If you or your loved ones have special needs and struggle with accessibility, bathrooms can be quite an obstacle. It is a basic need, and no one should have to face problems with it.
Hence, to help you, there are easy ways to convert a standard bathroom to a disabled bathroom layout.
Well-made accessible washrooms provide you with all the functions of a disabled bathroom while preserving the modern look. Its layout differs from standard washrooms with respect to handrails and extra steps. Overall, it offers ease in accessibility.
If you want to convert your standard bathroom to a disabled one, this article is the perfect guide.
The Need for Disabled Bathrooms
According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, 4 in 10 Australians aged 18 or above report having a disability. Hence, making bathrooms more accessible is a pressing need.
Disabled washrooms in private spaces generally include:
- Adding a raised toilet seat above the standard toilet seat
- Installing a more convenient height toilet bowl
- Attaching rails or grab bars
- Placing the toilet roll in an easily accessible place
These modifications to a standard washroom can greatly help ageing seniors and people with special needs. But if you are living with a disability or are accommodating a loved one with it, you need more than a few modifications.
Read the following section to find out what are the things you have to change your bathroom layout to a disabled bathroom layout.
What to invest in?
As you proceed to change the layout of your bathroom for easier accessibility, here are the basic components you must invest in:
1. Roll-in showers
For someone in a wheelchair, tubs can be challenging to access. Introducing a curbless shower stall removes obstacles and minimizes the need to manoeuvre much.
Ensure that your shower stall is big enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Shower chairs are also available to help in making the process easier. However, for extra convenience, you can consider installing a seat in the shower.
2. Hardware for stability
Adding hardware to your existing washroom can already step it up significantly in terms of accessibility. Try installing the following for extra stability while using the washroom:
- Grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower
- A longer shower hose
- Removable shower head
- Easy push and pull sink handles
Adding motion sensors to your sink can also make them easier to operate.
The hardware you add to your bathroom can be functional and stylish simultaneously. So, you can easily refurbish your bathroom without compromising aesthetics.
3. Suitable toilet seats
Installing special toilet seats for people with special needs is a necessity. It should be at an appropriate height from the ground for easy access. Controlling the heights of different elements is essential for convenience.
Additionally, consider installing a sink without any pedestal or cabinet below it. That way, a wheelchair can easily access it without hitting any obstacles.
In conclusion
A disabled bathroom layout is vital as you convert your standard bathroom into one that suits people with special needs.
You can use 3-D modelling software or apps to design the bathroom virtually before you execute your ideas. Doing so can help in assessing spacing and looks. It can also give accurate estimates of the elevation of different elements.
Many different companies offer plans to refurbish your bathroom and remodel it. You can also get a new and stylish disabled bathroom built from scratch.
