Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom, Roll In Shower, Handicap Accessible, ADA Shower Stall

What Makes a Bathroom “Wheelchair Accessible?”

Accessibility construction guidelines defined by the ADA, Veterans Affairs and other relevant groups range from the width of doorways and hallways to the height of cabinetry and tabletops required to accommodate wheelchair users. In bathrooms, there must be sufficient room to negotiate a wheelchair, and safety features such as special railings to assist a person transferring to or from a wheelchair. Adjustable-height cabinets and sinks are ideal.

One of the most important aspects of bathroom accessibility is access to a shower. Barrier-free, beveled entry thresholds of one inch or less, non-slip surfaces and shower dimensions that allow for caregiver assistance when needed may be required. Shower plumbing should be reachable and adjustable for use from a seated position. Extras such as fold-down shower benches and grab bars at various heights are also important.

Who Can Benefit From Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Products?

Any wheelchair-bound patient in a residential facility will benefit from having access to a shower designed for their use. However, one doesn’t have to be confined to a wheelchair to benefit from a bathroom shower designed for safety. Hospital patients, nursing home residents, members of fitness centers, and hotel guests are all beneficiaries of bathrooms designed for accessibility.

As the population ages, access to standard bathtub showers becomes more difficult and less safe. Many people prefer to stay in their own homes (often referred to as “aging in place”) and are able to modify the bathroom to address their changing requirements.

Though we cannot predict future medical needs, not everyone will require use of a wheelchair. One member of a family unit may become wheelchair reliant, while others remain ambulatory. Yet everyone will benefit from barrier-free beveled entry thresholds, textured non-slip floors, safety bars and other safety features at home.

Many of the shower designs offered by Rehabmart are suitable safety solutions for residential modifications, as are the motorized adjusting cabinet and motorized sink kits. Others are more appropriate for new construction projects.

Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Products for Both Facility and Home Utilization

The wheelchair accessible bathroom products offered by Rehabmart are suitable for use in commercial buildings such as hotels, fitness centers, assisted living residences, nursing homes and other rehabilitation or elder care facilities. Many are designed for upgrading residential bathrooms to support aging in place. Most of these products and equipment require contractor assistance for proper installation.

Should you need assistance choosing the right product for your needs, do not hesitate contact us. We’d be happy to help.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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