For some people, carrying out everyday tasks in the bathroom can be a struggle. This may be because of age or having a visible or invisible disability. Unfortunately, an inaccessible bathroom can strip someone of their independence and dignity, leading to a serious impact on their mental and physical wellbeing. That’s why it’s more essential than ever for us to help support users, carers, and their families to offer bathroom solutions for all age groups and needs.
So what can be done to ensure that bathrooms are suitable for each individual who uses them?
Space and layout
One of the most important things to consider when designing an accessible bathroom is space. You need to think about the amount of manoeuvrable space in your bathroom and where best to position items for ease of use.
Bath or shower?
Another main issue to consider is whether you need a bath or a shower. When deciding whether a bath or shower would suit you best then you need to consider whether you can get in and out of the bath without support, as well as how soon this is likely to change, if at all. If you find it difficult to get in and out of the bath but have your heart set on one then there are items such as bath steps that could help you. However, if you feel a bath isn’t an option then choosing the best accessible shower is an important decision. With so many options available you need to consider whether a walk in option or enclosure would best suit your needs.
When installing a shower enclosure for someone vulnerable or uneasy on their feet it’s essential to fit an anti-slip shower tray in order to prevent any slips. Anti-slip shower trays come in a variety of shapes and sizes allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your shower enclosure. If you find yourself struggling to shower whilst standing then a shower seat might be the perfect solution to allow you to enjoy a full shower without discomfort or mobility concerns.
At Modern Homes, we think that simple innovations can make all the difference to bathroom accessibility. We’ve listed the most popular below, but would be happy to discuss these and any other ideas you may have.
Grab rails
One of the most common accessibility products installed in a bathroom is a grab rail. Bathrooms can be slippery at the best of times, but when you feel slightly unsteady on your feet or you have mobility or balance issues, moving around can be quite scary. One of the simplest and most effective ways to provide some support is to fit a grab rail.
Grab rails come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, allowing you to find the perfect one for your needs and bathroom design. You’ll instantly feel secure with the increased safety of a grab bar in your bath or shower space. They can be fitted wherever you need, and they’re an inexpensive addition to an existing bathroom that offer stability and support. For added reassurance, our grab bar with a textured grip offers an enhanced safety solution.
Comfort height toilets
Many clients find standard height toilets too low these days, so these for many are a perfect choice, even if you do not have mobility issues. They’re increasingly popular, particularly with our older customers.
The raised height seat means you don’t have to lower yourself as far down as with a standard toilet, potentially reducing pressure on your joints and making it much easier to get back up again. A simple addition of a hinged support rail by the toilet, to help the user to get on and off more easily, makes for an easier and more comfortable experience. The support rail can be used by multiple people and it can be folded out of the way when it’s not in use.
Shower toilets
A shower toilet has a variety of benefits for those who are less mobile or confident on their feet. With an adjustable frame, you can alter the height of the toilet depending on the user. It also incorporates pure water, making it ideal for gently cleaning your more sensitive and intimate areas. Many shower toilets also offer a heated toilet seat – we can tell you that these are a definite bonus on a chilly winter’s morning!
At Modern Homes, we only offer the very best quality products, and Geberit is no exception. Geberit shower toilets make cleaning with water the natural option as all Geberit AquaClean shower toilets clean you with water at body temperature. At the touch of a button, they provide freshness and cleanliness for everyone, as well as an aesthetically stunning design. Geberit AquaClean offers shower toilet models ranging from an elegant complete solution to a flexible WC enhancement solution.
The pleasant, soothing shower spray offers you thorough cleanliness and freshness. Geberit’s patented WhirlSpray shower technology facilitates particularly targeted and thorough cleaning with a pulsating shower spray.
In addition to the remote control, there’s an app for operating the respective functions. The wireless, freely placeable wall-mounted control panel can be bought as an optional extra and connected via Bluetooth. Modern and effective – what’s not to love?
Infra-red, touch-free taps
Another popular product for family homes as well as accessible bathrooms is touch-free taps. Infra red touch-free taps are truly hands-free, offering a hygienic and simple way of turning them on. As you’ll see from the stunning designs, the taps come in a range of designs with a variety of features including automatic infrared taps, thermostatic taps, and those with longer levers for easy access and use.
Not sure where to start? After being in business for so long, the team at Modern Homes have designed and fitted bathrooms for a huge variety of customers with different needs. To discuss which adaptations would work for you, just get in touch to arrange a showroom visit.