Creating a Handicap Accessible Bathroom With an Easy Access Shower
Want to make your bathroom more handicap accessible? Easy-access showers are one option to consider. They are designed to provide safety and comfort without compromising on style. If you’re considering an easy-access shower or other handicap-accessible features for your bathroom, here’s a look at a few common questions homeowners have.
What Makes a Shower Easy to Access?
An easy-access shower is designed to help those with mobility issues. Unlike traditional showers in bathrooms, which often have high thresholds that can be difficult to step over, a handicap accessible shower has low or no thresholds. This makes it easier to enter and exit the shower safely, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. This also provides a safer bathing experience for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from injuries.
What Are the Features of an Easy-Access Shower?
When you’re remodeling your bathroom and considering a handicap-accessible shower, some features include:
- Low thresholds: These showers have a minimal step-over height, or no threshold at all, allowing for smooth entry and exit.
- Slip-resistant flooring: The shower floor is designed to provide extra grip, reducing the chance of slipping, even when the surface is wet.
- Customizable designs: Easy access showers can be further customized with the addition of safety accessories like grab bars.
- Built-in seating: Seating offers a safe, comfortable place to sit for individuals who have difficulty standing for long or are at risk of falling.
Some additional bathroom features to explore with handicap-accessible showers include adjustable showerheads and storage solutions. Handheld and adjustable showerheads provide flexibility, making it easier for you to direct water where it’s needed most. Built-in shelving and other storage solutions can also be added to keep essential items within easy reach, reducing the need to bend or stretch.
What Are the Benefits of a Handicap-Accessible Shower and Bathroom?
An easy-access shower in a handicap-accessible bathroom can help you or a loved one retain more independence by:
- Reducing physical barriers: Handicap-accessible showers are designed with features, such as low or no-threshold entry, slip-resistant surfaces, and supportive grab bars, to reduce physical barriers and make showering easier.
- Allowing for bathing without assistance: An easy-access shower will enable you or your loved one to safely and confidently bathe without assistance.
- Improving personal hygiene: When you or your loved one can safely shower, it’s easier to maintain a regular personal hygiene routine.
- Enhancing quality of life: You or your loved one can also maintain a sense of dignity and self-reliance with a handicap-accessible shower in your bathroom.
Beyond functionality, easy-access showers can even contribute to a modern, streamlined aesthetic. They can make your bathroom look and feel more open and inviting, even if you don’t necessarily need a handicap-accessible bathroom.
Get Expert Help Designing Your Handicap Accessible Bathroom
At Bath Fitter of Colorado, we are committed to helping you create a bathroom that meets your unique needs while still reflecting your personal style. Whether you are interested in a low-threshold, walk-in shower, built-in seating, grab bars, or other customized features, our team is here to design the perfect handicap-accessible bathroom. Contact our bathroom remodeling company to learn more about our solutions and start planning your renovation.
