Anyone who is already experiencing mobility issues due to chronic pain, injury, surgery, or to frailty that comes with old age knows how challenging it is to navigate and utilize a bathroom. As such, it is the responsibility of those who are still fully mobile to assist them every time they need to use it. However, the duty should not stop there. To fully support our loved one who has mobility issues in using the bathroom, we should make the necessary changes to make the bathroom more accessible and more comfortable to use.
Designing an accessible bathroom that suits your loved ones need mainly depends on their level of mobility and the type of bathroom you have. For instance, one of the most popular designs used by many homeowners today is a wet room or walk-in shower because it can be fitted into almost any bathroom, and is not exclusively designed to be used by persons with mobility issues but by anyone. This is a popular option for those who only have minor mobility issues, and does not require an intensive renovation of the bathroom.
Aside from the configuration, another critical component of an accessible bathroom is the specialized fixtures. It is essential to use the right accessories and equipment to enhance ease of use, safety, and convenience in the performance of everyday bathroom tasks. Nevertheless, the selection of specialized bathroom fixtures and amenities depends on the level of mobility issues of the user. Grab bars or support beams come as a standard safety measure, along with single handle faucets, good lighting, and a toilet seat that is configured according to the ADA guidelines.
There is a lot more to know when designing and creating an accessible bathroom. To know more about this topic in details, check out this infographic by AccessAble Home Modifications.
