Universal Design Boosts Bathroom Accessibility
3 pros!
When remodeling a bathroom for accessibility, universal design offers creative solutions to accommodate anyone.
Making a bathroom more accessible can be one of the best home modifications to make for those who are experiencing mobility issues and trying to stay in their own home. The bathroom is the room in the house that presents the biggest challenge to the elderly or those with various types of disabilities.
Common bathroom problems
Most homes have small bathrooms with a tub, a commode and a sink lined up on one wall, or the tub on one side and the toilet and sink on the other wall. Both of these configurations can be cumbersome at best and downright dangerous at worst to anyone who has trouble walking, balance or mobility challenges. To add insult to injury, most bathrooms have 28-inch or 30-inch doors, making wheelchair access next to impossible.
Many times people with good intentions but lacking the necessary skills make the situation worse by poorly installing grab bars or other handholds that can come loose when relied on for support. A poorly installed grab bar is worse than no grab bar at all. A towel bar or other support that's unable to support the weight of someone leaning on it can also be dangerous if located where it might be grabbed.
Universal design principles for bathrooms
There are many ways to combat these accessibility issues. The ideal solution is to add another bathroom, or expand and remodel the existing bathroom to incorporate universal design principles. Some of the features I like to see in a universally accessible bathroom include:
Contractors trained in universal design principles can make your bathroom more handicap accessible with features like a roll-in shower and grab bars. (Photo courtesy of SRE)
• 36-inch entry door with lever-style hardware
• Ample floor space in front of and leading to fixtures (shower, commode, sink)
• 5-foot diameter, unobstructed floor space for turning wheelchair
• Barrier-free (curbless) shower with handheld shower head and fold-up seat
• Sink with leg space beneath for seated use
• Grab bars throughout for safety
• Adequate lighting with rocker-style switches
• Non-slip flooring
• Anti-scald faucet with single-lever handle for the shower and sink
• Rounded corners throughout
Simple fixes make a big difference
If installing a completely accessible bathroom is impractical, what can homeowners do to make an existing bathroom safer and more convenient without starting from scratch? There are many less expensive options that can make a big difference.
Grab bars can be added to provide something to hold onto. Swing-clear hinges can add 2 inches of width to the doorway without replacing the door. A standard vanity can be replaced with a wall-hung lavatory. The bathtub can be removed and a “wet area” design can allow the entire bathroom to become a roll-in shower.
The existing bathtub can also be left in place and retrofitted to allow the bather to step through the tub. It is very beneficial to have a contractor or remodeler who's familiar with universal design principles and who understands the physical limitations of the person using the bathroom to help.
Universal design pros understand how to help
Keep in mind that there are few hard and fast rules for universal design, but rather guidelines to improve accessibility — every situation is different. If you or your loved one is having trouble with any of these areas or you see the potential for problems down the road, please call a universal design expert like myself who will be happy to take a look at your home and make recommendations to make your life easier and more comfortable as you age in place.
You may be surprised how much difference even small changes can make. You don’t have to endure the difficulty if you are having trouble with access to the basic comforts of home. Please seriously consider making home modifications sooner rather than later to make your bathroom safe, accessible, comfortable, and beautiful for the times of your life!
Thinking about incorporating universal design into an upcoming bathroom remodel? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments section!
Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article originally published on Nov. 26, 2014.
About this Experts Contributor: Chris Moore is founder and president of Solid Rock Enterprises, which offers remodeling services in the Roanoke, Virginia area. With 28 years of experience in the construction industry, he's the director of education for the Western and Central Virginia Aging in Place Council, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC). He holds an executive certificate in Home Modification from the University of Southern California and writes Housing Matters, a monthly column in Senior News.
As of July 16, 2015, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.