For a price, you can have a bathroom mirror TV. Basically, it’s a two-way mirror with a flat screen TV behind it. Below is an already published article that summarizes this technology. With permission, it’s reprinted here.

By the way, this little luxury item will cost you from $2,500 to $3,500 US, quite a bit more than a typical showerhead!

Be Like Trump: Installing a Television in Your Bathroom Mirror

Author: Youri Naimark

Yeah, we know: having a television in your bathroom is a tad ridiculous. No question that’s why Donald Trump has them installed in all his hotel bathrooms! Who needs to watch television while they brush their teeth? But that’s not the point. It’s a luxury, something you can do to make your bathroom truly the best room in your house. With this addition, you can make a regular, old bathroom into your personal place of relaxation!

Televisions that are installed behind mirrors use some pretty interesting technology to keep them hidden. Your mirror will need to be two-way, partially reflective and partially transparent. These mirrors allow things that are brightly lit on one side of the mirror to shine through to a darker side, like a television. By placing a flat-screen television behind a polarized mirror, you can watch your favorite show while getting ready to go out or catch the news before you leave for work in the morning. Best of all, if you don’t want the television at all, simply turn it off, you will only see a mirrored surface where its screen normally appears!

You can purchase a plasma or LCD television screen specifically for mirror placement. Companies like Mirror Media and Seura offer many different choices for these televisions, many of them custom built for your bathroom design.

This is really a project for a professional installer because of the care necessary when handling a large mirror and heavy television. Your bathroom’s lighting may need to be changed, as the polarized mirror is more sensitive to glares and direct light than normal mirrors. Make sure your installer has worked with mirror TVs before and knows how to conceal the wires in the wall properly.

Your installer will need to fit the television into a cut out in the wall behind where the mirror will go. It can be wall hung or flush mounted to ensure that it has the sleek look mirror televisions are known for. If your bathroom doesn’t have a separate circuit or cable hook up, you will probably want an electrician to come check it out. Set up a consultation with one before you purchase your television to ensure that your bathroom is compatible with a mirror television and the cost of installation is within your means. If you are thinking about installing your television in an existing wall, you will probably need a tile installer’s help, as well. It is important that you get a television specifically made for this purpose, they are fog-free and waterproof, features a normal television doesn’t need to have.

No matter what you might think about the level of luxury, bathroom televisions can certainly add elegance and enjoyment to any home spa. Although it isn’t really necessary, wouldn’t it be nice to watch a movie while relaxing in the tub, or watch the traffic report while showering for work? Have your bathroom checked out for compatibility and do some research on the best technology, and you could have your own Trump hotel at home!

Article Source: http://www.sooperarticles.com/home-improvement-articles/bath-showers-articles/like-trump-installing-television-your-bathroom-mirror-135288.html

About Author:
Youri Naimark was an construction engineer for 20 years (specializing in coal mine construction). After moving to US in 2002, Youri scaled down and started a Denver tile installation company.

The previous article about accessibility described modifying bathroom entrances, flooring, and toilets to create a barrier-free environment. As you recall, the goal is to create an unrestricted, comfortable environment for both disabled and non-disabled people.

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.

The primary goal of a handicap accessible bathroom is to create an environment that allows people to move around without any serious obstructions. This means a barrier free bathroom for:

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 disabled and non-disabled people.

This article will consider fixing entrances, flooring, and toilets. A second article will look at showers and baths, sinks, faucets and mirrors, and grab bars.

Bathroom Entrance

Let’s start with the entrance. 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.

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.

As discussed in a separate article, when using a toilet riser or taller toilet, you should add grab bars to both sides of the toilet.

Summary

You now have the start of a handicapped accessible bathroom. Be sure to read the next article in the series.

Tub and shower combination units do exactly what the name implies – they provide you with the benefits of both a tub and a shower in the same floor space.

If you feel like soaking away the stress of the day by surrounding yourself with hot water, fill up the tub and relax away. If it’s the morning and you’re rushing to get ready for work, hop in the same space, turn on the showerhead and take a quick shower.

If the space saving and convenience benefits appeal to you, here are some things to think about when considering a combination tub and shower.

Construction: Traditional Ceramic

Traditionally, a tub shower combination was created by building a ceramic tile shower enclosure around an existing tub. The ceramic tile forms three walls of the shower. An opening for a showerhead is built into one of the walls. The original tub sits below the ceramic tiled walls.

Traditional ceramic tile requires ongoing maintenance and care to prevent mildew and leaks.

Construction: One piece combination units

As the name implies, a one piece tub and shower combination unit includes either all three walls that surround the tub or all three walls and the tub. Fixtures are usually part of the combination including the tub faucets and showerhead. Ledges for holding soap and shampoo may also be built into the unit.

The one piece units are made of acrylic or fiberglass and tend to be heavier and bulkier than the traditional ceramic combination units.

Because of its size, you must measure to be sure the unit will fit through the doorway in an existing bathroom. For new construction, you can build in the one piece combination unit, then build your bathroom around it.

Construction: Sectional combination units

To address the size issue, a third type of tub shower combination unit is available. This unit comes in sections that can be put together inside the bathroom. The tub is one piece that is usually placed in first. It can be acrylic, fiberglass, or even porcelain. The walls, made of acrylic or fiberglass, are then place around the tub. As with the one piece combination, fixtures are usually part of the wall pieces.

This type unit provides the benefits of the combination unit while getting around the problem of weight and size.

Sizes

Bathtub shower combinations offer size options depending on the available space in your bathroom. The standard option is a regular sized tub, which is five feet long. But if space is an issue, units are available in smaller sizes, such as a four foot tub. There are also units built to fit into a corner to which you can add a built-in shower seat.

Frames

For the above described options, we’ve been talking about three-sided combination units. But frames are available that can rest on the tub. You can install sliding glass doors inside the frame to provide a fourth wall so water from the showerhead doesn’t get all over the floor. The glass doors also provide visual privacy when you’re sitting in the tub.

Many finishes are available for these framed enclosures with brushed nickel and chrome being two of the most popular.

Clawfoot tub shower combination

Some people, who prefer a vintage look for their bathrooms, install a clawfoot tub as part of their décor. But here too, combination kits are available that allow users to add a vertical showerhead riser and shower curtain ring above the clawfoot tub. This gives you the option of taking an old-fashioned soak in your tub or standing in the tub for a standard shower.

Summary

If you can’t decide between a tub or a shower, a tub shower combination lets you have the best of both worlds. You can either sit in the bathtub or stand in the shower while saving space at the same time.

One purpose of a glass shower door is to keep water off your bathroom floor. But shower doors today are designed to go beyond that simple function. They can add a design element that makes your bathroom as much a statement of your personal style as the rest of your house.

The most direct way to make your personal visual statement is to choose either a framed or frameless shower door. Let’s consider some of the differences.

Framed Shower Doors

A framed glass shower door is the more traditional choice. This is glass of your choosing supported by metal fittings on all its edges including top, sides, and bottom. Most also have a rubber seal at the bottom to protect against water bouncing out of the shower.

Shower door frames are usually made of a metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or even plated brass. If aluminum is used it is anodized to add corrosion-resistance. Frames can also be powdercoated, which is a technique for applying paint to the frame. This process provides you with a strong frame available in almost any color you want.

Many different finishes are available for the metal frames such as silver, polished brass, brushed nickel, and more. This allows you to match the hardware in the rest of your bathroom.

The metal all around helps protect the tempered glass, reducing the chance of it breaking. The frame also provides definition. Depending on the finish and/or color chosen, this definition can become an architectural element in your bathroom design.

A frame on a shower door can also provide some support for a handicapped or physically challenged person who needs something to hold on to when getting in and out of the shower. (Although it is not a substitute for a grab bar!)

Frameless Shower Doors

Many contemporary designers think that a frameless glass shower enclosure provides a more elegant and luxurious look for a bathroom. It also allows you to show off the marble or tiled interior of your shower. This is why many newer and remodeled bathrooms use frameless shower doors.

A frameless glass shower door is really a door made entirely of tempered safety glass.

Hardware is used where the door is attached to the shower frame or another glass panel that is part of the shower enclosure. This hardware, which can be a pivot or a hinge, is usually used near to or at the top and bottom of the glass shower door.

Sometimes there is a small gap between the glass door and the adjoining shower enclosure glass. This is normal, but you must be sure your showerhead is not aimed at this gap or you can have water on your bathroom floor.

To provide strength, the shower door without a frame typically uses a thick piece of glass. Whereas framed shower glass is about ¼ inch thick, the glass used in a frameless shower door can be up to ½ inch thick. Because the glass is thicker, you must be sure the shower structure can handle the weight.

Door handle hardware can be mounted directly into the glass. This hardware can be chosen to match the rest of your bathroom.

It is usually easier to clean and maintain a frameless glass structure because it doesn’t have metal edges all around in which dirt and soap scum can collect.

There are options for the type of glass you can use for the door including clear, frosted, and etched. Using clear glass on a frameless shower door does have a disadvantage. If someone has partial blindness, they may not be able to clearly see the door and walk into it.

Finally, the cost of a frameless shower glass door is usually higher than the cost of a traditional framed shower glass door. This must be weighed against its durability and visual appeal.

Shower curtains come in a lot of cool prints, but when it’s time to add some interest, appeal, and style to your bathroom, you need to consider installing a glass shower door. Shower doors are easier to clean than shower curtains and they tend to last a lot longer. They’re also better at keeping water off your bathroom floor.

Shower doors can be the entrance to a standard or custom shower, the cover for the opening over a tub, or the open side of a shower glass enclosure.

There are sliding doors, ones that open to either the left or right, or combination shower doors. What’s more they come framed or frameless with a variety of glass options.

The layout of your bathroom, how it’s decorated, and your personal preferences all go into choosing the shower door that’s right for your bathroom.

Shower Glass Style

The first thing to consider when you’re thinking about a door for the shower is what style of glass you want to use. All the styles will be tempered glass. By code, any glass you want to use for a shower enclosure must be tempered. This safety glass is very strong and if it breaks, it will break into many small pieces rather than large, dangerous shards.

Although the glass will be tempered, you will have many choices when it comes to the style of glass.

Glass comes in varying thicknesses with ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, and ½ inch being the most common sizes.

Once you’ve chosen a type of glass, it’s time to select the type of door you want.

Swinging or Pivot Shower Door

A pivot shower door is one that rotates on two metal pivots. The pivot hardware usually is mounted near to or at the top and bottom corners of the door. This allows the door to turn 180 degrees inward and outward.

Alternately, this type door can be attached with hinges, especially if the door is heavy. One side of the hinge is attached to the door. The other side is then mounted to the shower wall or another glass shower panel.

Pivot or swinging shower doors can usually be attached on the left or right side of the shower, depending on the available clearance in your bathroom.

These doors can also be ordered with a frame that goes all around the glass, or frameless. Frameless shower doors are considered more stylish, but often cost more.

Sliding Glass Door

A sliding glass door is a door that is made of two or more glass panels that run in parallel tracks on top and bottom. The doors then slide or glide past each other, which is why they are often called bypass doors. Because they don’t open inward or outward, they need less space to open than other types of shower doors.

This type door is usually found mounted over bathtubs because of their length. A typical bathtub is 60 inches long so two sliding panels are used. This can limit the space you have to get in and out of the tub.

Sliding glass doors can also be used for large showers. This can add a lot of style to your bathroom, especially if they are frameless and have a design in the glass.

Some people find this type door more difficult to clean because the tracks have to be cleaned and the sliding pieces of glass may overlap, even when fully closed.

Bi-Fold and Curved Doors


Bi-fold shower doors are made in two folding sections. When you push on the end of the door, the two hinged pieces fold inward and you can get into the shower. This is a good choice when you have a narrow shower and the design of your bathroom doesn’t have enough room for a swinging or pivot door. This type door uses a track, usually at the bottom.

Curved shower doors are made from a curved glass panel. The glass is usually in a frame and attached to the wall at the top and bottom. Like the pivot door, they can usually be attached on the left or right. These are excellent choices for a corner shower.

A walk-in tub, or safety tub, is simply a bathtub with a door that allows you to walk into the tub without having to climb over the typical standard bathtub rim of 14 to 18 inches (35 to 46 cm). Walking into your tub gives you both safety and convenience.

Safety: Bathroom floors can be slippery. Additionally, lifting your leg to get over a bathtub rim makes you less stable. What’s more, you may have a disability, be physically challenged (handicapped), or be weak because of an injury, illness, or old age. For all of these reasons, getting in and out of a standard tub can lead to slips, falls, and trips to the hospital. Walk in tubs can allow you to once again bathe safely.

Convenience: Once in the deep walk-in tub, you sit comfortably and can easily reach the tub controls. What’s more, a host of options, including slip-resistant floors, grab bars, and massage therapy can make your bathing a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

What are some walk-in tub features and options?

Step in Height: An important feature to consider is how high you have to step to get into your walk-in bathtub. With some walk-in tubs you will have to step up 7 or 8 inches (18 to 20 cm), about half the height of a standard tub. Most walk-in tubs offer lower step-in heights, ranging from about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm)

Door seal: Some walk-in tub doors open inward and some open outward. Regardless, when the door is closed there should be a tight seal once the water is in the tub. The seal is holds the water in the tub and prevents leaks. When buying a walk-in tub, be sure you ask the company for a long-term or lifetime guarantee on their door seal.

Tub seat: Your seat inside the tub should be contoured to fit to your body so you can sit comfortably when taking your bath. Different people prefer different amounts of water covering their body while they are in the bath. So be sure the height of the seat is right for your height and bathing comfort. Also remember that if your walk-in tub doesn’t have a seat, you can use a shower seat to sit in the tub.

Tub flooring: The floor of the tub should be a non-slip or slip-resistant surface. That is, it should be treated to help prevent you from slipping if you have to stand up or move around in the tub.

Quick-drain: Some manufacturers offer an option that allows your tub to drain quickly. This option can drain the tub as much as 8 times faster than a normal drain. The benefit is that you can get out of the tub quicker.

Grab Bars: A grab bar attached to the tub wall can help you maintain your balance not only when you are in the tub, but while you are getting in and out of the tub. When the bar is being installed, be sure it is customized to your height. For more information about grab bars click here.

Massage therapy: A typical walk-in tub option is whirlpool/jacuzzi jets. A motor forces water through these jets, thus providing a brisk massage to the areas of your body in front of the jets. This massaging action can help relieve the stresses in your body and provide a more relaxing bath.

Fixtures: Fixtures in a walk-in tub should be easy to reach and use when you are seated. Some companies will include a shower head you can use in the tub. These will typically be handheld and have a flexible hoses so you can control where the water goes on your body.

A walk in tub can offer improved safety and convenience when you bathe. And adding various features and options will let you customize your bathing experience.

For more information about walk-in bathtubs, see our other article, Walk-in Bathtub Sizes, Materials, and Cost.

A previous article discussed walk in tub benefits, features, and options. But there are other considerations when purchasing a walk in or safety bathtub. These include the size of the tub, the construction materials used, and its cost.

Walk-in tub Sizes

A standard bathtub is usually around 60 inches (152 cm) long and 30 or 32 inches (76 to 81 cm) wide with a height of about 14 to 18 inches. The biggest difference with a walk in tub is its height. Typical walk in tubs range from between 36 and 47 inches (91 to 119 cm), although some are available that are only 20 inches (51 cm) high. The additional depth means you can be fully surrounded by water when you sit in the tub.

Walk-in tubs can vary in size. The most common tubs can fit into a standard tub space. That is, they will be 60 X 32 inches. Of course, they will usually be higher than the standard tub. This size is best for larger people as it will have the largest door and most room to move around in. It will provide you with a deep, immersive bath.

Other size walk-in tubs range in length, going down to about 36 inches (91 cm) long. These are good for smaller bathrooms or converting some other bathroom space.

The shorter sizes will usually come with some sort of kit intended to fill the space between the end of the tub and the bathroom wall. This extra space can be used as a shelf for bathing needs such as shampoo.

Walk-in tub Construction Materials

Walk in tubs are most often built of either acrylic or fiberglass.

Acrylic is formed as a continuous waterproof membrane. Because it is a solid surface it is highly durable and germ and stain resistant. Acrylic surfaces also tend to retain their color since the color is all the way through the material, not just on the surface. To provide added stability, manufacturers usually reinforce the acrylic with fiberglass.


Fiberglass is a polyester resin that is reinforced with fine glass particles. The fiberglass is then covered with a gelcoat. Gelcoat is a material of modified resins that provide the fiberglass with a high-quality finish. Fiberglass is lighter than acrylic, which can make a fiberglass walk-in tub easier to install. It also typically costs less than an acrylic walk-in tub. However, fiberglass is more porous than acrylic meaning, over time, it is more susceptible to mold and mildew that get into its pores.

Walk in tub Cost

Walk in tub prices can range from US$3000 to $15,000. The size, features, options, and materials will all impact the cost.

For example, larger size walk in tubs use more materials so will cost more. Acrylic construction will typically cost more than fiberglass. Some manufacturers will include safety features such as grab bars and non-slip flooring in their price. Others will charge extra for these items. An option such as a whirlpool or massage jet system usually needs a separate motor and pump, which will raise the cost of the tub.

And when considering pricing, don’t forget the cost of installation. A basic installation would consist of removing your old tub and installing the new tub, needed extensions, and putting in any new piping, motors, or pumps required. This can take from 1 to 2 days of labor.

A grab bar in your shower or your bathtub can greatly reduce the risk of you ever falling on the slippery surface. Not only is water slippery, but the soaps that you use have a tendency to build up on the shower floor, causing a very slimy residue that can become incredibly slick when it’s wet. A slick and/or wet floor poses a danger when you enter or leave the shower as well as when you move around in the shower. Having a grab bar to hold on to can greatly reduce the risk of slipping and falling. This is especially important for adults over 65. For them, falling is the leading cause for emergency room visits.

There are two primary types of grab bars: the wall mounted and the portable.

Wall-Mounted Grab Bars

The wall mounted grab bar is a cylindrical bar that is permanently screwed into the shower or bathtub wall. It will help you remain steady while you get into and out of the shower and when you move around in the shower. It will also allow you to raise and lower yourself should you use a shower seat or built-in shower bench.

In the U.S., the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has published minimum standards for grab bars. These include:

Grab bars are available in various lengths and with many finish options including stainless steel, brass, and powder coating. There are also grab bars available for people who weigh more than 250 pounds.

When installing your permanent grab bar, be sure it is solidly attached to the studs in the wall and is well caulked to prevent water from getting inside your shower wall.

Portable Grab Bar
The portable grab bar is a suction or clamp on-type bar. Most have a release lever on both ends that you allow you to easily attach and remove the grab bar. These are ideal for glass shower enclosures and people who live in apartments where you are not permitted to drill into the shower wall.

This type of grab bar is intended for steadying yourself when you get into and out of the shower. It is not intended for raising yourself up or lowering yourself onto a shower seat.

Before attaching the portable grab bar make sure the enclosure surface is smooth, non-porous and free of oils, dirt, or anything else that would prevent a tight fit. Then press firmly down and make sure the release levers are locked in place. Test the bar to be sure it can keep you steady before actually using it.

If the suction cups on these types of grab bars are made of mostly natural rubber, they can be incredibly strong. As long as you prepare the surface properly prior to installation, you should be easily able to use the bar to keep yourself stable when getting in and out of the shower.

Summary
Everyone can benefit from using grab bars in the shower or bathtub, not just seniors or people with disabilities. Using a grab bar can save you a trip or two to the chiropractor, and possibly even the emergency room.

If you are elderly, physically disabled, or handicapped, getting in and out of the shower can often times be a real hassle for you, or at other times, almost completely impossible. The good news for you is that there are now solutions to this problem, as more and more shower basin manufacturers are investing time and money into producing shower stalls that you can more easily get into. They understand the difficulties that you have because of your age or disability, and know that you require a more convenient shower entry option.

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.

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.

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, sliding transfer benches are available that allow easier access to the shower.

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.