Tiled Shower that is Wheelchair accessible
We are getting a lot of calls to remodel homes to make them more “friendly” to those that are having a harder time getting around. We have found some things that will help in this area. The first thing to think about are stairs or different level’s in a house. There may come a day when you are unsteady on your feet or using a wheelchair, walker or cane. Stairs and different level floors in a home will make it very difficult to get around.
We have a client who wants to add a bedroom and bathroom onto their house. Our opinion was asked as to whether they should build a second story or bump out the side. We told them that it just wouldn’t be logical for them to go up. They are both in their 70′s and very active. But that won’t be the case forever. What makes a home easier to get around when that day comes? It’s the ability to enter and move around without any of the obstacles such as steps and narrow doors. Your bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchen may need to be wheelchair accessible. Everyone’s needs are different, so you’ll have to make a few changes to any plan to suit your individual requirements. But the main things you will want are level floors and accessible bathrooms.
Many bathrooms have narrow doorways that won’t allow wheelchairs or walkers. If your house is one of those, you should have them widened to 36″. The door should swing outward, rather than inward (or a pocket door works well too). Another client of ours planned ahead before knee replacement surgery by having us remodel the bathroom. We took out the tub and tiled the shower floor without a ledge to trip over. A handheld shower nozzle was installed for a seated shower. We also installed heavy-duty grab bars (reinforced the walls first) in the shower and by the toilet. Other things to think about are the sinks which can be changed by taking out cabinets and installing a counter top that a wheelchair can be rolled up to and a single lever faucets which are easier to use (this would work well for doors too).
No one likes to think about these things before they need to but if you are considering any remodeling, you should take all these ideas into account while you are at it.
