When most homeowners are designing a new bathroom or remodeling an existing one, their focus is typically centered on the overall bathroom layout, décor options, and the visual appeal of the fixtures they are selecting for installation. If there is an individual in the home, however, that has limited mobility or a handicap, there are several other factors to take into account for the bathroom design. Since individuals with mobility issues often have problems with traditional bathtub units, a suitable alternative is needed that can provide the proper safety and functionality needed, while also retaining visually appealing. A handicap shower is one of the most common choices to answer both needs.
What Are Handicap Shower Units?
A handicap shower unit is designed to allow easy access for individuals with the inability to get in and out of a regular bathtub or those who have trouble doing so. As opposed to a bath lift that can be retrofitted to a traditional tub, a handicap shower stall also offers a more visually appealing addition to your bathroom, appearing to most people to be a standard shower stall. Handicap shower stalls can be fitted with a variety of permanent features designed to assist handicap individuals. You can also purchase a selection of removable components, designed to be used only when needed, perfect for travel or bathrooms used by a number of people not requiring any assistance.
What Handicapped Shower Options Are Available?
Standard Shower Units
The primary benefit offered by handicapped showers when compared to regular bathtubs is the fact that they can be easily entered and exited without the use of a lift. For the most part, the base of the shower only has a two or three inch lip that must be cleared, easy enough to simply step over. The interior of the shower unit can be designed identical to a standard shower, suited for individuals who only have issues lowering themselves into and raising themselves out of a bathtub. Because of this feature, many regular stand alone shower units can be considered handicapped accessible showers even without any additional modifications.
Handicap Shower Seating
The shower stalls can also be designed with built in seats mounted to the walls. These seats or ledges are typically hinged so they can be folded up and out of the way when not in use. This feature allows the bather to sit down in a comfortable position while showering, ideal for individuals who are unable to stand for extended periods of time. The seat can be utilized the entire time the bather is in the shower, or only as needed when the bather must sit down occasionally to avoid prolonged periods on their feet. For shower units created strictly for use by handicapped individuals, the seats can also be created in a fixed position, allowing for a greater weight bearing capacity when needed. These fixed seats can also be made larger than the folding versions to allow for greater comfort as well.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Some handicap accessible showers, particularly those in hospitals with a large percentage of elderly or disabled patients, are simply designed to have a wheelchair rolled into them. I these cases, patients are typically moved from their beds into a special waterproof wheelchair, specifically designed for use in the shower. The chairs are similar in appearance to a standard wheelchair, but are made to allow proper drainage during shower sessions. The showers designed to accommodate wheelchairs typically have the water control levers and knobs installed at a lower height, accessible to a seated individual.
Removable Fixtures For Handicapped Showers
If you have a shower that is only occasionally used by a handicapped individual, or need a portable method of assisting in bathing routines, there are a few portable accessories that can provide help for mobility challenged individuals. One of the primary types of portable assistance devices is a shower seat. The seats are typically made from a lightweight yet durable plastic, ideal for continuous exposure to water. The seats often fold up flat, making them ideal for easy transport as well as storage when not in use.
Additional Components
Aside from the modifications listed above, there are also components that can be installed in an existing unit to make it a more handicap accessible shower. One of the primary options is to add one or more grab bars to the shower walls. The bars can be used in conjunction with a shower ledge or seat, allowing the bather an additional means of support when sitting and standing. They can also be designed for emergency purposes, providing a solid and sturdy bar to grab hold of when needed to avoid falls.
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