Handicapped bathroom designs can be a challenge, but they can also be a lot of fun. When designing a handicapped bathroom, it is essential to ensure everything is accessible and easy to use. Here are some ideas for creating the perfect handicapped bathroom.
- Start with a list of your needs and wants.
- Study the available products.
- Work with a CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) to achieve the best design for your needs.
Step One: Plan Your Layout
The layout is one of the most important things to consider when designing a handicapped bathroom.
You will want to lay everything out for your handicapped bathroom design on paper before you begin construction. Designing on paper first will allow you to thoroughly explore different bathroom layout ideas without worrying about time or money.
You will want to ensure you have enough space in your handicapped bathroom design layout so that the person using the bathroom has enough room to maneuver.
Make sure there is enough room to turn a wheelchair around inside the bathroom. The area should be a 60-inch diameter of clear space.
In addition, there needs to be enough room for someone from a wheelchair to get close enough to grab onto something if needed. Such as a grab bar.
One final thing to consider is the height of the fixtures and cabinets. They should not be higher than inches from the floor, which is generally comfortable for someone in a wheelchair. Also, clear space under the sink is recommended for wheelchair access. You will also want to ensure that the sink is within easy reach and has plenty of room to move around.
Designing a handicapped bathroom layout can be challenging because you want to give the person using the bathroom plenty of space without making it cluttered or hard to reach.
Step Two: Design for Accessibility
When designing a handicapped bathroom, it is crucial to ensure everything is accessible. Follow the ADA guidelines.
When creating a handicapped bathroom, it is critical to consider its requirements. Planning for a handicapped bathroom can be difficult because people who use wheelchairs vary in size and weight, but there are some things you should keep in mind.
Your toilet seat height should be around 17 – 19 inches off the ground to be easy to access and comfortable for the person using the bathroom.
Step Three: Choose Appropriate Fixtures
When choosing fixtures for your handicapped bathroom, choosing easy ones to use is essential. For example, you will want to choose a toilet with a wide opening and a lid that is easy to open.
- Walk-in Tubs
- Roll-in Showers
- Tub Chairs – Shower Chairs
- Anti-scald Faucets
- Hand-Held Shower Heads
- Single Lever Faucets
- Accessible Sinks and Vanities
- Raised Toilet Seats
- Grab bars and Shower Rails
- Nonslip Flooring
- Wider Doors
- Angled Mirrors
- Automatic Soap Dispenser
Step Four: Decorate With Fun Colors
Decorating your handicapped bathroom design is one of the best ways to make it feel like your own.
When choosing colors for your handicapped bathroom, selecting fun and bright colors is essential to make the room feel cheerful and welcoming. You might consider using colors like yellow, green, or lavender to create a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom.
Step Five: Add Accessories
Accessories can be a great way to personalize your handicapped bathroom design—for example, towels and potted plants to your bathroom to give it a personal touch.
Add an Alexa device for music or asking questions.
A fun piece of artwork.
You can also add bathroom accessories, such as a toothbrush holder or soap dish, to help you stay organized.
Step Six: Design for Comfort
When designing a handicapped bathroom, it is essential to remember that comfort should be the number one priority.
You will want to ensure that everything in the bathroom is easy to reach, get to, use, and replace.
Step Seven: Design for Safety
When designing a handicapped bathroom, it is essential to remember that safety should be your number one priority.
Because it is so easy to slip when you are in the bathroom, it is crucial to design a bathroom that will keep you safe at all times.
Install grab bars next to every surface that might be slippery, and ensure the bathroom is easy to maneuver.
Step Eight: Personalize Your Bathroom
Even though you are designing a handicapped bathroom, the design process does not have to be boring.
Not only is it essential to consider your budget and the space available, but you will want to think about what kind of ambiance you would like for your bathroom.
Tub Design Ideas for a Handicapped Bathroom
When designing a handicapped bathroom, it is crucial to consider the needs of the person using the tub. Wheelchair users come in all shapes and sizes, so it is essential to choose a tub that will be comfortable and accessible for everyone.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing a handicapped tub:
- Choose a tub with a wide opening that can quickly get in and out.
- Use a comfortable seat that will support the person’s weight using it.
- Select a tub with grab bars for added safety.
- Choose a tub with a non-slippery floor for safety.
- Finally, allow room to walk around the tub.
- Finally, design your handicapped bathroom so you can easily transfer into and out of the tub.
- Design your handicapped bathroom so that there are no sharp corners in the shower/tub area, which can cause injury.
Shower Design Ideas for a Handicapped Bathroom
Here are some things you should consider when planning a handicapped shower:
- First, choose a shower space with a wide opening that can quickly get in and out.
- Second, choose a shower with a comfortable seat to support the person’s weight.
- Third, choose a shower with grab bars for added safety.
- Finally, choose a shower with a non-slippery floor for safety.
Sink Design for Handicap Bathroom
Here are some things you should consider when choosing a handicapped sink:
- First, select a sink that is easy to reach from a wheelchair and large enough to take a sponge bath.
- Second, choose a sink with a single lever faucet for easy use. Another good choice is to install a touchless faucet.
- Third, choose a sink with a high spout to make it easier to wash your hands.
- Finally, choose a sink with support bars for added safety.
Consider what you can do to make your handicapped bathroom more accessible. For example, place the supports for the sink far enough apart so that you can roll your wheelchair or scooter in and out quickly.
Design your sink vanity so you can turn it on and adjust the water temperature easily while sitting.
Design Tips for a Handicapped Bathroom
Design your handicapped bathroom with interesting wall art to make it feel personal and unique.
Install a large mirror to help you feel more confident. Place the mirror so that a person sitting can see their reflection.
Create plenty of storage space to keep everything organized. Keep shelves and drawers reachable.
Designing with a Small Budget
When designing a handicapped bathroom, it is essential to remember that you do not have to spend a lot of money to create a beautiful and functional space. There are many different ways to save money when designing a handicapped bathroom.
One way to save money is to choose essential yet functional pieces for your bathroom. You do not need to spend extra money to get nice accessories. Instead, selecting critical elements will help you save money for essential items, like grab bars and automatic faucets.
If you are on a budget, it is important not to buy cheap materials for your handicapped bathroom design. Designing a handicapped bathroom does not mean spending a lot of money but investing in quality materials that will last.
It is essential to think about using space when choosing your materials. In addition, if you will be using the room often, choosing durable and easy-to-clean items is necessary.
You can also save money by choosing a basic design for your bathroom. There is no need to spend extra money on complicated procedures when a more straightforward design works just as well.
Adaptable components like a high toilet seat, tub chair, and adjustable door hinges may turn most older bathrooms quickly and inexpensively.
Updating to a Handicapped Bathroom
Update your current bathroom to accommodate a person who needs handicap accessibility by following the quick and easy tips below. These tips are for a simple handicapped bathroom update for someone who may have a temporary need or is on a budget.
✔ Raise the height of the toilet seat. The toilet should be comfortable between 17 inches and 19 inches. Grab bars are available on some of these seats.
✔ Install grab bars next to the toilet, shower, and tub. Be sure to install the grab bars into the studs in the wall. Bathtub safety handrails attach to the tub for temporary use.
✔ Use a shower seat or tub seat when bathing. These seats are waterproof and provide comfort and safety when bathing.
✔ Install a handheld showerhead in the shower. Convert your current showerhead to a handheld model. Choose a model that has the controls on the handle of the unit.
✔ Increase the width of the bathroom entry door by installing expandable door hinges. This type of hinge adds 2″ to any doorway opening. They are easy to install using the same screws and holes as your existing hinge.
✔ Replace the faucet with a single lever faucet.
✔ Use a handicapped slip-proof shower mat in areas that may get wet.
✔ Remove area rugs and clutter from the bathroom.
✔ Designing a handicapped bathroom is possible with just a few modifications.
✔Design your handicapped bathroom with interesting wall art to make it feel personal and unique. Install a large mirror to help you feel more confident.
✔Place the mirror so that a person sitting can see their reflection.
✔ Design plenty of storage space to keep everything organized. Keep shelves and drawers low to the ground for easy access.
✔ Use adaptive equipment to make your bathroom more accessible.
✔ Install a high toilet seat, tub chair, and adjustable door hinges.
✔ Using these simple tips, update your current bathroom to create a safe and handicapped-accessible space.
✔ When choosing materials, select durable and easy to clean.
✔ Choose a basic design that will work for everyone.
Designing a handicapped bathroom does not require spending much money but investing in quality materials and durable designs.
These are quick and easy solutions to turning a regular bathroom into an accessible handicapped bathroom.
Plan and design a safe and accessible handicapped bathroom. Use the guidelines provided by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) to modify, remodel, or build a handicapped bathroom.