Are you considering the accessibility of your house and planning for your future needs or those of a parent or loved one? If you’re looking at aging-in-place–meaning, staying in your house as you age–then there are several factors to consider to make sure your home is as comfortable for you as the day you moved in (see our blog post about aging-in-place here).
The bathroom is one of the most important areas to make accessible because of the multitude of safety concerns. If you find yourself in need of someone to help make accessibility adjustments in your bathroom (or any area of your home), Hunter Handyman Services is happy to help.
Here are a few adjustments you may need to consider making in your bathroom for better accessibility:
-Widening doorways: A doorway must be at least 32” wide for straight entry with a wheelchair (as in, at the end of a hallway) or 36” wide to accommodate a turning wheelchair. Also consider door handles. You may find it’s best to use a lever-type handle instead of a rotating doorknob for easier access.
-Lighting upgrades: Make sure to install lighting that is easy to access from both a standing and seated position. Rocker-style light switches are great for this, but you could also consider motion- or voice-activated lighting if you have a smart home.
-Accessible toilets: ADA requirements indicate that toilet bowl rims must be 17”-19” from the floor. Chair-height toilets are good choices for easily sitting down and standing up or transferring from the toilet to a wheelchair. You may also want to consider a wall-mounted toilet, since it creates better floor space for turning a wheelchair and can be mounted at a custom height. Toilet seat risers fit over your existing toilet for added safety and leverage.
-Grab bars: Install grab bars next to the toilet and shower for extra stability and safety measures.
-Showers: Roll-in shower stalls are the easiest option, since they allow for entry into the shower without having to step over a threshold. Walk-in tubs are good, too, as they have a door to open instead of stepping over a tub and often include an accessible bench. Shower chairs are a great alternative if installing a new shower or tub isn’t an option. Handheld shower heads are another item to consider.
-Accessible sinks: Maximum sink height in an accessible bathroom is 34”. Be sure to include clearance for wheelchairs, so consider mounting your sink on the wall if you can. For accessible faucets, choose easy levers or touchless options instead of ones that are hard to twist.
Redoing a bathroom to make it more accessible can be overwhelming, especially if you or your loved ones are going through health changes. Hunter Handyman Services is here to help. We will walk with you to determine what accessibility options are best for your home and install them for you. For a free estimate, call or text (815) 780-7884 today.
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