Tips for Accessible Bathrooms

Redesigning a bathroom to accommodate your lifestyle is a unique and personalized art. Since everyone is different, you should always work with a remodeling company that prioritizes your unique situation over cheap, cookie-cutter solutions.

Here at WalkInTubs.Com, we specialize in providing highly personalized accessible bathroom remodels in the community. Since going into business in 2006, we have worked with countless homeowners to create high-quality designs that are unique to their practical needs, style, and budget. 

Above all, we prioritize you and your family’s safety and comfort. On that note, we recommend taking a look at the following tips for making your bathroom more accessible: 

Widening Doorways

Standard doorways are typically too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs and other pieces of safety equipment. Most homes have internal doors between 24 to 32 inches wide.

On the other hand, accessible doorways should be a minimum of 32 inches wide but as wide as 36 inches near corners and hallways. Roll-in showers are usually a minimum of 30 inches wide and 60 inches deep.

Updating the layout

Many bathrooms, especially in older homes, have layouts that are not friendly to people using wheelchairs and walkers. An accessible bathroom will space out key features of the room such as the doorway, toilet, sink, and tub to maintain a comfortable turning radius between them.

There should also be enough space to allow for the wheelchair to be parked while someone is using the tub or shower. 

Adding accessible features to the bathtub and shower 

Traditional tubs and showers are a major source of accidents and injuries in the home. It is of the utmost importance that bath fixtures are designed to meet the physical needs of the individuals using them. That’s why WalkInTubs.Com provides a wide range of accessible bath and shower models in addition to optional features like grab bars and built-in seating.

For example, roll-in showers feature a curb-free design and wide space for residents in wheelchairs. Walk-in tubs are popular with aging residents because they feature a convenient door, contoured seating, and a hand-held shower head for comfortable bathing.

Whatever your living situation, WalkInTubs.Com has the perfect combination of features to make your routine safe and enjoyable. 

Install anti-slip flooring

Flooring can also be a source of slips and falls – especially in the bathroom where floors are prone to getting wet and slippery. We recommend using slip-resistant flooring to add traction and make balance easier. We also carry anti-slip shower and bath bases to reduce the likelihood of falling while bathing. Anti-slip bathroom flooring comes in a variety of different styles, materials, and colors to match your decor and lend an overall sense of harmony to the design.  

Making sinks and vanities accessible 

Traditional sinks feature cabinet storage which impedes roll-up access for wheelchairs and can be positioned too low for seniors to use comfortably. 

At WalkInTubs.Com, we usually recommend alternatives like pedestal sinks or open-front vanities that allow residents to comfortably use a wheelchair or walker while at the sink. We sometimes also recommend sinks with sensors or touch designs to make activation easy.  

Choose WalkInTubs.Com for Safe Accessible Bathrooms

The remodeling team at WalkInTubs.Com will ensure you have all the most up-to-date accessible bathroom safety tips. Whether you are looking to completely revamp the space or simply replace your old tub or shower with an accessible unit, we will make sure you get the best possible service. 

Since 2006, we have partnered with homeowners to help them remodel their bathrooms with safety, comfort, and accessibility in mind. If you would like to see examples of our work, feel free to check out our curated gallery page. 

And for any questions you have about accessible bathroom safety, give us a call at 833-928-5135 or simply reach out via the form on our website. WalkInTubs.Com is your accessible bathroom remodeler in the neighborhood!