If you or your loved ones use a wheelchair for mobility, there might be problems in everyday tasks. It does not feel great to be dependent on others, especially in personal places like bathrooms. That’s why people buy wheelchair accessible bathtubs and design their bathrooms accordingly to make personal hygiene, grooming, and shower experience more convenient and enjoyable.

When it comes to designing wheelchair accessible bathrooms, you need to remember several necessities that can improve the bathroom experience of disabled people. The ultimate goal is to design the bathroom in a manner that ensures safety and comfortability.

Here are five necessities that you need to consider when designing wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

1.  Wheelchair Accessible Bathtubs

It’s necessary to install accessible bathtubs when designing accessible bathrooms for the disabled. These bathtubs are also known as walk-in bathtubs. The benefit of these tubs is that you don’t need to climb in and out of the bathtub. You can easily walk in and out.

The design of the wheelchair accessible bathtubs contains a deep cut where a waterproof door is attached. In addition to the bathtub, you can also provide an accessible shower to the bathtub. This way, the bathing experience becomes more enjoyable and comfortable.

2.  Toilet Accessibility

One of the main features of the bathroom is the toilet. Installing wheelchair accessible bathtubs is important. Similarly, toilet accessibility is also essential. The toilet seat should be 17 to 19 inches high because it feels comfortable to transfer from a wheelchair to a toilet seat.

In addition to the toilet seats, you also should consider the necessities, such as toilet paper, medical equipment, and various sanitary products. Make sure you keep them at a distance where one can easily reach without moving from the place.

3.  Sink and Vanity Accessibility

Another essential bathroom fixture is sink accessibility. For wheelchair accessible bathrooms, the sink should be mounted to the wall with no cabinet beneath. This way, people can access the sink by standing as well as by sitting in a wheelchair.

In addition, it’s better to install single-hand faucets. This way, it’s easy to adjust the sink without twisting or grabbing the tap. However, a sensor-based faucet can be an ideal option for this condition.

Make sure you provide vanity accessibility for wheelchair accessible bathrooms. For this situation, the vanities should be extra-long, lower in place, or tilt mirrors that everyone can use.

4.  Quality Lighting

High-quality lighting is necessary for bathroom safety. Make sure you plan the lights in a manner that they spread in the entire bathroom without any major shadows.

In addition, make sure you install the light switches in the lower position of the wall. This way, people can easily access them by sitting in a wheelchair. However, for people who cannot reach switches, motion-activated lights can be useful.

5.  General Access and Safety

For handicap-accessible bathrooms, it’s important to ensure general access and safety. For instance, wide space can help in mobility. Necessities, such as soap, face wash, toothbrush, and other sanity products, should be kept in a position where one can easily access.

The Bottom Line

When designing a bathroom for the disabled, make sure you install wheelchair accessible bathtubs, sink, and toilets. In addition, it’s also necessary to ensure general access and safety by installing quality lights and keeping necessities in the lower position.