For people using a wheelchair to live a comfortable life like everybody else, certain changes around the home need to be considered. There are so many ways that can make life easier, safer, and more independent for wheelchair users and people with disabilities.
One of the rooms around the house, which certainly requires some adaptions in order to be wheelchair-friendly, is the bathroom. Read on to learn about different disability products that increase independence in the bathroom.
1. Start with adapting the toilet
Creating a wheelchair-accessible bathroom implies a few significant modifications. One of them is undoubtedly the toilet. Even though some standard height is recommended for toilets, it can be easily modified to serve the needs of the person in question. So, the height must suit its user.
The toilet paper dispenser should also be within the reaching distance of the toilet user. That goes for other things such as wipes, sanitary products, extra toilet paper, and different medical equipment. When it comes to adapting the toilet for wheelchair users, grab bars or support bars on each side can come in quite handy and are usually recommended.
2. Take a look at accessible toilet accessories to help with care
While on the topic of toilets, we should also mention different accessible toilet accessories, which can help its users with hygiene and care.
a. Toilet frames
These frames are quite useful as their primary function is to support the users while getting on or off the toilet. They come in different materials, such as steel or aluminum, and can be either attached to the wall or freestanding.
b. Raised toilet seats
Raised toilet seats provide help with getting up from the toilet seat. They are usually padded and hence pretty comfortable. As far as the setup is concerned, they are just placed on top of a regular toilet seat, making standing up easier for the user.
c. Bidets
Having a bidet in a wheelchair-friendly bathroom helps its users with cleaning. It assists the users not just with cleaning themselves but also with being completely independent. Installing bidets doesn’t require any particular skill and is usually incorporated in the toilet.
3. Make your shower and bathtub accessible
Many wheelchair or disabled users need some seat in the shower. It can be a rolling or a fixed one – the most important thing is that it provides comfort for the user. Another thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the entrance to the shower. For people using a wheelchair, it is best to have a curbless shower in order to provide an easy entrance.
Walk-in tubs are another plausible option. Having grab bars in the shower as well as next to the toilet is crucial. They provide more stability for users. The flooring should obviously be non-slippery. You should also consider placing bathing products within easy reach, such as shampoos, shower gels, towels, and shower controls.
4. Make the sink and vanity wheelchair-friendly
When speaking about the sink and vanity, some things must be considered for wheelchair-friendly access. First of all, the sink should be mounted on the wall at an appropriate height and with no cabinets under it, so a person using a wheelchair could fit their knees below the sink.
The mirror also needs to be placed at the right height for wheelchair users to be able to use it as well as other people. Many people prefer extra long or tilted mirrors. Also, products such as dental care, eye care, and medical products should be placed so that a person in a wheelchair can reach them without endangering their safety.
5. Don’t forget the bathroom entrance
Last but not least, the bathroom entrance also needs some modifications. First things first, the door needs to be wider and the entrance from room to room flat, without curbs. The floor should be free of any bathroom mats as they make moving around in a wheelchair more difficult and dangerous.
Final Words
Making everything around the house accessible to wheelchair users makes them feel safer, more independent, and self-confident – and if you have the means to provide them with a little more comfort, do it!
If a disabled family member is an NDIS participant, you may seek for specialist support coordination to identify what home modification expenses would be covered.
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