Do you have trouble getting around? Do you have a loved one in your life whose mobility is reduced? No need to remind you that the bathroom, even more than the rest, poses particular problems of accessibility. Since the bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, it is sometimes not even a question of entering an armchair there. This can quite simply make a bathroom very difficult to access or even almost unusable – depending on the mobility problems of the person concerned. Fortunately, there are solutions such as adding a ramp, changing to more suitable lighting or even an easier-to-use door handle.
Different disabilities and different accommodation solutions
When it comes to mobility, case by case is preferred as there are different types of disabilities that can make using a bathroom difficult. For some there will be an inability to use their fingers or hands, for others it will be the inability to move around unaided. To find out what a person in a wheelchair will have to do, place a chair in the center of the room and try to identify any areas that could be problematic. For some, it will be the doorknob: grabbing and turning a handle can be extremely difficult if not impossible. In this case, replace the handle with a lever that can be operated by a hand or an arm.
Wheelchair users who have some independence will still need to be able to reach sink taps, light switch(es) and storage areas. The door may also need to be widened to allow easy access for a wheelchair. If the toilet is in the bathroom, it may be appropriate to consider placing it lower, or conversely someone who uses a walker may prefer a higher toilet. In any case, plan some space around it. Make sure you have grab bars to make it easier for the person with reduced mobility (PRM) to get down and get up.
In the tub or shower, grab bars inside and out can help prevent dangerous slips and falls, as can a non-slip mat. Make sure there is a non-slip surface on the outside of the tub or shower, and also watch out for the material of some bath mats that could be easy to trip over. Do not neglect the light: make sure that the whole room is well lit, especially around the toilet and the bathtub.
Zoom on the different bathroom layout solutions for people with reduced mobility
It is essential that people with reduced mobility (PRM) can feel confident in their bathroom. And confidence comes through autonomy. Using the toilet, taking a bath or a shower are part of daily life, actions that many able-bodied people take for granted. However, for people with disabilities, it is not always so simple. Some people need help getting to the bathroom, while others have difficulty getting in and out of the bath or standing in the shower. Luckily, there are a range of mobility aids that can really change the life of you and those around you. Here are a few :
Handrails and support bars
To secure your support, whether you are afraid of slipping in the shower or find it difficult to get up after using the toilet, there are safety bars that can be installed relatively easily. The ideal is to choose a fixing system adapted to your wall. Attached securely to your wall mount, the support and grab bars are safe to grab and use.
bath lift
Do you dream of a good bath to relieve yourself and soothe your pain, especially in the joints? If you are a person with reduced mobility (PRM), you know full well that getting in and out of a traditional bath can be very difficult. Luckily, there are bath lifts with an electric mechanism that can be fitted to standard bathtubs to make getting in and out easier. With a bath lift, users can lower themselves into the tub and rise again with the press of a button, reducing the need for a third party to assist them. This system is ideal for someone who has very limited mobility or no mobility at all.
Walk-in showers
The walk-in shower is reminiscent of modern, designer bathrooms. She has become very popular. And you can have one installed, since its principle is to be wider than average and open to the bathroom. In general, it is installed on one level, which allows you better accessibility. Indulge yourself with this equipment, which will make your bathroom “wow” effect. Combine design and practicality: a small victory, right?
shower seat
It is difficult for you to stand up when you shower and even more so to hold the shower head in your hand? A shower seat could allow you to wash without fatigue. It is an inexpensive answer to this exact problem. There are stools, seats that adapt to the bathtub, seats to be fixed to the wall, which you can fold up when you no longer need them. All of these shower seats are easy to clean and can really relieve your shower time.
Booster seat for the toilet
If you find it difficult to get up after using the toilet because it is too low for your comfort, it is possible to purchase a specialized seat to put on top of the regular toilet seat to give it more height. Take action to make your life easier.