Stylish and Functional Solutions for an Accessible Bathroom

• Blend safety and style with accessible bathroom upgrades like grab bars, walk-in showers, and modern fixtures.
• To reduce falls and improve comfort, we recommend shower seating, handheld shower heads, barrier-free showers and slip-resistant flooring.
• An ADA-friendly layout and walk-in tub supports aging in place.
• Select a bathroom vanity with open knee space and lever faucets. It's also a good idea to hang the mirror or medicine cabinet lower.
• To improve usability, select a taller toilet with grab bars nearby. A wider clearance is also preferable, allowing caregivers to assist as needed.

Low curb, barrier-free or walk-in showers make entering and exiting for bathing much easier. Glide doors are easier to manage than swinging doors. They enclose the shower while providing safe access.

To navigate the shower area, grab bars provide extra stability for the user or a caregiver. They mount to studs or with the appropriate anchors to meet safety guidelines, ensuring sturdy support. Some grab bars even resemble decorative towel bars for added style.

A shower seat can help prevent falls while offering a more comfortable experience. Another helpful item is a hand-held shower head, which allows you to control the water stream and makes rinsing off easier.

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If you prefer a bathtub, consider a walk-in tub with easy access and convenient seating. It’s easier to enter than stepping over a standard tub wall. The doors form a watertight seal, while some tubs even include massage jets for a spa-like experience.

To ensure safety when stepping out of the tub, opt for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant flooring that's firm, stable and slip-resistant to help minimize falls.

Looking your best helps you feel better too. Consider mirror height for both standing and sitting positions. Hang a full-length mirror or one mounted low enough so that people of all heights can use it.

The height of the sink basin is especially important. To provide adequate space underneath for seated users, accessible sink tops should be designed to include safe and clear access to the sink, faucet and vanity top.

Consider a shallow vanity depth to allow for clearance under a vanity or wall-hung sinks. These measurements vary based on individual needs. Just keep in mind that the faucet should be within reach. For a faucet, go with lever handles. They’re easier to use than knobs.

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At the toilet area, a taller toilet makes sitting and standing easier. Consider side rails for additional safety. Another option is to install an elevated toilet seat to a standard (height) commode. If you’re renovating, position toilets 18 inches from side walls for ease of access from a chair or walker and to allow room for grab bars.

If a caregiver is needed, ensure you’ll have enough space for two people in the toilet and bathing areas. Five feet of open space is best for maneuvering a wheelchair. An out-swing door is beneficial in case someone needs to help.

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