TWO LOOKS AT A HANDICAPPED BATHROOM by PDQ

When a handicapped accessible home is needed, whether it's caused by aging, chronic illness, or unexpected accident, there are dozens of easy to make improvements that help the quality of life for a loved one.

Changes you could make in the handicapped accessible home bathroom

The bathroom signifies personal independence more than any other room in the home. Because of this problem designers and manufacturers are constantly working on innovative products to preserve safety and independence for the disabled and elderly. Since moisture is a factor in the bathroom promoting safety from falls on slippery surfaces is of first priority for all members of the family not just the handicapped.

Installing grab bars near tubs and showers is a quick and easy first step. Apply non-slip adhesive strips or decals to the bottom of tubs and showers. If the existing floor is tile or ceramic with a slick slippery surface you can brush a slip-resistant glaze on it for safety.

Purchase ready-to-use shower and tub seats to make bathing safer and easier for the elderly and the disabled. You can also replace your shower head with an adjustable shower head mounted on a vertical slide bar. Often these come with a hand held option. These changes in the shower will make it more handicap accessible for seated bathers.

Keep the area under the sink open so wheelchair users can move up to the counter and have the sink accessible to them. When mounting mirrors over the sink, tilt them at an angle so seated users can see themselves easily.

Install a vent fan with a heating lamp to reduce moisture and help reduce slippery areas. Oftentimes the elderly are bothered by cold. Installing this heating lamp will warm the bathroom and provide a more comfortable environment for them.

Two Looks for the Handicapped Accessible Home Bathroom

The handicapped accessible home bathroom can vary greatly depending on the severity of the disability. Here are two examples of a handicapped bathroom. The one on the left is decorative but still very use-able for a handicapped person.

The one on the right is more functional and utilitarian, but often this degree of accessibility is needed to be of use to a person with disabilities. The ease of cleaning is also often a condition that also needs to be considered.

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