11 Bathroom Adaptations for the Elderly and Disabled
An adapted bathroom is a bathroom that creates a more accessible space for those who are less mobile, disabled or elderly. Whether you’ve been advised to make adaptations to your bathroom, or you’re just looking to ‘future proof’ it, we can help.
Whether you’ve been advised to make adaptations to your bathroom, or you’re just looking to ‘future proof’ it, at Lacey Plumbing & Heating, our adaptations are a great way to have a safer, easy to use bathroom.
What is an adapted bathroom?
An adapted bathroom is a bathroom that has had a series of adaptations made to it to create a more accessible space for those who are less mobile, disabled or elderly.
A lot of people choose to have these adaptations fitted to ‘future proof’ their homes, to ensure that they can still bathe comfortably when times become more difficult.
How can a bathroom be set up for the elderly?
One of the most popular types of adapted bathroom designs include level access showers. This type of shower does not have a tray to step into, making them extremely safe and easy for the elderly to use.
Bathrooms can also be transformed into wet rooms, which help to maximise floor space for those who use wheelchairs or require assistance while walking.
Other types of setups include:
How can a bathroom be set up for those with disabilities?
Similar to bathrooms designed for the elderly, those with disabilities can benefit from bathrooms which allow for level access to everything, such as showers and taps.
Common types of bathroom set ups for those with disabilities include walk-in showers with shower seats, easy to use taps and raised toilets.
Some other useful features include:
By making adaptations to bathrooms, both elderly and disabled people can continue to do all of their everyday tasks independently.
5 bathroom adaptations for the elderly
There are a few different adaptations that can be made to a bathroom in order to make everyday life easier for the elderly.
Walk-in showers:
As we’ve mentioned, changing the shower to a walk-in design is a great way to remove the chance of trips or falls since the shower floor surface is completely flat.
Features of a walk-in shower include anti-slip flooring, shower seats, easy thermostat control and ultra-low access floors.
Grab Rails:
Grab rails can help you remain steady on your feet and are a quick and easy method to make your bathroom more accessible.
Textured models can be made for areas like a shower or bath to provide extra grip, and they are also available as toilet surrounds too.
Fold down seats:
Fold down seats are ideal for those who struggle to stand for long periods of time. They are fixed to the shower wall and can be easily folded up/down as and when needed.
Baths with lifts:
If you aren’t able to use a standard walk-in bath, but still want the luxury of a bath, a bath lift is perfect for you. Bath lifts are power operated devices that help lift and lower you in and out of the bath.
Walk-in baths:
Like walk-in showers, walk-in baths make it easier to get in and out by removing the need to step down into them. The use of a door and the higher sides make them easy to get in and out of.
Due to their design, they are much safer for the elderly, making the bathroom a much safer and relaxing environment.
Speak to us about your Bathroom Adaptation
6 bathroom adaptations for the disabled
Depending on your disability, your bathroom can be adapted in a variety of ways to make bathing much more accessible.
Adaptations for wheelchair users
Height adjustable sinks
In some bathrooms, it can be a challenge to comfortably use the sink, which is why traditional sinks can be replaced with floating or height adjusting sinks.
Floating sinks have free space below them, meaning that you can comfortably fit your wheelchair underneath.
Sliding doors
Doors are often something which are overlooked when it comes to making a bathroom more accessible.
Sliding doors are much easier to use for those in wheelchairs, and they require much less effort to open/close and lock.
Adaptations for visually impaired people
High contrast taps and tiling
If you’re visually impaired, then contrasting taps and tiles can help you move around your bathroom easily.
For example, you could use a white tap and sink against black tiles to help you to locate the sink.
Voice activated shower
This is a higher spec adaptation for those with visual impairments. Also known as smart showers, voice activated showers allow you to control your showers temperature and pressure.
General mobility aids and adaptations
Emergency pull strings
Emergency pull strings are strategically placed cords that act as an easy way to call for assistance. They’re particularly useful aids to have next to baths and showers, since when they’re pulled, the string will alert caregivers.
Height powered toilets
Height powered toilets automatically elevate and lower your lower body, making them ideal for those with limited mobility. Additional elements can be added too, such as height powered arm rests.
At Lacey Plumbing & Heating, we offer the best rates for disabled users, ensuring that we provide the best prices possible. Read our dedicated service page to find out more about bathroom adaptation services.
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