As more and more people choose aging in place, there is an increased demand for bathrooms that accommodate seniors with limited mobility. At FM Pro Remodeling, we have a few suggestions on bathroom remodeling for accessibility.
Before an Aging in Place Remodel, the Bathroom is Handicapped
There are many things to consider when starting accessible bathroom remodels. One of the most important is the floor itself: is it strong enough to support the combined weight of a person and a wheelchair? Before starting your remodel, it’s best to have the floor checked for any issues. Another possible issue may be the plumbing; can a wheelchair turn around in the space provided with all fixtures in their current locations, or will you need to move the fixtures to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and canes? Bathroom remodeling for accessible living is more than simply installing a few grab bars outside the shower. Bathrooms for the disabled must be compliant according to the ADA’s most recent standards. The FM Pro Remodeling team is happy to help! We ensure that your bathroom is compliant with all ADA guidelines and safe for aging in place.
Accessible Flooring
Now that you have had the subfloor tested for strength, it is time to look at the materials used on the floor itself. Here are some questions to ask: is the threshold into the bathroom low enough to prevent trips and to allow wheelchairs easy access into the room? What type of material is the floor made of? Is the shower floor a non-slip surface? As you look at the flooring, make careful note of any issues in relation to slips, trips, and non-access. All accessible bathroom remodels should include a survey of the floor.
Wide Doors
Most interior residential doors are only about 24” to 30″ wide. To accommodate a wheelchair, the door will have to be widened to 34-36”. One great option is a pocket door . No need to make adjustments in the bathroom or hallway for the door’s swing.
Safe Walk In Tub and Custom Walk In Showers
Typically bathroom for aging in place will either eliminate the tub completely in order to build a roll in shower for wheelchair accessibility, or include a walk in tub and step in shower. This is another place to be sure that the flooring is the same height with no threshold. Installing grab bars according to ADA guidelines and single hand faucets will help to keep the bathroom safe for everyone. For those who need help bathing and showering, the tub and/or shower will need to be large enough to accommodate two persons.
Accessible Sink and Mirror
You may really like the storage in a vanity under the sink, but it will not accommodate a wheelchair. This will have to be replaced with either a pedestal sink, or a wall mounted sink aka floating sink. The sink fixtures can be single faucet, automatic control, or foot pedal. Using the single faucet allows the person to keep their other hand available for stability. Mirrors must be lowered, or an angle mirror must be installed.
Safe and Accessible Toilet and Grab Bars
The ADA recommends that a toilet be 17-19” high. This makes it much easier for those with limited mobility to sit and rise from the toilet. There must also be enough room around the toilet for grab bars so the person can move from wheelchair to toilet and back. An often overlooked consideration is the placement of the toilet paper roll. A recessed toilet paper roll holder would works much better than a stand on the floor where it could easily tangle up in a cane and cause a fall.
Storage
Because of the need for a lot of floor space, as well as the possible need to accommodate someone confined to a wheelchair, storage space should be designed with these considerations in mind. Storage is best when built into the wall, such as recessed shelving or a niche in the shower, and additional recessed storage near the sink. More storage accessible storage is needed for items like towels, spare toilet paper, and medications.
There are many things to take into consideration when planning an ADA-compliant bathroom remodel. No matter if you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional like FM Pro Remodeling, keep in mind that safety comes first in every aspect of an accessible bathroom remodeling project. Our team is happy to help our neighbors with every phase of their aging in place remodeling project, and to help ensure that your loved ones have a safe and successful transition to aging in place. Call Us or Text Us today at (812) 944-6383 with any questions, or for a free consultation about your accessible bathroom. You can also visit our Contact Us page to send an email.
