It Can Happen to Anyone

Winter weather brings snow, sleet and ice – along with slips and falls. Any one of us could be temporarily disabled, making it difficult to get around our own homes. I recommend that anyone who remodels consider this, particularly when designing a bathroom.

If this is new construction, consider having enough room around the toilet to pivot a wheelchair. Clear floor space for one wheelchair must be 30” x 48” (760 mm x 1219 mm) or more to accommodate the chair with ease. The equipment to be used must be approachable from the front or the side. Some of this clear floor space may be located underneath fixtures, lavatories, or accessories as long as the necessary knee and toe clearance is available. Even if not using a wheelchair, having enough clearance will allow another person to assist.

Grab bars provide stability and support for people getting on and off the toilet. There are many attractive surface materials available. Grab bars should also be in the shower, along with a seat. The grab bars are permanently installed; the seat can be put in as needed. Adding a seat improves safety and allows for more independence in personal care. The seat should be against the wall so that one can lean for additional support. Don’t forget to put the shower controls within reach.

If possible, the entrance to the bathroom and the shower should be roll in. Even a low saddle can be hard to navigate on crutches or with an unsteady gait.

Even a minor remodel will make a bathroom friendlier. Consult with an architect or certified planner for grab bar placement. Consider a hand-held shower. A fold-up shower seat would be appreciated by anyone.