Though modern bathrooms can be deemed as trendy and aesthetically pleasing by younger homeowners, these models and layouts are not advisable for people with disabilities, chronic ailments, physical injury, mobility concerns, as well as older relatives you may have in your home.
But there’s no need to worry. There are bathing solutions available for people who experience difficulty accessing the bathroom. You can start by looking into home renovation and bathroom remodel ideas.
In this guide, you will be able to identify the changes you need to make before you begin with the bathroom renovation project.
What Do You Need to Make the Bathroom More Accessible?
In designing an accessible bathroom, you must think about your and your family’s current needs and what they might need in the future. Simply put, you need to find a timeless bathroom design.
For instance, you should consider the following:
- Wheelchair accessibility
- The bathroom you will use while renovating
- Your budget for the remodelling project
- Your vision of the final look
- Advice from a trusted bathroom remodeler or contractor so you can avoid making mistakes
What Should You Change for a Disabled Accessible Bathroom?
Depending on your current situation, accessibility can appear different to you. After all, as much as you need some functionality, you should also put design into consideration. So, as you plan out your bathroom renovation, here are some changes you should put down to avoid making building errors:
- Space out your doorway enough so you can allow the ease of access for walkers and wheelchairs.
- Install grab bars around the bathroom to help you stand up or sit down when needed. In particular, you should make sure that grab bars are near the toilet, bathtub and shower stall.
- Install a higher toilet, so sitting down and getting up will be so much easier.
- Convert your bathtub to a walk-in shower tub combo as it is more appropriate for seniors and people who have disabilities.
- Make accessible shelves and storage areas, so reaching accidents can be avoided.
- Layout bathroom tiles in a way where they transition smoothly with the hallway floors.
What Should You Look for in a Toilet for Users With Disabilities?
One of the things to prioritize with a bathroom redesign is the toilet itself. After all, you would want your family members to use it easily, transfer quickly from their wheelchair if they have one and get access to amenities if they need to reach them.
Requirements for Disabled Toilets
If you are building a disabled toilet, it must meet the standards set in the Document M (Doc M) of the UK building regulations. Some of the important details involve:
- Outward opening doors
- A raised height chair for quick transfers
- A basin with lever taps to help those with issues in dexterity
- An alarm system to use in case of any emergency
- Grab rails in noticeable colours for those with visual limitations
- Paddle-type style toilet flush
Dimensions of Disabled Toilets
The room where you install your toilet must be 2200 mm in length and 1500 mm in height. Of course, you can go higher than that and enjoy a better space.
Best Size for Disabled Toilets
For toilets, the heights can be around 440 mm to 500 mm, based on the average height of an adult.
Conclusion
You can make life with disabilities easier to handle as long as you know where to start. Designing the ideal home can be quite challenging, and it might take some time, but starting with remodelling your bathroom can come with tons of benefits for the safety and comfort of your loved ones with handicaps.
If you are looking to start home renovation and get a bathroom remodel in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, work with The Bathroom Place today. We are a bathroom remodeler and installer that can help you create an accessible bathroom for your home. Get a free quote today!