For people with disabilities, navigating a bathroom can be a daunting task, but the good news is that there are now abundant options to significantly improve accessibility. Thanks to advancements in technology and home customisation, it’s possible to enhance the functionality of your bathroom while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Focus on products that are made for people with disabilities, modifications to your existing room, and custom designs so that they fit in with your lifestyle.
Always allow for more space
It’s essential for people with disabilities to have enough room to move around, especially if they use mobility aids. Arrange your bathroom with plenty of space and ensure that everything is easily accessible. Pay attention to the entrance too. Consider using swing-away hinges, getting rid of doorsteps, or installing a header bracket to provide enough space. These adjustments not only improve accessibility in the bathroom but also make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate smoothly.
Have non-slip flooring
The primary worry for people with disabilities when entering a bathroom is the risk of slipping on wet floors. To significantly diminish the likelihood of falls and ensure a safe bathroom experience, consider incorporating non-slip flooring or using anti-slip mats. It’s important, though, to ensure that the flooring is securely installed and sourced from a reputable retailer, guaranteeing both effectiveness and reliability in preventing accidents. Taking these precautions not only enhances safety but also promotes confidence and independence in using the bathroom.
Install grab rails
Installing grab rails around the bathroom will give you something to hold onto to provide stability as you move around the room. They are quick and easy to install and will be a game-changer for anyone with a disability. They’re also great for those in wheelchairs who need something to hold onto when transferring to a bath, shower, or toilet.
Install motion-activated lighting
Motion-activated lighting means that the light will come on the moment you enter the bathroom, which is not only great for your energy consumption, but also gives you one less thing to worry about when you’re using the bathroom at night.
Include a walk-in shower
Walk-in showers are a great idea for people with disability, but just as good for those without. Without any steps, they’re a lot safer to use, and they’re usually a lot more spacious than traditional showers. A frosted moveable screen will ensure that water doesn’t splash to other areas of the bathroom and will also give you adequate privacy.
Use a bath bench
Even those who can stand in the shower might not be able to stand for long periods at a time. Having a bath bench handy is great for when you need a break from standing. If you don’t want the bath bench to get in the way, get one that can be easily folded away so that it doesn’t clutter the room.
Making your bathroom more accessible will completely change your life. You can customise your designs to suit your current bathroom and add or change whatever you need to make your life easier.
We Can Come To You
Here at Equip U, we specialise in a wide range of cutting-edge products designed to improve the mobility of everyday Australians. Our point of difference is that we don’t just stock mobility scooters and other accessories, but we also offer in-home trials to residents who live in Queensland. We believe that access to these types of products shouldn’t be limited based on where you live, and being NDIS registered, we can provide funding options as well. Give us a call today!
