Specialists Advise On Innovative Ways To Utilize Space Optimally When Accommodating A Wheelchair Shower, Even In Small Existing Bathrooms

By Author: Safe Step Walk-in Tub
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Accessibility is directly linked to space. As individuals age, they start relying on aids for mobility, including a cane, walker, or even a wheelchair. Mobility devices require extra space for easy navigation.
Planning the necessary accessibility upgrades with industry specialists, even small spaces can be successfully upgraded to walk-in showers. There are many ways to transform even a small bathroom with a shower into a more user-friendly, wheelchair accessible space.
Every room has corner spaces that are usually underutilized. These wasted spaces, like the corner in a small bathroom could become a perfect space for a walk-in shower. With creative planning, the square footage can be maximized without entrenching on other parts of the bathroom.
Many American households are considering the necessity of a tub in the bathroom. By removing the tub, and freeing up space, a larger shower can be installed, even allowing for a built-in bench. Before removing the bathtub, it is necessary to do long-term planning and decide whether the shower will suffice.
That is why it is imperative to talk to specialists ...
... in the field who have vast experience on the matter and who have been confronted with similar situations before making these decisions. A walk-in shower with a large, comfortable bench may suffice to meet the mobility and hygiene needs of the individual in question.
Showers do not have to be boxed in by glass. This may be limiting the options of installing accessible bathroom fixtures. By replacing the bottom have of the shower with a solid wall, referred to as a knee wall, creates a space for fixtures, including a sink or vanity against the shower stall instead of leaving open space around it.
A great option for creating space in a small bathroom for a walk-in shower is to reduce the size of the other fixtures in the bathroom. A sink with a large vanity uses a lot of space. Changing it to a pedestal sink will free up space for a walk-in shower. Personal grooming can be done in the bedroom by using a vanity mirror. Look for other items to downsize on to create even more space.
Companies that specialize in walk-in tubs and accessible showers will be able to offer valuable advice and design the ideal wheelchair accessible bathroom within a species budget. Quality products are manufactures in the USA and carry a lifelong warranty.
There are many ways to approach the remodeling of a bathroom to include a wheelchair friendly accessible shower. If the installation of a new shower is not viable, at least incorporate some of these ideas in the existing shower.
It is imperative to create a wider shower entry for wheelchair access. To be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines stipulate that compliant entrances should be at least 36 inches wide. This is set as a guideline, but can be adapted in a personal space to suit individual needs. The width of the shower entry can also be determined by the size of the wheelchair.
A curbless shower is ideal for people with impaired mobility and wheelchair users. The opening to the shower should be level with the floor and is sloped down to the drain. The shower should be 36” wide for someone using a transfer seat and 60” wide for someone in a wheelchair to be able to turn around in or for assists.
Create a doorless shower for easy access. This will empower the user. Use a glass panel splashguard made from 10mm extra-thick tempered glass.
The installation of a nonslip floor is the most important aspect of the operation. Use small tiles with a coarse surface for creating a slope for easy drainage towards the center drain. Additional grout lines created by the smaller tiles adds nonslip characteristics.
To provide good lighting is imperative to prevent the individual from falling. Motion-activated lights are highly recommended.
Controls should be accessible and should be installed at the door, and not across the shower, therefore the shower can be turned on before the individual enters the shower. Grab bars are essential and without turning it into a hospital space, the grab bars can be combined with a shampoo shelf or soap dish.
Standard roll-in type ADA Showers (minimum 60" x 30" inside dimension) makes the maneuvering in a wheelchair easy. Some jurisdictions require a 60" x 36" inside dimension, to afford caregivers the opportunity to assist with ease.
About Us
Safe Step, Inc. is the market-leading provider of commercial bath refinishing services and caulk, tile, and grout restoration services to the hospitality industry and clients across the nation, specializing in hotel bathroom refinishing services. The highly skilled team members are renowned for the restoration of marble, stone, and tile surfaces, and for applying anti-slip treatments. Proud of the affiliated membership to Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), that certifies and validates that the business has a 51% female ownership, management and control. The company is based in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The primary goal is to transform hotel and commercial bathrooms into bespoke and safe rest areas for visitors. For more information, kindly visit https://www.safesteptub.com/.