VIDEO VERSION

Along with bathtubs and showers, sinks are an important part of a handicap accessible bathroom. The proper sink allows people who are physically challenged or in a wheelchair to take care of their basic cleaning habits such as brushing their teeth, washing their faces and hands, and shaving.

Pedestal Sink

One type of handicap accessible sink is the pedestal sink or lavatory. This visually appealing sink has a thin pedestal base below the sink bowl. The pedestal should be thin enough so that it can fit between the wheelchair users legs. A thin pedestal also allows a person in a wheelchair to get close to the sink.

This type base also keeps the water pipes hidden. With hidden pipes there is no danger of knees or legs getting burned by hot water pipes.

Pedestal sinks are available in many different colors, allowing them to blend easily into the design of your bathroom.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has standards for the height of a handicap pedestal sink. To be complaint, the ADA recommends that that the sink should be no more than 34 inches high. The knee space under the sink should be at least 27 inches high and 19 inches deep, with a width of 30 inches. The sink itself should be about 6 1/2 inches deep.

Obviously, there should be no vanity under the sink that a wheelchair could bump into. You should also allow about 4 feet of turning space in front of the sink so the user can more easily roll up to the sink.

Based on the size and color, the cost of a handicap pedestal sink can range between $200 and $400. Designer sinks can cost more.

Wall Hung Sink

Another option for the handicap bathroom is a wall hung sink. These are sinks that have been elongated so the bowl of the sink comes out further than on a typical sink. This allows the person in the wheelchair to roll up to and under the sink in order to use it.

Because the pipes may be exposed, they should be placed further back than on a normal sink. That’s so the person in a wheelchair won’t burn their knees or legs on the hot water pipe. Another option is to insulate the pipes so that any hot surfaces are covered.

Faucets

Sink faucets should also be more convenient for the handicapped person. That means a person should be able to operate it with one hand and it should, according to ADA standards, “not require grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.” (See 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design)

ADA accessible faucets can include the following types.

Also, it shouldn’t take more than five pounds of pressure to operate these faucets.

The combination of an ADA compliant sink and faucet can be a useful and visually appealing addition to the handicap bathroom.

For more information about handicap accessible bathrooms, read Creating the Handicap Accessible Bathroom.

You can buy the above sinks and faucets through the following link:

Video Version

Various types of shower seats are available that make it much easier for someone who is physically challenged to sit comfortably and safely in a shower.

First, for people who use a wheelchair, shower commode chairs are available. This special type of wheelchair can be made of waterproof PVC or may have an aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware. These chairs also have large wheels so the person in it can get themselves in and out of the shower. What’s more, many are lightweight and can be folded so they can be easily moved.

A commode chair often also has a special hole that permits the chair to double as a toilet. Underneath the chair is a removable container that can be taken out and cleaned as required.

A person who is in a wheelchair may need, or prefer, to have a transfer bench. This is an adapted version of the standard shower seat. The design of the bench allows a person to move from their wheelchair onto the bench and then slide themselves into the shower. Many models allow you to adjust the seat height.

If you are concerned about water getting onto the floor, you don’t have to worry as many of these benches have a feature which allows the shower curtain to be pulled across. These benches are very useful for not only the disabled person, but also their caregiver. With this type of unit in place, the caregiver will have virtually no lifting to do. In fact, many people who are confined to a wheelchair can get in and out of the shower using one of these benches with no assistance at all.

If you are looking at a long-term care situation, you should think about a wall mounted or fold down shower seat. These are extremely convenient and useful. Wall mounted shower seats can be conveniently folded out of the way when they are not needed. Many of these seats are made of a phenolic, which is a very durable long lasting plastic compound. If you plan to get a wall mount, there are a number of different features available, including safety locks, and arms.

A handicap shower seat is ideal for any person who needs assistance getting in and out of the shower or who just wants to have privacy for taking a shower. Replacing or modifying a shower or tub can be very costly, but the addition of the appropriate shower chair can make major renovations or alternations unnecessary. And the range of options for a handicap shower seat enables the physically challenged person to be involved in making their own choice.

The above seats can be purchased at:

Next, let’s consider what you can do about some other common bathroom elements: showers and bathtubs, sinks, faucets and mirrors, and grab bars.

Showers and Bathtubs

There’s no reason someone with disabilities shouldn’t be able to enjoy a shower. Shower enclosures are available that can accommodate the user with disabilities. Sometimes called a walk-in shower, the ideal accessible shower stall would be at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) square. The opening should be at least 3 feet (.914 meters) wide so a wheelchair or shower commode can get in. The entrance should not have a barrier or lip the user needs to climb over. The floor may have a slight downward slope to allow water to drain to the middle.

Inside the shower you can use a freestanding shower seat for the disabled person to sit on. These shower chairs, in either molded plastic or wood are available in models that can hold heavier people. Instead of a shower seat you can use a shower transfer bench. These units let the person move from their wheelchair to a seat which slides into place inside the shower.

Shower controls should be low enough for a seated person to reach them. A handheld showerhead, with flexible hose, should be no higher than 48 inches (122 cm) above the floor so it can be easily reached. You can also put the showerhead on a vertical bar which allows its height to be adjusted. This means the shower can be used by people both sitting down and standing up.

If a bathtub is going to be in a barrier-free bathroom, it should have a wide tubside seat that will allow someone to sit on and move themselves into the tub. Sliding transfer benches are also available for tubs. These let the handicapped person transfer from their wheelchair to a seat that then lets the person slide into the open tub area. A freestanding shower seat can also be placed inside the tub.

A better tub option might be a walk-in tub . Most of these are built with a small 2-inch high step that many physically challenged people can get over. They can then sit in the seat inside the tub and be surrounded by water. Walk in tubs also take up less space than the standard 5-foot long tub.

Sinks, Faucets, and Mirrors

Sinks in the accessible bathroom should have floor space open in front of them. This will allow a person in a wheelchair to roll under it to reach the sink. Be sure that if there is a hot water pipe leading to the sink it is insulated to prevent burns.

The faucets on the sink should be a lever type or a single handle. If the lever is ADA compliant, it will take less than five pounds of pressure to operate. For extra safety, the faucets should have anti-scald valves to prevent the hot water from causing burns.

There are many options for disabled bathroom mirrors. A full height mirror mounted at the appropriate height is one possibility. You can also mount one of those flexible mirrors that pull out at the right height for a seated person. Another option is installing a mirror that tilts down above the sink. Mirrors are also available that have a pulley system and crank. The mirror normally hangs flat against the bathroom wall until it is needed by someone who is seated. Then, by turning the crank the person can angle the mirror down to where they can see themselves.

Grab Bars

Finally, grab bars should be located throughout any barrier-free bathroom. Grab bars should be on the shower and bathtub walls to help people get in and out of the tub or shower. Grab bars should also be available on both sides of the toilet. Some toilet grab bars can also be swung out of the way when not in use.

Newer style looped grab bars are also available for use on both sides of the toilet. A shorter person can use the bottom loop while a taller person can use the upper ones.

Summary

Physical limitations sometimes make it difficult for some people to use what we consider “normal” bathrooms. By using modern accessibility options you can create a stylish bathroom that will be accessible to all.

There are many different people who can use a handicap accessible bathroom. I’m referring to anyone who:

• Is using a walker or crutches either because of age or a temporary medical condition.
• Has a temporary disability such as a broken leg.
• Is living with a condition such as severe arthritis.
• Is concerned with bathroom safety

With an aging population, these type bathrooms will become more common. You can design an accessible bathroom from scratch. But you can also make modifications to an existing bathroom that will make it much more convenient for both permanently and temporarily disabled people.

Below, you can read about the elements to consider when creating this type bathroom.

• Entrances
• Flooring
• Toilet
• Showers
• Bathtubs
• Sinks, Faucets, and Mirrors
• Grab Bars

Bathroom Entrance

Let’s start with the entrance. This is typically an issue for people confined to a wheelchair.
If the bathroom door is less than 34 to 38 inches (86 to 97 cm) it will be difficult for a wheelchair to get through. On the other hand, if the door is larger than 38 inches, a person in a seated position may have difficulty opening and closing it.

Consider using a D-shaped handle or a lever for the door as opposed to round knobs. Both young children and people with arthritis will find them easier to move.

Another option is to remove the door completely. This raises privacy issues as the bathroom is then exposed. However, if the bathroom is attached to a bedroom that has its own door, this may be the way to go.

Bathroom Flooring

Inside the bathroom, think about the space it would take a wheelchair to move around in. The usual recommendation is a circular floor space of 5 feet (1.5 meters) in diameter. This should allow a wheelchair to make a complete turnaround in the bathroom. This much available space will also help people who are using crutches.

Keep the floor as clutter free as possible. Waste baskets, clothes hampers, wicker baskets, and plants can all be barriers to someone trying to get around. Even for people who are not in wheelchairs, these items can represent something to trip over. The edges of small rugs, even those with non-skid backing, represent a tripping danger for people with injuries that result in them having to hobble around a bathroom.

Slip-resistant ceramic tile is an option in a handicap bathroom, but there is controversy about which tile to use. The Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA) and the Tile Council of America of North America (TCNA) each use different testing standards for testing slip resistance.

Generally speaking, smaller, more textured tile, with more grout joints will be more slip resistant. But as this type of tile gets dirtier, it becomes less slip resistant. Please consult with a professional when considering installing a slip-resistant floor.

Another option is applying a liquid non-slip floor coating or finish to your flooring. Not all coatings are appropriate for all flooring materials so be sure to check the label before applying.

Toilet

The ability to easily use the toilet is a key feature of any barrier-free bathroom. Master bathrooms in newer homes often have a water closet which is basically a toilet in its own small room. This represents a problem for a handicap accessible toilet. The entrance to the water closet should be as large as the entrance to the bathroom itself – that is from 34 to 38 inches wide. And the room itself should have space for a person to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet seat.

As for the toilet itself, a number of options are available. If someone has difficulty getting up and down from a standard toilet seat, you can purchase a toilet safety frame. The frame attaches underneath the toilet seat. Its height can usually be adjusted. It also has arm rests the handicapped person can use to help get on and off the toilet seat. Toilet frames are manufactured to handle different weight capacities so be sure to get the right size for the person using it.

Another option is the toilet riser. This is a spacer installed under the base of your current toilet. It then adds about 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) of height to the existing standard toilet height of 14 or 15 inches (36 to 38 cm). The higher toilet seat is then easier for someone to get on and off.

Instead of adding a riser, you can replace your standard toilet with a taller one. Toilets are available in 17- and 18-inch (43 to 46 cm) height, which should be tall enough for the disabled user.

When using a toilet riser or taller toilet, you should add grab bars to both sides of the toilet. This makes it easier for someone to get on and off the toilet.

Showers

There’s no reason someone with disabilities shouldn’t be able to enjoy a shower. Shower enclosures are available that can accommodate the user with disabilities. Sometimes called a walk-in shower, the ideal accessible shower stall would be at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) square. The opening should be at least 3 feet (.914 meters) wide so a wheelchair or shower commode can get in. The entrance should not have a barrier or lip the user needs to climb over. The floor may have a slight downward slope to allow water to drain to the middle.

Shower controls should be low enough for a seated person to reach them. A handheld showerhead, with flexible hose, should be no higher than 48 inches (122 cm) above the floor so it can be easily reached. You can also put the showerhead on a vertical bar which allows its height to be adjusted. This means the shower can be used by people both sitting down and standing up.

For more information, read Handicap Accessible Showers.

Different types of shower seats are available for use inside the handicap accessible shower. These include:

• Freestanding shower seat
• Hinged shower seat
• Shower commode chair
• Transfer bench

For more information about these shower seats, read What Type Shower Seats Are Available?.

Bathtubs

If a bathtub is going to be in a barrier-free bathroom, it should have a wide tubside seat that will allow someone to sit on and move themselves into the tub. Sliding transfer benches are also available for tubs. These let the handicapped person transfer from their wheelchair to a seat that then lets the person slide into the open tub area. A freestanding shower seat can also be placed inside the tub.

A better tub option might be a walk-in tub. Most of these are built with a small 2-inch high step that many physically challenged people can get over. They can then sit in the seat inside the tub and be surrounded by water. Walk in tubs also take up less space than the standard 5-foot long tub. For more information read Everything You Need to Know About Walk in Bathtubs.

Sinks, Faucets, and Mirrors

Sinks in the accessible bathroom should have floor space open in front of them. This will allow a person in a wheelchair to roll under it to reach the sink. Be sure that if there is a hot water pipe leading to the sink it is insulated to prevent burns. For more information read Two Types of Handicap Accessible Sinks.

The faucets on the sink should be a lever type or a single handle. If the lever is ADA compliant, it will take less than five pounds of pressure to operate. For extra safety, the faucets should have anti-scald valves to prevent the hot water from causing burns.

There are many options for disabled bathroom mirrors. A full height mirror mounted at the appropriate height is one possibility. You can also mount one of those flexible mirrors that pull out at the right height for a seated person. Another option is installing a mirror that tilts down above the sink. Mirrors are also available that have a pulley system and crank. The mirror normally hangs flat against the bathroom wall until it is needed by someone who is seated. Then, by turning the crank the person can angle the mirror down to where they can see themselves.

Grab Bars

Finally, grab bars should be located throughout any barrier-free bathroom. Grab bars should be on the shower and bathtub walls to help people get in and out of the tub or shower. Grab bars should also be available on both sides of the toilet. Some toilet grab bars can also be swung out of the way when not in use.

Newer style looped grab bars are also available for use on both sides of the toilet. A shorter person can use the bottom loop while a taller person can use the upper ones.

For more information read Use Grab Bars For Safety in Your Bathroom.

Summary

By using modern accessibility options you can create a stylish bathroom that will be accessible to all. Your goal should be to create an unrestricted, comfortable environment for both disabled and non-disabled people.

You can buy many handicap accessible products at this site:

Basic Requirements

Basically, handicap accessible shower stalls do away with the high lip entry that is standard in most showers. By getting rid of this step, the shower floor is then either level with the bathroom floor or is at a small slope (about 2%).

This flat or barrier free shower entry allows seniors and people with limited mobility to more easily walk into their shower stall. It also allows caregivers to more easily transfer people in wheelchairs to the shower using a transfer bench or shower seat.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has published standards for this type of shower enclosure. Their standard (4.21.7) says that shower stalls that are 36 in by 36 inches (915 mm by 915 mm) should not have an entry higher than ½ an inch (13 mm). Shower stalls that are 30 inches by 60 inches (760 mm by 1525 mm) should not have any curbs at all.

You can read all the ADA standards by clicking on this ADA link and then selecting the PDF with all the standards.

Other Considerations

There are other considerations for installing a handicap accessible shower. The shower floor should be treated with waterproof material and include a non-skid finish. These precautions can also help prevent falls. Also make sure the water controls are located at a convenient height, especially if the person using the shower will be in a wheelchair. As far as the shower door goes, a large glass door can be difficult to maneuver. Consider having no door or a moveable shower curtain.

Also, remember the location of the shower faucets. Because the person using them will be seated, they must be low enough to reach while sitting. A separate water pipe and faucet can be built in for this low height. Or a flexible showerhead that moves up and down on a vertical bar can be used. This arrangement can also be very convenient for younger children who want to use the shower.

If building or remodeling a shower to accommodate handicap access is too big a deal, think about using a waterproof shower seat, shower chair, or built-in shower bench. For people in wheelchairs, shower commode chairs or sliding transfer benches are available that allow easier access to the shower.

For more information read What Type Shower Seats are Available?

Using a handicap accessible shower can provide seniors, the disabled and physically challenged people the safety, freedom, and comfort they want when taking a shower.

The products available to help you include:
• Bariatric shower seats
• Wheeled or shower/commode chairs
• Shower transfer benches

Bariatric shower seats

The term “bariatric,” if you are not familiar with it, refers to weight. Simply put, these are shower seats that can hold more weight than the standard shower seat.

Bariatric shower seats are intended for people from 250 pounds and up. There are chairs available for people who weigh up to 700 pounds. These chairs are built to provide extra stability to the larger person in the shower.

Typically, the seat size will be wider than a standard shower seat to accommodate a larger person. Some bariatric shower chairs also have backrests and cross braces for additional stability and support. Be sure the legs of the seat are adjustable so the overweight person can move the seat to a position where his or her legs can also provide support when sitting.

Wheeled or shower/commode chairs

Wheeled shower seats, also called shower/commode chairs, allow people with disabilities to move themselves to the shower and provide seating when taking a shower. Additionally, this type shower chair can be used as a raised toilet seat as these chairs have a removable commode pail.

Wheels should be a major consideration when buying this type of chair. They should be large to accommodate easier movement across various types of floor surfaces. Most will come with swivel casters and safety locks.

Shower/commode chairs that tilt are also available. This allows caregivers to adjust the chair to more easily reach the person in it. The ability to adjust this type of shower seat is important when considering the growth of special needs children as well as the comfort of the adult user.

Shower Transfer Bench

Typically used for transferring from a wheelchair to a bathtub, this type of shower seat can also be used for moving from a wheelchair to a shower.

Shower transfer benches are usually one piece with a long seat in two parts, and four legs. The person moves from their wheelchair to the transfer bench, which is the outside piece, then slides to the actual seat.

Available options usually include padded seating and removable or adjustable backrests and armrests.

There are also sliding shower transfer benches. In these the person transfers from their wheelchair to a shower seat. The seat then slides, most often on rails, to a position where they can more comfortably take a shower. Some shower transfer benches have swivel chairs to add to the user’s convenience.

Typical features include a safety belt and a handle that can be attached to either side of the seat.

Another type of shower transfer seat is a wall-mounted shower seat that swings into the shower. First, the user transfers onto the seat from outside the shower. Then the chair swivels into the shower. When their shower is finished, the user swivels back out of the shower.

Specialty shower seats such as these help physically challenged people be comfortable when taking a shower.

You can purchase bariatric shower chairs here:

• Seat shape, dimensions, and capacity
• Seat height and legs
• Seat backrests and armrests

Seat shape, dimensions, and capacity

Shower chairs come in two shapes: flat and curved.  Built in shower seats are usually only flat.

The flat seat, as its name says, is the same height from side to side. Flat seats may have a horseshoe-shaped cut-out at the front to allow easier personal cleaning.

The curved (also called dish- or saucer-shaped) seat has slightly raised sides and curves in the middle. This type chair tries to match the shape of the seat to your bottom.

Both shapes usually have holes in the shower seat to let the water drain through.

You will also see shower chairs with padded seats, which can add more comfort when you’re sitting. The padding provides a softer surface that allows you to sit longer.  It’s also good for sensitive skin.

The padding is usually made of foam so that it can dry more easily.  You may read about cushions made of “closed cell foam.”  Closed cell foams are generally denser, helping to prevent the seat from absorbing water.  Another feature of a padded seat is the amount of padding.  This is usually measured in inches.

Seat dimensions are an important consideration when you are buying a shower seat.  It can be tricky, but use a flexible tape measure to take a measurement of your bottom when sitting in a chair.  Then check this measurement against the seat width and depth (W and D) of the shower seat you want to buy.  If the seat is not large enough for your bottom, your shower seat may tip over.

Another important consideration is the weight capacity of the seat.  Different seats can hold different weights, depending on the strength of the seat and legs.  Be sure that the maximum weight capacity of the chair you choose can hold you.  Be aware that heavy duty models are available should you need it.
 
Seat height and legs

Since you do not wear shoes in the shower, the height of shower seats is usually lower than the typical chair you sit in.  So be sure, when you are considering a shower seat, that you will be able to sit comfortably with your feet on the shower floor supporting you.  If your feet are not solidly on the shower floor when you are sitting, you will be less stable and can slide out of your chair.  And remember to consider the additional height that a padded seat can add.

For this reason, many shower seats come with adjustable legs.  These are usually aluminum legs with holes in them that let you adjust the seat up or down.  The holes can be at different increments such as ½ inch or 1 inch.  Allowing different increments means the shower seat can be used by different family members.  If each of the legs is adjustable, you can get the right seat height, even on showers that have an irregular surface, such as one that slopes down toward the drain.

Shower seat legs will typically have rubber, or suction type devices on each of the feet. This helps prevent the shower seat from slipping or sliding around once in place.

Make sure that the height of the shower chair allows you to reach the shower controls without having to stand up.

You should also consider height when a shower bench is being attached to the shower wall.  Don’t measure from where the holes go in the wall to hold the bench – instead measure the distance from the top of the bench to the shower floor.

Seat backrests and armrests

Some shower seats offer backrests and armrests that are either fixed in position or are removable.

Backrests provided added comfort as they support your lower back. Some chairs use padding, a non-slip textured finish, and/or a curved or contoured shape to ensure you can relax while taking your shower.  These features also contribute to your safety by helping to keep you in place in the seat.

Like backrests, armrests can also be padded, contoured, or textured. Armrests help make it easier to sit down or get up because you have something to hold on to.  On some shower seats the armrests swivel back independently, enabling easier side transfers for people who need help getting in and out of their shower seat.

Keeping these key features in mind when purchasing a shower seat will ensure that you get a seat that fits you just right!

You might also be interested in reading The Benefits of Shower Seats.

To buy one of these shower seats, click this link: