Handicap Bathroom: Modifying Your Existing Bathroom

Do you have a handicapped family member and recognize the need to modify your bathroom for their comfort and ease? There are many safety hazards in the typical bathroom that need to be addressed before it can be truly considered a handicap bathroom.

Such things as slick surfaces, electrical outlets, special modifications for wheelchairs, and the need for an safe and accessible shower and toilet must all be considered. Some of these things can be done by anyone who is a little handy with tools, and some must be done by a licensed professional.

Grab Bars

One of the easiest modifications that takes very little time to accomplish is reducing the possibility of the handicapped individual slipping down in the bathtub. In order to make this area of the bathroom safe, you should install a grab bar on the wall over the bathtub. These bars can be purchased at large home improvement stores and come with detailed directions. The grab bar must be screwed into the wall stud for stability

While you are at the store choosing your grab bar, choose a package of non-slip texture strips that are made to go on the bottom of the bathtub or shower stall. This will tremendously improve the footing of the elderly or handicapped bather.

Non-Slip Strips

To install these texture strips, you must first clean the bathtub very well. Any soap or oil left on the tub surface will keep the strips from sticking properly. Once the bathtub is clean, dry it out with a towel. You can arrange the texture strips in any design that pleases you, but try to gauge the most likely place the handicapped person would stand in order to take a shower, and place the strips there. The strips are self-stick - all you need to do is peel off the backing and apply them to the bottom of the tub.

The purchase of a shower chair or bench should also be considered if the handicapped person is unable to stand. These are available with or without a back, with vinyl padding or plastic seats, and will hold a person weighing up to 300 pounds.

Calling In The Experts

You may think that the electrical outlets in the bathroom you are outfitting for your handicapped family member are safe enough, but consider this. If the outlets are not GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and someone accidentally gets a shock while, say, using a hair dryer, just a small amount of electricity can instantly kill! Don't take a chance on this - call in a licensed electrician to take care of this for you.

In order for a wheelchair to be able to get into a bathroom, you need quite a bit of space. First of all, the door that leads into the bathroom should be around 36 inches wide for easy access.  Experts estimate than around 60 to 70 square feet of floor space is needed in order for a wheelchair to maneuver successfully. If your bathroom is not large enough for this, you should call in a professional home remodeler to discuss how best to accomplish this.

Some people have had good success with taking out the hall wall to enlarge the bathroom and make it more handicap friendly. While you have him there, also ask about having a suitable shower installed for your loved one. There are special shower stalls that can be set into place after the old one is removed. These stalls have a low enough threshold for a wheelchair to be able to roll right into the shower.

Adjusting Sink And Toilet

The bathroom sink needs to be around 34 inches high in order for someone who is confined to a wheelchair to have access to it. If your present sink does not measure up, ask your remodeling professional about mounting the sink on the wall at the proper height.

As far as the toilet, it is the seat that will need adjusting. Any hospital supply or drug store will have an add-on seat that raises the height of the toilet seat to match the height of the wheelchair seat, making it much easier for the handicapped individual to use it. You should also install another grab bar, smaller than the one in the bathtub, to aid in getting on and off the toilet.

Will a little homework, you can find many more products and ideas that will enable you to make your bathroom into a safe and accessible handicap bathroom.