For most of us, using the bathroom is a routine, unremarkable task. Yet, millions of people in the UK struggle with traditionally designed bathrooms, often due to mobility challenges or wheelchair use.
In this Bathroom Takeaway blog, our team has clubbed together to give you a total rundown on how to make a bathroom accessible and what accessible bathroom suite options you can choose from.
What Does An Accessible Bathroom Mean?
Accessible bathrooms are designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities. People with reduced mobility, weak legs, or other impairments often find these bathrooms helpful, as the elevated features ,including toilets and basins, make it easier for them to stand up.
What Features Can Be In An Accessible Bathroom?
Walk In Shower
A walk in shower is a perfect addition to an accessible bathroom space. The ease of use removes any possibility of stepping over a bath and removes the chance of tripping which is easily done.
With a walk-in shower, it can be easily made even safer with anti-slip shower features including a anti-slip shower mat and a anti slip shower trays.
Grab Rails
Grab rails provide extra support to help prevent falls or trips, while the slip-resistant base offers stability in both wet and dry conditions, giving you peace of mind as you move around the shower.
Walk In Baths
A walk-in bathtub is an ideal option for those who enjoy fully immersing themselves in water during their bathing routine.
The key feature of this design is the watertight door, which enables easy step-in access over a low threshold, eliminating the need to lift your leg over a standard tub wall.
This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who struggle with balance or mobility issues.
Raised Toilets
Raised toilets and toilet seats increase the height of the toilet, making it easier for users to lower themselves onto and rise from the seat.
These seats come in a range of sizes and can be easily attached to existing toilets using hand-adjustable clamps.
Wet Room
A wet room is a modern addition to homes which has taken a surge throughout the bathroom industry over the last years.
A wet room is an open-concept bathroom that forgoes a traditional enclosed shower. The primary advantage of a wet room is its single-level floor, where the entire bathroom surface is flush.
This design makes wet rooms an ideal solution for those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users.
Raised Basin’s
Comfort height basins, which are slightly taller than traditional models, provide an ideal bathroom solution for taller individuals or those who struggle with bending over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Does A Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Need To Be?
The recommended dimensions for a disabled toilet room are at least 2200mm deep by 1500mm wide.
Larger rooms that exceed these minimum dimensions will provide a more spacious turning circle, offering greater comfort and ease of movement for wheelchair users.
How Do You Vent A Bathroom With No Outside Access?
There are a few ways in which you could vent a bathroom that has no outside access including:
- Using a window fan
- Use portable air puffers
- Use a dehumidifier
How Much Wheelchair Space Do You Need To Make A Bathroom Accessible?
For wheelchair accessibility, bathroom doors must be at least 32 inches (81.28cm) wide if the door provides straight entry, such as at the end of a hallway.
However, if the bathroom is located off the side of a hallway, the accessible door width must be at least 36 inches (91.44cm) to accommodate a turning wheelchair.
