How to ensure your home and bath is wheelchair accessible
Disabilities can occur at anytime due to accidents or illness. At such times we may have to use a walker or wheelchair to get around. Also as we age our mobility gets reduced and we may need to use mobility aids like canes, electric scooters or wheelchairs for varying durations of time.
The obstacles for wheelchair users
However getting around a wheelchair can become a challenge especially in cramped places. The bathroom is one such place which is difficult to access. The bathroom door is often narrow while the interior is not spacious enough for the wheelchair to turn around.
Steps are another obstacle for which a ramp needs to be provided. The ramp should not be too steep which would require the wheelchair user to take the aid of another person. To avoid these obstacles your home needs to be designed keeping in mind the future needs of its occupants
Making the bathroom a risk-free area
The bathroom is one of the riskiest places where a number of accidents can take place. Modifications to the bathroom will make it a safer place for people using a wheelchair.
To begin with, the doorway should be at least 36'' in width to enable the wheelchair to enter easily without requiring extensive turning.
The interior needs to have sufficient space for the wheelchair user to make a turn. A point to be noted; wheelchair requires at least 60" in diameter to make a 180 degree turn.
Having a bath
The bathtub is the next place that needs to be looked at. Transferring from a wheelchair to a bathtub can prove to be hazardous. A walk-in bathtub is the best option which along with a transfer bench makes it easier for a person to shift from the wheelchair to the bathtub. Grab bars should be installed around the bathtub for convenience and safety.
Taking a shower
For people who prefer a shower, a wheelchair that can be utilized as a shower chair is ideal.
These bathroom wheelchairs are designed to be waterproof and built with a strong metal frame for increased stability. Also the material used is quick-drying and rust-proof ensuring long term durability. Further upholstered seats enable the user to sit comfortably without any fear of slipping.
The shower space should be spacious and a curb with a ramp is a better option than a shower cubicle.
Using the toilet
Toilets are another place where one needs to take proper precautions. Often the toilet seat is situated at a lower height as compared to the wheelchair. This makes it difficult to transfer from the wheelchair to the toilet and may cause one to lose balance.
One way to avoid this is by raising the toilet seat with an externally affixed toilet seat. Another option which is still more convenient is the bath or toilet wheelchair which can be converted to function as a commode. This ensures that you can use the toilet independently.
Sinks and faucets should be installed to allow wheelchair access with sufficient space and at an optimum height. Last but not the least, no bathroom is complete without grab bars which provide support and stability. These safety rails are useful for everyone and all bathrooms need to have the bars installed around the bathtub, shower, toilet and any other place where necessary.
