Bathrooms are among the most fundamental amenities in modern homes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average person visits the bathroom around five times a day. The U.S. Census Bureau also reports that over 60% of homes have at least two full bathrooms for occupant usage. Given the frequent role that bathrooms have in our lives, it is possible to take accessibility for granted. However, individuals with mobility needs may benefit from special accommodations to make their bathroom more accessible. In addition to those with mobility constraints, accessible bathrooms are also helpful for households with children or elderly family members. A look at the top 15 accessories that boost restroom accessibility can help you do your part in keeping your bathrooms usable and comfortable for anyone.
1. Bathroom Rails
Bathroom rails provide sturdy support for anyone with difficulty standing or walking. Also known as grab bars or safety bars, these rails come in horizontal and vertical varieties. They are often made of durable materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic. Home occupants can use handrails to maintain their balance while getting in and out of the tub, sitting on the toilet, or maneuvering around the bathroom. Professional installers can mount your rails securely to the wall so they can better handle the weight of any user.
2. Bathtub Lift
Bathtub lifts help individuals with limited mobility get in and out of the tub. A lift usually consists of a platform on the edge of the tub. Using a motorized chair and electronic controls, the lift lowers or reclines the user into the water and then raises the user back out following the bath or soak.
3. Bidet Toilet Seat
A bidet is a device that helps individuals wash after using the restroom. This sprayer provides a steady stream of water and is an excellent resource for people who struggle to reach the necessary parts of their bodies due to mobility constraints. In addition to bidet toilet seats, portable bidets with long extension cords are also available so that you can use them either standing or sitting.
4. Curbless Stalls
Traditional stalls are harder for individuals with mobility needs to use. Even what looks like a simple threshold can pose a problem for someone maneuvering a wheelchair. Installing a barrier-free bathroom stall with a level threshold eliminates the need to step over a high curb. Also known as a walk-in stall or roll-in stall, this design makes it easier to navigate through the restroom.
5. Extra-Long Caddy
An extra-long caddy helps keep toiletries and other bathroom supplies within easy reach for everyone. A caddy or adjustable shelving is a great way to hold soap, shampoo, loofahs, scrubbers, sponges, or towels. Experts recommend keeping essential items at waist level so that those with limited mobility can access them without trouble.
6. Handheld Showerhead
A handheld showerhead is a fixture with a portable hose you can remove from the wall to wash your body. By detaching the showerhead from its fixed mount and self-directing the stream of water, individuals with limited mobility can enjoy a conventional shower or bath while sitting down.
7. Medical Alert Button
Installing a medical alert button in the bathroom adds an extra layer of security for anyone with mobility issues or special needs. This button helps you reach emergency services when you need them. Some alert buttons also connect to smartphone apps or devices worn around the neck or wrist.
8. Motion-Activated Lighting
Motion-activated lights illuminate the restroom without fumbling about for the light switch. They come in handy for people in wheelchairs or anyone who needs to use the restroom at night.
9. Non-Slip Flooring or Mats
Non-slip flooring or mats help provide the traction needed to lower the risk of bathroom accidents. Also known as floor treading, non-slip accessories help individuals move around the bathroom even when the floor is wet. These accessories are often made of slip-resistant vinyl or textured tile. Some accessories also note the coefficient of friction (COF). Materials with a higher coefficient of friction provide the best traction. Place non-slip accessories strategically, like in the shower and the front of the sink.
10. Offset Door Hinges
If your bathroom has limited space, try installing offset door hinges to widen the entryway. Offset hinges create several extra inches of doorway spacing for easier maneuvering in and out of the restroom.
11. Raised Toilet Seat
A raised toilet seat is an excellent way for anyone with mobility issues to use the bathroom more efficiently. The key characteristic is that this type of seat is higher than conventional toilet seats by several inches. This makes it easier for someone in a wheelchair or using other mobility assistance to get on or off the seat.
12. Shower Bench
Installing a shower bench takes the burden out of showering with mobility issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the highest rate of non-fatal bathroom injuries occurs in or around the shower or bathtub. A bench offers much-needed assistance for those who may not have the strength to stand for long. These individuals can sit and bathe comfortably, reducing the likelihood of stumbles or falls. Variations of the shower bench include the shower chair, stool, or transfer bench. Shower chairs and stools are more compact for secure seating, and the transfer bench is a raised platform with raised edges on either side making it easier for individuals to push themselves into a standing position.
13. Shower Wheelchair
While conventional wheelchairs are not made for the shower or bathroom, shower wheelchairs feature a unique design that can handle exposure to water. These wheelchairs are often narrower and have wheels that are easier to maneuver on tile floors. Consider investing in a shower wheelchair to use solely for mobility in the restroom.
14. Touchless Faucet and Soap Dispenser
Touchless faucets and soap dispensers are great resources for people who struggle to twist handles or knobs. Also known as motion-activated devices, touchless fixtures automatically provide water or soap when you place your hand under them. Most people are familiar with touchless faucets in commercial applications, but you can also install them in residential settings. Ask your plumber about installing touchless faucets, fixtures, and other hardware.
15. Wheelchair-Accessible Bathroom Vanity
Anyone in a wheelchair needs a wheelchair-accessible sink, countertop, or bathroom vanity. This means that the sink or vanity is height-appropriate so that the person can independently complete hygiene routines. According to the U.S. General Services Administration, the recommended height for a wheelchair-accessible vanity or sink ranges from 29 to 34 inches. This allows enough knee clearance so that all individuals can sit comfortably while completing any grooming tasks.
Contact Us Today
Creating an accessible bathroom may seem challenging, but it is also rewarding for everyone in the home. Since many of your options may include plumbing adjustments or remodeling, you might feel overwhelmed at first. But there is no need to panic. The experts are here to help. Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing offers bathroom remodeling services for homes in Phoenix, Chandler, and surrounding areas. Our plumbers can install or repair accessible toilets, faucets, or fixtures. We can help with all facets of your plumbing remodel such as re-piping or drain installation and cleaning. In addition to your remodel, we also offer water quality services such as water softening or leak detection so that your bathroom remains in great shape. No matter the issue, we are here to help. Contact Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing today for all of your bathroom plumbing needs.
