Adjustments you can make to your bathroom to make it more mobility friendly

There are many reasons why you might want your bathroom to be more mobility-friendly. Redesigning the space in this way makes it easier for your elderly parents or other relatives to use, for people who have disabilities, and also if you have suffered an injury that makes certain activities more challenging. However, if you have never considered this issue before, it can be difficult to know exactly where to begin. Here are some suggestions to get you started, and help you to create a luxurious bathroom that’s comfortable for everyone to use.

Showering and bathing

One of the main areas that can cause difficulties in the bathroom is the bath or shower itself. Luckily there are specialist companies such as beautifulbathroom.net that can install accessible baths and showers which anyone can use. These include walk-in baths that are fully watertight, minimalist wet rooms that have no enclosure around the shower to make entering and exiting much easier, detachable shower heads, and shower seats that enable you to sit down while washing. Another option is to have a thermostatic shower system put in, which prevents dramatic fluctuations in water temperature. This is a great addition to a family bathroom, as it means you don’t need to worry about children getting scalded when showering alone.

Sinks and toilets

These days it’s possible to install accessible toilets that are situated higher up than normal ones, thus making it easier for older people to sit down and stand up. They can also include larger flush buttons, which are simpler to push, or those that can be operated with your feet. Some also feature grab rails on either side to make them more convenient to use. When it comes to washbasins, a large part of accessibility is the style of taps you have. Levers are generally more suitable than ones that require you to twist them, and again floor buttons that can be operated with your feet are also available. There are even sinks which are height adjustable for extra convenience. For people who use wheelchairs, a basin that curves inwards rather than out can also be a big help.

Accessories

If you don’t have the budget for these sorts of large changes, there are many smaller adjustments you can make for a more mobility-friendly bathroom. The most obvious of these is installing handrails on the wall next to your bath, shower and toilet. Nowadays these come in many different sizes, colors and materials, so you’re sure to find the right ones to suit your bathroom design. Another excellent idea is to put down non-slip mats on the floor, as well as inside the bath and shower cubicle. These can be an effective way to prevent falls. For those with children or elderly parents, a soft-close toilet seat and lid can also be helpful at preventing loud bangs (or trapped fingers) if users lose their grip. Likewise a motion sensor light can reduce the risk of older people falling in the dark when using the bathroom at night.

Design and accessibility can go hand in hand.