What design elements make a bathroom accessible or wheelchair-friendly? Mobility remodeling specialist DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Huntsville shares five key features to look for.
Important Features for Accessibility
1. A Wide Doorway
For wheelchair users to easily roll in and out of the bathroom, the doorway should be wider than the standard width, which is around 23 to 27 inches. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessible doorways should have a clear width of 32 inches from the door’s face to the opposite stop. The door itself should be lightweight so it can be opened and closed with minimal effort, and no threshold should block the entrance.
2. Grab Bars
Grab bars or rails are another basic requirement for accessible bathrooms. This feature assists people who have difficulty sitting down, experience balance problems while seated or simply need help standing up and transferring back to their wheelchair or walker.
3. An Easy-to-Use Tap
An easy-to-use tap is beneficial for arthritis sufferers and other individuals with decreased grip strength because it does not require much force to operate, providing comfort and independence. When planning a bathroom renovation, consider installing a fixture with a single lever instead of a twisting knob. Also, this can better control the flow and temperature of the water.
4. A Raised Toilet Seat
Toilet seats are available in different heights and come with or without handles. The ADA states that accessible toilets must be 17 to 19 inches from the floor, including the seat. It should be high enough so that sitting down and standing up are not excessively difficult for people with reduced mobility. A user’s feet should rest flat on the floor. Models with comfortably padded handles also provide extra leverage, support and stability.
5. Sufficient Space
Perhaps the most critical feature of an accessible bathroom is adequate space. The bathroom should be spacious enough to accommodate mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, crutches and walkers. Ideally, extra space should be allotted on both sides of the toilet. The sink should have extra room underneath so that wheelchair users can comfortably roll up to it.
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You can count on DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Huntsville for a professional and hassle-free interior renovation experience, including Independence by Design™ bathroom remodel services. Let our skilled team of designers and installers help you realize your dream bath! Call (256) 670-1834 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve the residents of Huntsville and the surrounding communities of Gurley, Owens Cross Roads, Triana and more.
