Accessible Bathroom 101
Accessible Bathroom. Roll-in shower with folding bench. ADA toilet with Flip bars and bidet toilet seat.
Over the years, working with the disability community, bathrooms have been our top priorities. The majority of our clients injuries at home, are from the bathroom.
"Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home."
Above MS, is a helpful resource for people with MS. There, I found an Occupational Therapist giving advise on bathroom modifications. I found her tips useful, so below, I broke it down for you ,as well as, added advise from our experience.
1. Flip Grab bar, 2. Bidet toilet seat
Grab bars
Grab bars come in different sizes and shapes. They can be installed vertically or horizontally. Flip bars are also a great option, especially next to the toilet. The flip bar, flips up and down, depending on your needs. It is helpful for transferring to the toilet.
ADA toilet
A raised toilet seat, or placing a commode with arms over a toilet, can help with transferring by reducing the distance from sitting to standing, or standing to sitting. Along with the ADA toilet, many of our clients request bidet toilet seats. For many people who have any sort of problem with decreased sensation, trunk rotation, decreased spine-motor coordination, or dexterity, bidet toilet seat help our clients with wiping and proper cleaning, a bidet toilet seat is a Godsend.
1. Grab bars, 2. Folding shower bench
Shower seat
A shower seat is a must for an ADA shower. We recommend a folding shower bench. This is connected to the wall, so there is no sliding of the seat. You can fold it up to be out of your way, or fold it down when you need it. If you notice the image, we install grab bars right next to the shower seat for safe transitioning.
Hand shower
A Hand shower allows our clients or their caregivers, to shower easily and safely. You can use it standing up or sitting down.
1. Grab bars, 2. Hand shower, 3. Folding shower bench, 4. Roll-in Shower
Roll-in Shower
As an ADA specialists, we recommend an open floor design or Roll-in shower. There are no barriers to step over. Our clients can roll in and out of the shower.
Automatic Light Switch
When it comes to light switches, push pads are much easier than switches. There are different kinds, some are a glow-in-the-dark with wall templates, that are helpful for nighttime use. We also recommend automatic light switches. They turn on automatically when you enter the bathroom, using motion sensors.
Like the Occupational Therapist says, "Again, bathrooms could be inherently dangerous rooms, so it’s probably one of the most important rooms to start with certain changes or modifications. "