Follow These Easy Steps to Retrofit Your Bathroom for Universal Design
A slick bathroom floor can pose a challenge to everyone from kids to grandparents. Retrofitting a bathroom to meet universal design standards improves safety, but does not have to sacrifice style. Some universal design bathroom features are useful and attractive additions to any bath.
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Install Grab Bars
Grab bars in the bath or shower are a great way to prevent slipping and make the facilities easier to use. Available in many styles and finishes, the bars need not scream “public restroom.” If you frame your tub, shower, and toilet surround with pressure-treated plywood, you can add bars that are sturdy and won’t pull out of the wall under pressure.
Installing bars in the tub or shower improves convenience for most people; if you are adding them for a physically-challenged person, make sure to consult a CAPS-certified contractor to ensure proper placement. Bars can also make it easier to get on and off the toilet.
Photo Credit: Next Stage Design
Walk-in Tub Fitted with Seats.
Walk-in tubs have only a 2” lip, so require minimal effort to enter. Equipped with watertight doors that open in or out, the tubs include seats and are often equipped with hand-held shower head, jets, and oversized controls that facilitate controlling the water temperature. The tubs also have grab bars to maximize safety, plus can fit in a small space. Though pricey, ranging from $2,500-$10,000, the tubs are convenient for limited in their mobility.
Not everyone wants to replace their bathtub with a walk-in, but you have other options. Consider adding a bath chair and hand-held shower mounted near the faucets.
Photo credit: Independent Living USA
Roll In or Zero-entry Shower
A shower without a lip at the floor is accessible to those using any type of mobility device. With the drain or the shower pan lower than the surrounding flooring, and sloping downward, water can be contained by a shower curtain or door. Some contemporary bathroom designs use a similar concept, made even more luxurious by adding a rainfall shower. As always, make sure you select floor tiles which are not slick when wet.
Photo credit: Houzz.com
