Elderly or disabled people find it difficult to use traditional bathrooms with standard bathtubs and toilet seats. There is also the fear of slipping on the bathroom floor or tripping over decorative bathroom knick-knacks. With a few bathroom modifications, such as adding a barrier free shower, you can make your bathroom more handicap accessible. The modified bathroom can be used by handicapped family members independently without requiring much help from caregivers. This offers them privacy and a comfortable bathing experience.

Regular bathtubs are also tough to navigate for people with diminished motor abilities and they need specially designed tubs such as ADA (Americans with Disability Act) compliant tubs for safety and ease of use.

Features of ADA compliant tubs

Grab rails: Strong grab rails which enable the user to hold on to them while getting in or out of the tubs are mandatory. These grab rails are secured to the wall and are designed to support the full weight of the person. The grab rails are fixed at angles that make it convenient for the user to hold on easily. ADA guidelines strongly recommend the presence of grab rails in all bathtubs for handicapped or elderly people.

Seating: The seating should be provided such that users can lower themselves into the bathtub and make their way out of it easily. Ample amount of space should be left between the bathtub and the seating area. This seat is fixed securely to prevent slipping.

Showerheads: ADA suggests the use of detachable showerheads that could be used as hand showers. This would help the user to shower without having to move from his secure position when he/she is seated. A shower without seating is a potential ground for injuries as the chances of slipping are quite high.

Controls and faucets: The controls and faucets should be within the easy reach of the user. They should be able to operate these from their seating area in the tub. They shouldn’t be complicated to operate and should be designed keeping the limitations of the end user in mind. Extendable hoses make it convenient for the user to reach all body parts without a struggle.

Other options you can consider

If you do not have sufficient space to fit in an ADA compliant bathtub in your bathroom, there are other alternatives you can consider. Installing a barrier free shower can be the first step towards a more secure bathroom. This kind of shower comes without the curb that generally restricts easy movement in case of the elderly and the handicapped. This curb-less shower can be used independently as it does not have an obstacle. It is wheelchair-friendly allowing the person to wheel himself in and out of the shower easily.

While a barrier free shower is widely recommended, the trickling of water onto the bathroom floor can pose safety threats. The lack of a curb enables easy flow of water onto the outside floor and this problem can be solved using ramps or collapsible water dams that curb the flow of water. Once you ensure that there is no water flowing outside, the shower stall can be used safely.

Author Bio: For more information on ada showers or ada shower pan contact an accessibility expert at BarrierFree.org.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: handicap bathroom, walk in bath tub, handicapped accessories