Make your home more accessible if you or a loved one lives with a disability. A significant area to focus on is the bathroom. You can make this space safer and more comfortable for everyone by making a few thoughtful changes. Here are five suggestions to get you started.
Renovate With Easy Access in Mind
Disability-friendly bathrooms should not have obstacles that prevent them from being accessed easily. So, when planning your renovation, be sure there is plenty of space for a wheelchair or walker to maneuver. Make your bathroom as accessible as possible by widening doorways and installing a roll-in shower. Also add grab bars or towel bars strategically throughout the bathroom. Whenever possible equip tubs, showers, toilets, and sinks with these bars. To figure out what will work for your space, reach out to local professionals like those at Spartan Plumbing and Services.
Choose Non-Slip Flooring
People with limited mobility are especially at risk if the bathroom floor is slippery. Slip-resistant flooring materials can help prevent falls. Find one that works for your family’s needs. Rubber, linoleum, and tile are common options to prevent accidents.
Install a Raised Toilet Seat
People with arthritis or limited mobility may have difficulty using a standard toilet seat. A raised toilet seat, on the other hand, can make a world of difference. Using it without assistance from a caregiver becomes easier. This toilet seat has been specifically designed for people who have difficulty bending. Their size and shape make standing up and sitting down from the toilet much easier.
Add Handheld Showerheads
Handheld showerheads allow people to direct the water flow exactly where they need it, making showering easier and more comfortable. It also allows people to easily wash away soap and shampoo while sitting down on a plastic chair in the shower stall. Additionally, many people have trouble getting the right balance between water temperature and pressure. The handheld showerhead solves this problem because it allows a person to control water pressure and flow from any angle shower.
Update Your Lighting
Good lighting is crucial in any bathroom, but it’s especially important in a disability-friendly bathroom. There should be more than enough light in the bathroom for people with poor eyesight to see properly as they go about doing their business. Installing bright overhead lights can help make navigating the bathroom space easier.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the ways you can make your bathroom more accessible. It is possible to renovate a bathroom that’s safe and comfortable for everyone in a family to use with some careful planning and thoughtful changes.