A fully accessible home is a must when a loved one relies on a mobility aid. Having a well-planned bathroom is more than just a thoughtful touch—it’s a safety essential since this room is where the majority of slips and falls happen. Luckily, building a new home allows you to design a bathroom with safety and accessibility in mind. Below, we’ll outline some important features to include.
A spacious bathroom might sound like a luxury, but it’s a valuable accommodation for someone who uses a wheelchair. The doorway and layout of all fixtures should provide enough width for a chair or other mobility device to turn easily. Doorways need to be at least 32 inches wide, and there should be at least 60 inches of clearance in the bathroom itself. That’s how much space a wheelchair needs to turn either 180 or 360 degrees.
In addition to thinking about how the fixtures occupy floor space, you should also consider the height of sinks and any cabinets that someone may need to reach from a seated position. Sinks should be no higher than 34 inches off the ground and ideally have at least 29 inches of space beneath the sink for someone with a wheelchair to be positioned under.
One of the most important bathroom safety features is also one of the simplest to install. Grab bars provide support and stability as someone transfers from a wheelchair onto a toilet or needs help sitting and standing. Grab bars should be firmly alongside the wall nearest to the toilet and in other areas that can be slippery or difficult to navigate, like the bathtub or shower stall. Use stainless steel or another material that will stay durable for years of repeated use.
It may seem like all toilets are the same, but they actually come in a variety of heights and sizes. Handicap-accessible toilets are designed to ease the process of lowering onto and getting up from the seat. This means they typically are a different height than standard toilets. Raised toilets also have the added benefit of producing less strain on the back and knees, so they can be beneficial to people of every ability level, especially if you’re designing a home that accommodates aging in place.
Additionally, it may be wise to opt for a toilet with buttons rather than a handle for the flush mechanism. The placement at the top of the tank cover and push functionality are often easier to use for people with dexterity challenges.
Starting or ending your day with a hot shower is one of the great pleasures of life. Thankfully, it’s easy to modify a shower to be safer for individuals with difficulty standing or moving. Textured flooring provides some slip resistance, and a stable shower seat gives people the option to sit for comfort and added safety. Built-in benches and wall-mounted foldable seats are two such options. Built-in benches can be made of stone or tile to integrate with the rest of the shower surround, while the wall-mounted seats should be made of durable plastic or teak to ensure it is sturdy and water-resistant.
If you prefer to install a roll-in shower, which is designed to accommodate a wheelchair, the ADA requires the stall to be at least 36 inches by 36 inches. Additionally, the shower curb or lip should be no higher than half an inch.
Falls in the bathroom can happen to anyone, and the bathroom is a particularly problematic area because of built-up moisture from steam or water puddles from the shower. Choose flooring such as ceramic or vinyl, and install shower or tub mats or grips to prevent falls. Look for mats with non-skid backings to prevent ripples that can cause someone to trip.
Since wheelchairs need a specific amount of space to turn, you don’t want to lose valuable floor space to the door’s arc. Make sure the door hinges open away from the bathroom or install a pocket door that slides into an opening in the wall. Door handles are also easier to use than knobs since they can be lifted or pushed down easily. Knobs require both gripping and twisting, which can be difficult for some people.
Locks are commonly added to bathroom doors for privacy, but it might not be the right choice for your family if someone needs assistance or experiences an emergency. If you choose to have a lock on the door, look for a push-button that pops open when the door handle is deployed from the inside instead of a lock that requires turning a key-like mechanism.
Light switches should be installed at a level where someone can easily reach them from a seated position, and any fixtures near mirrors should illuminate the sink and countertop without creating shadows that can make the vanity difficult to use.
Bright overhead lighting makes it easy to see all areas of the bathroom, including the shower area, to ensure your family has adequate visibility. If someone drops something in the shower or finds a puddle of water on the floor, then being able to see it can help prevent them from slipping.
Designing an accessible bathroom doesn’t have to be hard. We offer different floor plans with accessible designs. As Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), we will ensure the home of your dreams is also a safe and accessible one for everyone you love.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 26 locations in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award-winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.