroom for an older or less mobile person. Whether you are just keen to future proof your home to ensure that you can enjoy living there for as long as possible, or you are a wheelchair user, there are some essential modifications that will enhance the usability and safety of your bathroom. 

Here’s a look at some of the most important points to consider when planning your accessible bathroom.  

Walk-in showers

The walk-in shower is a natural choice for those who use a wheelchair or have restricted mobility, because the shower tray can be fitted flush with the floor or with a very low profile, providing safe access for wheelchairs or walking frames. It also minimises tripping hazards for general users, and looks neat and contemporary.

If you are installing a shower screen with a door, back to back shower door knobs with an ergonomic design will help users to grasp and operate them easily. Ensure that you use  tempered glass or laminated glass that meets with the required safety standards and building regulations.

Other considerations for an accessible shower include grab rails that are made from durable materials and can be installed securely to the wall to provide extra support and stability in the shower. Anti slip flooring can also make the shower enclosure safer for all users. You may also wish to include a shower seat if standing for several minutes is challenging.

Thermostatic temperature controls are another important feature for disabled users, who cannot get out of the way easily in the event of a sudden change in temperature and may be at risk of burns. Detachable shower heads with long hoses are recommended for wheelchair users and for use with shower seats. 

Wet rooms

An alternative to a walk-in shower is a wet room, which has fully tanked walls and slightly angled flooring to allow for water drainage without the need for a tray. The flooring has a specifically designed waterproof underlayer, so if you are intending to use a wheelchair in your wetroom, you should check that it is strong enough to support the weight of the chair.

Toilet risers 

Using a standard toilet can be difficult for people with restricted mobility. Toilet risers can be fitted over the top of the existing toilet to adjust it to a more comfortable height, or alternatively a specially designed higher profile toilet can be installed. The toilet can also be fitted with a bidet attachment to aid with personal hygiene for disabled users.

Enhanced lighting schemes

Good lighting is important to ensure the safe navigation of the bathroom for older users. The room should be brightly lit with overhead lighting that provides even coverage. Motion-sensor lights will eliminate the need for users to manipulate pull cords, and also help to reduce energy consumption by ensuring the lights are never left on unnecessarily.

Install non-slip flooring

Bathroom flooring is naturally prone to splashes and spills, increasing the risk of slips and falls. This hazard can be minimised with the use of non-slip tiles that provide extra traction on wet flooring. Poured rubber flooring is another popular solution for bathrooms, providing a grippy yet comfortable soft surface to walk on. 

If installing new flooring is not an option, make use of non-slip mats in areas where water tends to accumulate, such as next to the shower tray or in front of the sink. 

Points to consider when installing a bath

Showers are a more natural choice for an accessible bathroom, because they are more convenient to manoeuvre in and out of. However, people with conditions such as arthritis may prefer the comfort and therapeutic benefits of soaking in a bathtub. There are a number of options available in this case.

The most straightforward solution for an accessible bath is to provide support items such as bath steps and seats, which make the bath easier to get in and out of. Another option is to install a bath with a door in the side, but this has the drawback of the user having to sit in the bath as it fills and empties, which may lead to them becoming chilled. 

A bath lift can be installed at the side of the bath with a seat that wheelchair users can transfer to, and be lowered in and out of the bath. Alternatively, hoists may be another option for more severely disabled users.