Ways to make your Bathroom more Accessible
Improving Bathroom Accessibility: Enhance Safety and Aesthetics
Creating a bathroom that is easily accessible is essential for both safety and aesthetic appeal. Accidents can happen in the bathroom, and taking measures to prevent them is crucial. Fortunately, there are various ways to make your bathroom more accessible, ensuring a safer and more user-friendly space for everyone. Below are some practical ideas to achieve this:
Spacious Entrance: Begin by widening the bathroom entrance for easy access. While commercial buildings often have accessibility standards for bathrooms, private residences may not be required to comply. Nevertheless, increasing the entrance dimensions is a significant step toward improving accessibility. This can be achieved using swing-away hinges, removing doorstops, reversing door swing or modifying door jambs.
Ample Clearance: Ensure there is enough space to move around the bathroom freely. A well-organised and spacious bathroom not only allows for easy use but also enhances safety during emergencies, enabling someone to assist you quickly if needed. Bathroom designs should always include space for a wheelchair to perform a 360-degree turn, and for safe transfers to take place. There should be room for a carer if needed, and for other assistive equipment pieces. Ideally, most bathroom furniture should not be fixed.
Non-Slip Flooring: To prevent slips and falls, opt for non-slip flooring. Soapy water on slippery surfaces can be hazardous, particularly for children and the elderly. Choose from various non-slip floor designs that seamlessly blend with your bathroom’s decor and have a professional handle the installation.
Grab Rails: Installing grab rails in the bathroom greatly enhances accessibility. These can be customised to suit the bathroom layout and existing wall studs. Consider placing a grab rail near the bathtub and shower to assist with entering and exiting, reducing the risk of slipping. Vertical or horizontal mounting options are available. Toilet Grab Rails help take the pressure off your knees, joints, and back and reduce the risk of falls.
Handles and Taps: For those that have dexterity issues, there are solutions that can assist with simple tasks like opening doors or turning water on and off. Utilising basin and shower mixer taps in the bathroom is a practical and aesthetic option with clean lines and flat surfaces. There are also options to have long lever or quarter turn spindles if required.
Changing your door handles from doorknobs to door levers is a safe and practical solution. Door levers have better grip than doorknobs and are generally easier to use, particularly for the elderly.
Shower Seat: Installing a Shower Seat in or near the shower area can be highly beneficial, especially when fatigue sets in. Opt for a foldable Shower Seat to save space when not in use. Consider selecting a colour that complements your bathroom’s theme.
Night Lights: Adding night lights around the house, especially in the bathroom, ensures safe navigation during the night without disturbing others. Additionally, this can help kids who are afraid of the dark feel more at ease using the bathroom independently.
Light Sensors: Replace traditional light switches with light sensors to automatically illuminate the bathroom when someone enters. This eliminates the need to search for the switch and benefits individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty reaching high switches.
Task Lighting: Ensure your bathroom is well-lit to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Adequate lighting in compartments and throughout the bathroom will make it easier to find items and use the space efficiently.
Height Adjustments: Optimise the reach height for everyone in your household by adjusting the height of bathroom items such as toilets, mirrors, and compartments. This ensures that everyone can easily access and utilise the bathroom facilities.
Keep Common Items Within Reach: Organise your bathroom by keeping frequently used items, such as shampoos, hand wash, and toilet paper, within easy reach. This will enhance convenience for you and your guests.
Digital Hot Water: Install digital hot water systems to maintain a specific temperature and prevent scalding accidents. With consistent and comfortable water temperature, safety is prioritised for all users.
Level Entry Shower: A step free shower offers easy accessibility due to its simple design. It is a practical and cost-effective option, especially for those with limited mobility or when sharing the shower with others.
Remember that enhancing bathroom accessibility is a significant step in creating a safe and user-friendly environment for everyone. Work with VIP Access to customise your bathroom according to your needs and preferences and we ensure we source quality materials from trusted dealers to maximise the benefits of these modifications.
If you’re looking for updates to the bathroom – give us a call on 07 3807 4309. We’d be more than happy to talk about your needs and provide an obligation-free quote. We operate in the Southeast Queensland from the border at Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Ipswich to south of the Brisbane River.
