Updating bathrooms to be handicap accessible is really important for aging homeowners or people with disabilities. The CDC reports that one out of every four older people fall every year and 80% of those falls take place in the bathroom. And 19% of households in the U.S. have people with mobility disabilities living in them, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
There are a few options for getting a bathroom ready for a senior citizen or a handicapped person. These tips and ideas are mostly based on ADA compliance requirements for any public handicap accessible restroom.
Floorspace & Doors
The bathroom should have plenty of clear floor space so that it’s easy to move around. Remove any tripping hazards and spread the toilet, shower, and sink out so that there’s plenty of space between each of them as well. Storage space should be easily accessible, low and open. The shower opening and the bathroom door opening should be wide enough for a wheelchair to move through, at least 32 inches.
Showers & Tubs
Avoid using slick materials for the floors and shower walls. Install grab bars, push/pull faucet handles and a removable shower head with a long hose, about 60 inches, in the shower. Making a walk-in shower curbless creates wheelchair accessibility and reduces the possibility of tripping. Adding built-in seating can be helpful as well. Another option is a walk-in or safety tub. A safety tub is a bathtub with seating and an airtight door, allowing someone to walk directly into the tub. It’s specifically designed for people with mobility issues to safely enjoy a bath.
Toilets & Sinks
Adjust toilet height and install grab bars next to it. An ADA compliant toilet is at least 60 inches wide, 16 to 18 inches from the side wall, and 17 to 19 inches from the ground. Adjust sink height and install push/pull or motion sensor sink handles as well as easy to use soap dispensers. An ADA compliant sink is hung on the wall at least 34 inches from the ground and has 27 to 30 inches in width and 11 to 25 inches in depth of empty space underneath it for knee room.
Accessory Fixtures
Install motion sensor lights or bigger toggle switches and adjust the height of them. Install an adjustable tilting mirror above the sink. Adjust the height of any towel racks and any other wall hanging accessories.
Conclusion
Even if you aren’t in need of these accessibility features now, “aging in place” has become a common practice for aging people. Aging in place is staying in your own house as you age. This gives older people comfort and independence as long as possible. Prepping a house for aging should be done early for anyone who would like to remain in their own home as they grow older.
Handicap Bathroom Remodeling in Lutz, FL
If you are looking for more information on what you can do to make your bathroom a handicap accessible space, talk to a bathroom remodeling specialists like HRC Remodeling, a top rated bath company in Lutz with over 400 bathrooms under their belt. Start today!
HRC Remodeling
https://homeresolutionconsultants.com/tampa/tampa-service-areas/lutz
14502 N Dale Mabry Hwy State, Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33618
727-436-9061
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