Creating a Disability Friendly Bathroom

22 Nov

Creating a Disability Friendly Bathroom from BATHLINE

Ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3rd December, BATHLINE wanted to look at how we can help people with disabilities design a bathroom to suit their specific needs or condition.

At BATHLINE, we know bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in a house, providing users with the ability to feel clean refreshed and invigorated giving them time and space to relax. We also understand that for people with a disability, bathrooms that are ill-equipped and don’t meet their specific needs, can be a real source of stress and anxiety. Therefore creating a disability-friendly bathroom is very important in allowing someone to make the most of their bathroom.

 

Modern Disabled Bathroom available from BATHLINE
Modern Disabled Bathroom available from BATHLINE

In this blog we will look specific products as well as recommending design features which can make a bathroom more friendly and accessible to those using it.

So let’s start at the bottom and work our way up the room.

Flooring

To ensure ultimate accessibility, functionality and longevity BATHLINE recommend using non slip tiles to create a wetroom style floor. This takes away the need for a shower tray, removing potential obstacles and providing complete accessibility for users whilst letting excess water channel of to the drain.

Abacus Wetroom Kit available from BATHLINE
Abacus Wetroom Kit available from BATHLINE.

This style of bathroom flooring offers a wide range of advantages which includes increased safety, increased durability, lower maintenance and added functionality and practicality. Using an option such as the Abacus Former Wetroom Kit is perfect for wheelchair users as well as those with disabilities as this solution waterproofs the floor preventing leaks whilst also being incredibly resilient, saving you both time and money over the duration of the bathroom.

Baths and Showers

One of the biggest decisions in any bathroom design is whether to include a Bath or Shower especially when space is at a premium. This decision is even more important when designing a disability friendly bathroom as the main things you need to consider are accessibility and ease use.

In an ideal world, why not both? It is possible to have a discreet and relaxing bath or shower that is easily accessible. However considerations of space and accessibility often push users in one direction towards the shower, however this decision is completely dependent on individual people’s circumstances.

Baths

At BATHLINE, we stock the Neptune Bathing products who manufacture specialist walk-in bath solutions to cater for various individual circumstances. Their Oakham and Stamford ranges provide greater accessibility without compromising on comfort and relaxation.

Neptune Bathing Walk-in Baths available from BATHLINE bathroom showroomsin Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Neptune Bathing Walk-in Baths available from BATHLINE bathroom showroomsin Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

These baths are equipped with a wide range of features including heated headrests, mood lighting and music options.  Designed for wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility, these ranges are particularly popular bath for their reliability and subtle design. The Neptune Bathing walk-in baths help users to maintain their independence and dignity without making their bathroom look particularly clinical or uninviting.

Showers

When choosing the right shower for a disability friendly bathroom BATHLINE have a wide variety of options dependent on your specific circumstances. Level access showers such as those from Abacus are great to use as these can be installed with ease and provide disabled people with an easy way to keep clean with no hassle.

Close Up of an Aqualisa Q Digital Shower available from BATHLINE- Bathrooms at Haldane Fisher.
Close Up of an Aqualisa Q Digital Shower available from BATHLINE- Bathrooms at Haldane Fisher. Visit our bathroom showrooms throughout Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man for more information.

Another option is utilising the latest SMART digital technology such as the Aqualisa Q concealed digital shower.  This offers you complete control allowing you to personalise and take control of your showering experience. Designed with individuality in mind, the Aqualisa Q provides a range of features including temperature control, flow control, shower duration as well as eco and family options to cater for all users.  Complete with a remote control the Aqualisa Q provides a great solution to specific bathroom needs.

Aqualisa Q Digital Shower available from BATHLINE- Bathrooms at Haldane Fisher.
Aqualisa Q Digital Shower available from BATHLINE- Bathrooms at Haldane Fisher. Visit our bathroom showrooms throughout Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man for more information.

 Toilets

Toilets can be a real inconvenience for people with disabilities for a variety of reasons such as the toilets dimensions functionality and accessibility but there are a variety of solutions to make life easier for everyone.

The Gerberit Duofix Wall Frame is a WC frame designed specifically to be versatile providing  the ability to adjust the height of the pan as well as the frame.

Geberit frame available from BATHLINE bathroom Showrooms
Geberit frame available from BATHLINE bathroom Showrooms

The ultimate solution to bathroom independence is a shower toilet such as the Geberit Aquaclean Mera or the Roca In-Wash® Inspira.  These SMART toilets incorporate the latest advanced technology to respond to the needs of the every user, combining a toilet, bidet and warm air drying in one unit with no manual intervention is required.

Roca Inwash Inspira SMART Bathroom Toilet Shower
Roca Inwash Inspira SMART Bathroom Toilet Shower available from BATHLINE in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man

There is a range of accessories and options that make these units even more responsive to different needs including height-raising plinths, a strengthened seat for sideways transfers from a wheelchair, octopus support arms, back bar operation, padded seats for pressure relief, not to mention a remote control to manage all options.

Height-Adjustable Washbasins

Height-Adjustable Washbasins are a great way to cater for all family members and come in a variety of options and features to cater for your specific needs and requirements.  These washbasins can now be installed on special tracking that allows them to be moved from side to side and up and down, either electronically or manually, providing the best position possible for each user.

Height Adjustable Washbasins available from BATHLINE
Height Adjustable Washbasins available from BATHLINE bathroom Showrooms

Height-Adjustable Washbasins have also been designed to create more accessibility in a bathroom. The front of the sink can be curved inwards to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to get closer to the running water and offer much more flexibility than standard basins.

Grab Rails

Grab Rails are one of the most important bathroom accessories that can make a big difference in a disability bathroom. Grab rails can be installed on the wall to give disabled users the ability to support themselves when standing or moving around.

Bathroom with Grab Rails available from BATHLINE Bathrooms.
Bathroom with Grab Rails

Just like specialist toilets and washbasins, grab rails are available in different models, colours, and materials to suit any bathroom décor. These are a simple and easy step to take in creating a disabled-friendly bathroom.

Summary

In conclusion, having a disability-friendly bathroom does not mean you have to resign yourself to having a clinical looking bathroom or having to compromise on key design features to accommodate your needs.  A disability-friendly bathroom can be as stylish as you wish and can accommodate every member of your family and cater for each of their needs independently with complete discretion and minimal fuss.

There are additional options such as overhead hoists and changing benches that can be added in for extra support depending on your circumstances. At BATHLINE we recommend you contact or visit your local BATHLINE bathroom showroom and let us know your individual circumstances and our design team can create design options to cater for your every need. We are here to help and glad to be of service.