Whether a loved one requires a wheelchair due to age or injury-related reasons, you need to implement changes throughout your home that makes the residence as amenable for everyone as possible. Among the most important rooms requiring wheelchair-friendly renovations is the bathroom, as its slippery surfaces make it one of the most dangerous spaces in your house. Use these bathroom remodeling suggestions to create a wheelchair-accessible bathing space your loved one can easily use.

5 Wheelchair-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Suggestions

1. Curbless Shower or Walk-In Tub

Both curbless showers and walk-in tubs make it possible for a loved one in a wheelchair to enter and exit without having to climb or step over anything. If you select the shower option, ensure the floor slopes slightly for proper drainage. You may also want to switch to a shower curtain so your loved one does not have to struggle with a cumbersome glass door.

2. Shower Bench

A shower bench allows your loved one to sit for the duration of the shower so bathing remains a relaxing experience. Choose between a removable or permanent bench, and don’t forget to install a handheld shower nozzle so your family member has an even easier time getting clean.

3. Wider Door Frame

Your current bathroom door frame may not accommodate the width of the wheelchair. If this is the case, discuss options with your bathroom remodeling contractor so you provide enough clearance for the chair to enter and leave the room without a struggle. You may also need a different door, such as a sliding door that takes little effort to open, as well as a new threshold ramp if yours is more than ½” tall.

4. Grab Bars

Grab bars belong in all applicable spaces in a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, from the toilet to the shower or tub. If your bathroom features a shower as well as a tub, get grab bars installed to significantly reduce the chances of your loved one slipping and falling. Make certain the bars are within easy reach and are the correct height.

5. Non-Slip Flooring

Textured, non-slip flooring throughout your bathroom further solidifies the space as safe and wheelchair-friendly. Ceramic and stone tile are among your best textured options, and they also add to your bathroom’s aesthetic quality.

 

Remake your bathroom using these and other suggestions from Deaton Builders, the aging-in-place specialists serving customers throughout Trinity, NC, and the surrounding areas. Part of the community for over 10 years, these bathroom remodeling experts offer the stylish, functional, and long-lasting solutions their clients need, including older customers who wish to remain in their own homes. Call (336) 858-3872 today for a free estimate or learn more about the company online. Enjoy additional tips and ideas on Facebook.