4 Ways You Can Make Your Shower Wheelchair Accessible
Making a shower wheelchair accessible can be daunting, but it’s necessary if you or a loved one is living with limited mobility. Whether you plan to install a rolling shower chair or make it easier to enter and exit the shower, you can take a few simple steps to make your shower wheelchair accessible. In this post, we’ll provide four tips you can use to make your shower wheelchair accessible in no time.
From adding a handicap-height toilet to installing a shower chair, these simple steps will make your shower much more accessible for those with limited mobility. We’ll also discuss the importance of creating an accessible bathroom and how to protect against slips and falls. Read on to learn more.
Evaluating Your Accessibility Needs
To make your shower more accessible, evaluate the user’s needs and the shower’s parameters. This process involves assessing the size of the space and identifying any necessary support bars.
When assessing the size of the shower, measure the distance from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, and consider any obstacles that may interfere with entering or exiting the shower. Make sure there is enough space for the wheelchair to turn and access all shower areas safely. If necessary, remove any objects that may restrict movement.
Install support bars within easy reach from both sides of the shower entrance and exit. These bars must be securely installed in walls or floors that can support the weight of the user’s body when pulling or pushing themselves onto or off a chair.
Installing Shower Chairs
Shower chairs are an ideal solution for providing safe access to individuals who use wheelchairs in bathrooms. These chairs offer a sturdy surface for sitting or transferring from a wheelchair onto a shower transfer bench or into a tub.
Different varieties of shower chairs are available, ranging from lightweight folding models to heavier, more durable models with padded seat cushions and additional features like reclining backrests and adjustable footrests. Choose a model that meets your needs by providing stability and comfort in your shower area.
When selecting a chair for your bathroom area, consider how well it will fit into your existing space and how easy it is to maneuver. Consider any special requirements, such as the need for armrests or extra padding, to ensure comfort for someone who uses a wheelchair regularly.
Most models require minimal assembly and can fit near your bathtub or sink fixtures with minimal effort. It’s essential to check your local building codes to ensure you comply with all regulations regarding bathroom fixture installations in your area before proceeding with any installation projects.
Installing Transfer Benches
A transfer bench is a crucial addition to any bathroom if someone who uses a wheelchair regularly will be using the bathtub or shower area. It bridges the gap between sitting in a wheelchair and entering the bathtub.
A transfer bench typically consists of an adjustable seat and an attached swing-out arm that extends over either side of the tub or shower entrance to allow for a safe transition from one surface to another.
When selecting a transfer bench for installation in your bathroom, consider whether you prefer one with an adjustable seat height, which could make it easier for someone with limited coordination and strength.
Before installing a transfer bench, measure the space where you want it to go. Most options come pre-drilled with holes for wall-mounted or floor-mounted installations, but some may require additional holes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding specific measurements and hole size details before beginning installation.
Making Your Shower Barrier-free
If you want to make your bathroom more accessible, installing aids like chairs and transfer benches might not be enough. Consider making it barrier-free by installing walk-in showers or widening doorways, among other things.
Walk-in showers have removable barrier walls and no doors, making it easy for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues to enter and exit without tripping hazards. Low-profile threshold pans are available for wheelchair users, and grab bars should be installed near entrances and exits for added safety.
Wide doorways are also important for accessibility. Wider entrances allow for easier wheelchair access and caregiver assistance. Consider removing trimming around door frames to widen doorways, but always check local building codes first.
Conclusion
Making your shower wheelchair accessible can seem overwhelming, but you can do it quickly and easily with the right resources and information. By assessing your needs, installing the appropriate shower chairs, transfer benches, walk-in showers, and widening doorways, you can create a safe, accessible bathroom area for those with limited mobility. The four tips outlined in this post should provide all the information you need to start making your shower wheelchair accessible. Always check with local building codes before beginning installation projects, and practice safe, slip-resistant habits when using your bathroom.