Walk In Showers for the Disabled

If you have an elderly or disabled person in your household, it would really help them a lot if you have a walk in shower installed in your bathroom. These types of showers are simple and very convenient to use. Building one may require some work, though, since it may involve extensive renovation in your part. A disabled-friendly home is a loving home, and this article will provide several helpful tips in making a shower room that’s perfect for your disabled loved one.

First off, handicapped showers should be spacious and breathable enough for your loved one to move around. If he or she uses a wheelchair, you need a shower floor space big enough for one to fit in. To create a more spacious shower, you could remove the bathtub and other fixtures that a disabled person doesn’t need. You can then convert the extra space into an additional floor space for the shower.

All fixtures, like knobs, handles and shower extensions should be placed at least within reach of a disabled person. Fixtures for a wheelchair-bound person should be lower than usual. In addition, make sure that the knobs are easy to turn on and off. It is best to avoid using different knobs to control the water temperature. This would protect your loved one from accidental scalding. If necessary, have a safety knob that can quickly stop the flow of water.

Make sure that your walk in shower has a fast-working drainage system. Water should drain quickly and completely to avoid spills and accidents. It may require larger pipes or multiple drains to do the job. Talk to your plumber on how to enhance your shower’s drainage.

Flooring for your shower is also important. If you can, avoid using tiles altogether, as they are slippery and can cause quite an inconvenience for the disabled. If tiles can’t be avoided, place a slip-proof rubber mat on the floor. You can also use other flooring materials like concrete or waterproof wood.