Handicap Bathroom Ideas

Handicap Bathroom Vanity

Stylish ADA vanities set at a universal height of 34 inches with clear knee spaces.  Plan on 27 inches of vertical clearance for a wheelchair underneath. The sink faucets must be easily controlled by either wrist handles or levers. The faucets can be fitted on the side of the sink to make them easier to reach. Or install infra-red faucets that detect motion. Hang the mirror low enough for a seated person to see themselves, and tip the top of the mirror out. Bathroom vanities with universal height cabinet tops and open knee spaces are taking over the marketplace.  These new residential vanities do not need to look institutional.  They can be designed like any other piece of fine furniture. Scalding must be guarded against by using either insulating pipe wrap or a removable panel for the plumbing.

 

  • Easily controlled or motion sensor ADA compatible faucets
  • ADA Compatible Sinks with drains located at the rear and no greater than 6" deep
  • Removable front panels to prevent scalds from pipes
  • Pull out shelves and drawers where room permits
  • Cabinet tops at 34" universal height and no deeper than 24" for max reach distance

Handicap Bathroom Design

Better Approaches To The Toilet

Toilets are available in comfort heights eliminating the deep knee bend needed for seating.  Grab bars should be installed on THE REAR AND at least ONE side of the toilet. Ideally, the toilet should be positioned between two support bars 36 inches apart. A toilet seat 17 inches off the floor is a more comfortable height for everyone.

  • Toilets Installed In Open Areas and not in Closets
  • Proper Grab Bars For Safety
  • Accompanying Toilet Lifts If Needed
  • Soft close, heated, or lit toilet seats

Handicap Bathroom Requirements

Bathing Facilities

Curb-less roll in showers that are 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep (48"x 48"  is preferable) having a 36" clear entrance are advised for everyone.  The shower should contain at least a shower wand on a sliding bar for varying heights of use along with a regular shower head and control if desired.  Installing fixtures with a scald guard or lowering the temperature at the water heater is a must to prevent burns. Folding seats in the shower are useful if caretakers are ever involved.  Grab bars around the bath and especially in the shower on three walls should be used while non slip floor covering should always be considered. Walk in tubs are also a consideration but some people get chilled while the tub is draining. Install the slider bar for the hand held shower hose and head 4 feet above the floor so that the head can slide up to 6 feet high. Always use a shower valve that is thermostatically controlled and pressure-balanced to prevent scalds. If you desire a full body wash, you can include a regular shower head as well.

  • Surrounding Grab Bars In The Shower
  • Fold Down Seats
  • Shampoo Niches to Reduce Clutter
  • 36" Clear Shower Access
  • Deeper Showers Don't Require Doors

Within The General Population:

  More and more people are finding themselves needing disability bathroom remodels in Austin to modify the existing architecture of their homes due to the use of a wheelchair or walker while preparing to remain in their homes as they age in place. There are currently over 30 million Americans using wheelchairs and those numbers continue to increase as a large population of people with age related challenges look for ways to live independently in their homes.  Physical limitations affect many more people than the daily users of walkers and wheelchairs.  Many members of our life experienced or elder society have significant problems in dealing with their home environment.  Today's conventional building standards conflict with most people's accessibility when you consider our created architectural barriers concerning cabinetry and door opening widths, individual strength, range of motion, movement,  manual dexterity, balance, and coordination. Once the demands of our built environment exceed their capacities we become excluded from a room or even the entire home.  The building world must work in unison to be sure the entire living environment meets basic needs in addition to affordability and structural integrity for the consumer and home owner.  This includes both the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants.  Privacy, sense of belonging, sense of control, and the sense of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and should be considered for any design increasing home accessibility.

Improve Handicap Accessibility

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