Accessible Bathrooms

Mary was having difficulty using the tub and had fallen in the bathroom. Mary called her state’s Independent Living Center, who then referred her to an Occupational Therapist (OT) who was able to offer many useful ideas. The OT visited Mary at her home and made accessible recommendations that could be installed quickly and were relatively inexpensive.

Within a week, her son Mike had installed two grab bars in the bathtub and a hand-held shower for better control. Mary also purchased a simple bath-bench, so she can enter the tub safely by sitting on the bench outside the tub, sliding over, and maneuvering her legs into the tub.

Encouraged by her newfound independence from her accessible improvements, Mary continued to look at other accessible bathing solutions and within two months had installed a roll-in accessible shower to replace her bathtub. Now Mary enjoys bathing in her barrier-free shower, safely and independently.

Before making her bathroom accessible Mary, like many her age, feared falling in the bathtub. Today, Mary thoroughly enjoys her bathing experience.

For commercial applications the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG), cover the construction and alteration of both private and public sector facilities. For more detailed information on these commercial applications, visit ADA Showers.

Also, please be aware that state regulations may exist and be enforced in your area for multi-family housing developments.

Accessible showers are found in homes across the country. And they aren’t just for those with physical limitations, as roll-in showers come in a variety of designer styles.

• Roll-in showers make it possible for a person with a disability to wheel into the curb-less shower. They can then transfer, with or without assistance, to a wall-mounted shower chair.
• Alternatively, the user can transfer to a shower chair then roll into the shower stall with assistance.
• Accessible bathtub replacement shower models have a 60″ outside dimension as they are designed to utilize the bathroom framing around conventional 5-foot tubs.
• Prefabricated accessible roll in showers are constructed of fiberglass, with reinforced walls and an applied acrylic finish.

An accessible barrier-free shower pan can be combined with ceramic tile walls for a beautiful custom designed shower that will accommodate anyone, even if they use a wheelchair or walker. Visit Freedom Showers to view view all Accessible, ADA and Easy step shower pans, as well as tiling options.

See ADA and Accessible Shower Pans

Grab bars are a great way to reduce falls and provide support in accessible bathrooms. Here are some tips on grab bar installation:

• Install grab bars next to the toilet and in bathing areas.
• Wall-mounted grab bars should be 1-1/4″ to 1-1/2″ in diameter. The space between the grab bar and wall should be 1-1/2″ to allow a firm grip.
• Grab bars should also be placed inside bathtub and shower enclosures to avoid slips.
• If you are remodelling or building new and the walls are open, be sure to provide wood blocking in the walls for reinforcement of the grab bars.

Walk-in tubs have become an incredibly popular solution to the high-step conventional bathtub.

These “sit up style” bathtubs offer people a low 4-6 inch step instead of the high step found in standard tubs.
Walk-in tubs are a great option for those who enjoy rehab at home with water or air jets. A walk-in tub can create a personal therapeutic spa at home.

Visit Freedom Bathtubs for a wide selection of bathing solutions.

Standard interior residential doors are usually 30″ wide, but wheelchair users need wider doorways to pass through comfortably.

• In order to accommodate a wheelchair, which is 24-27″ wide, doorways should be a minimum of 32″ wide.
• If a wheelchair user needs to turn to get into the bathroom, you’ll need a 36″ door, to allow access.
• A narrower width may be adequate if the bathroom door allows a straight wheelchair approach. Using offset door hinges can be a more affordable way to increase door widths by about 2″, which is often enough additional width for a wheelchair or walker to pass through the doorway.
• If possible, there should be no threshold in the doorway. If this can’t be avoided, select a flat threshold that is no more than ¼ inch high, or one that is beveled on both sides and no greater than a ½ inch high.
• Install easy-to-grasp lever door handles on all doors for additional accessibility.

  Doorway Widening and Improvements

Bathrooms are more accessible to wheelchairs if a pedestal wall-mounted sink or vanity is installed.

• A portion of the clear floor space located under the fixtures provides the required knee and toe clearance so that a wheelchair can be rolled up to the bathroom sink.
• A recommended 34″ space from the top of the counter to the floor, and 29″ from the underside of the sink to the floor is best for wheelchair users.
• Insulate hot water pipes under the sink, to prevent injuries.
• A panel could also be used under the sink to hide the plumbing and provide protection from the pipes.
• Make the sink height adjustable with a sink or counter lift.