According to a recent study, less than 1 percent of residential living spaces are equipped with features that would allow a wheelchair user to live independently. Imagine being part of the 11.6 percent of the population that uses an Columbia, SC wheelchair.
Lack of access to areas of your home such as the kitchen and bathroom would severely impact daily living.
We’re here to share timely tips on modifying your bathroom so that you or a loved one can have stress-free access when needed. People using standard, power wheelchairs will benefit from reading.
Modify the Doorway
Have you measured the doorway to the bathroom in your home? Standard doorways usually measure 24″ wide.
Since standard wheelchairs are about 25″ wide, there’s not enough room. The minimum doorway width should be 30”, and a 36″ inch doorway would be even better.
While it is not something where you need professional skills, widening the bathroom doorway will take some patience. You cannot just start tearing the wall apart.
The doorway modification may or may not mean you buy a new bathroom door. If you decide to update the door, buying one with lever handles is another way to make the space more accessible.
Create a Wheelchair Accessible Shower
Making a shower wheelchair accessible is a smart move.
Today, you might not have an issue getting into and out of the shower. In the future, you or someone in your family could develop mobility issues, which could make bathing difficult, if not impossible.
Consider creating a roll-in shower. Also called a curb-less shower, it’s ideal for a person who uses a wheelchair.
Another option is a walk-in shower. Depending on the level of disability, some people can navigate the short curb. However, why not remove trip obstacles from the start?
Install a Ramp
Perhaps you already have a walk-in shower. Did you know the shower pan threshold will likely prevent someone in a wheelchair from using the shower?
If you’re not ready to take on a significant shower renovation project, installing a wheelchair access ramp is an excellent solution.
Most shower ramps don’t require alterations to the floor or the shower. You do want to make sure the ramp you install is ADA compliant.
If you do that, you’ll ensure the ramp meets safety requirements. Look for a shower ramp that includes the following features:
- Slip-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Durable
Shower ramps typically don’t take long to install. You can use either a silicone adhesive (permanent) or double-backed tape for a less permanent installation.
Upgrade to Wheelchair Friendly Bathroom Fixtures
Changing bathroom fixtures to make things accessible to friends and family who use wheelchairs does not have to make the room look dull. Start with a wheelchair-accessible bathroom vanity.
This specialized fixture provides more convenience when taking care of daily personal hygiene. For instance, if it’s difficult to stand for long periods, you can now wheel the chair right up to the vanity.
You can find wheelchair-accessible vanities in a range of styles and finishes. You can even buy one that installs against the wall and doesn’t have side cabinets.
If storage is essential, go for the vanity with either cabinets or open shelving. Shelves offer another layer of convenience. Not only do you not need to open and close doors, but you also get access to linens and other bathroom supplies without straining muscles and joints.
Mirror on the Wall
Another way you can make your bathroom more accessible is by making changes to your mirrors.
We all look in the mirror while washing hands – no one wants to leave the bathroom with a smear of toothpaste on their face.
The view from a wheelchair is likely to be only the top half of the head. Depending on the mirror, a person may not even see that much.
Splurge for the more oversized mirror. It will make someone’s life more pleasant and just might brighten up your bathroom space.
Install Grab Bars
If your first thought when reading the words grab bars is a hospital, you’re not alone. No one wants their bathroom to look like the one in a hospital room.
You can do a few things to avoid the hospital room look.
Buy dual-purpose products, such as shampoo shelf/grab bar or soap dish/grab bar. Choose from the range of colors, materials, and finishes.
While aesthetics does matter, don’t forget the primary purpose of a grab bar is safety. Look for grab bars with textured surfaces. You will find several options, so go with the one that is most comfortable for your hands.
Where do you install grab bars?
For a person in a wheelchair, the most common places for installation are on both sides of the toilet, at strategic locations in the shower, and near the sink.
Grab bar installation may mean making some slight modifications. If you are installing wheelchair-friendly grab bars next to the toilet, you may need to move the current vanity to accommodate more space.
Design a Wet Room
If your goal is to make your bathroom 100 percent wheelchair accessible, consider making it a wet room.
Wet rooms remove most barriers people with mobility face when using the bathroom, especially the bathing area.
In a conventional bathroom, the bathtub or shower gets boxed off either in a corner or against an entire wall. Designing a wet room means removing those fixtures and installing tile on the entire floor area.
Now, you have one big, luxurious shower room! You can usually leave the vanity and toilet in place, which can help not only with budget but also with construction time.
Ready to Explore Columbia Power Wheelchairs and Accessible Bathrooms?
Now that you have sparked your imagination, it is a great time to look further into how power wheelchairs can be helpful, especially in your new Columbia wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
The team at Freedom Mobility Center is ready to show you which wheelchair will best serve your needs. Contact us today and request an in-home assessment.