Bathroom remodeling for a physical disability

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Debilitating accidents, illness and old age can lead to major changes for families. One of the many changes to expect is the need to make a home accessible for a physically handicapped person. The most challenging project is bathroom remodeling for a physical disability.

As the population ages, more people will develop some sort of physical limitation in their lifetimes. As such, special products like showers, tubs, toilets and sinks are needed in order to provide access to these individuals. Bathroom remodeling for a physical disability is a common form of residential renovation. Some suggestions:

• Bathrooms must be accessible to wheelchair-bound individuals. This requires widening of the bathroom doorway to some minimum standards.
• A hallway should be at least 48 inches wide.
• Doorways should be at least 36 inches across.
• Once inside, there should be space for a complete turn, which is 36 inches of space in any direction.

For bathing purposes, adding a handicap accessible shower will help people with mobility disabilities be comfortable. It will allow them a degree of independence too.

Shower stalls should be installed with a shower seat, an easy-to-reach grab bar, and a removable shower head with a hose that measures 5 feet in length. The shower should have no enclosures that would present issues for people with disabilities.

Even people without disabilities can experience issues with tubs. When considering bathroom remodeling for a physical disability, a walk-in tub is a solution to problems with getting in and out, as these tubs help prevent slips and falls.

Baths are therapeutic and help to alleviate pain caused by sore muscles. These products are not meant for people in wheelchairs, but are a boon to people suffering from some form of mobility limitation. Jacuzzi even manufactures suitable products for this purpose.

Toilets are a home fixture that most people don't think about except in cases of leaking or issues with sewage backing up. However, handicap toilets are a necessity during bathroom remodeling for a physical disability. Features include:

• At least 17 inches in height.
• Grab bars.
• Flush-mounted fixtures.

Once the main needs are met, here are some extra considerations for a residential bathroom remodeling for a physical disability. They'll help make life safer for physically challenged occupants:

• Shower seats.
• Shower wheelchair entry ramps.
• Transfer benches.
• Handrails.
• Grab bars.
• Shower mats.
• Shower commodes.

Correct design and proper installation is necessary for bathroom remodeling for a physical disability. It is recommended that you consult and hire a professional contractor that has experience in this area. In addition, these bathrooms do not have to look like they are part of a hospital or residential care facility. Designs can incorporate a sense of style to make this new addition feel like home in addition to accommodating accessibility.

Photo credit: sissyboystud via Compfight CC.