Bathrooms for the Disabled

The first step

The challenge to revamping a bathroom for a handicapped person is to make modifications that accommodate the homeowner's tastes. To the handicapped, these modifications are a declaration of their independence.

The first step to making a bathroom handicap-accessible is to install grabbers that, when mounted vertically to walls, offer four gripping heights to assist in getting up from the toilet. Support rails that mount to the edge of the bathtub offer support getting in and out of the tub and have multiple grip areas. Support bars mounted to the wall of the bathtub or shower steady and prevent falling.

A tiny bit further

Toilet seat risers in 4- to 6-in. heights clamp onto existing seats and simplify sitting on the toilet. Surfaces are contoured or padded and are made for standard and elongated bowls. One model is available with arms and antimicrobial protection that fights the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Falls in showers and bathtubs are a common occurrence. After installing rails and grips, consider shower seats and chairs and bath chairs. Numerous styles are available with or without backs. Some models are adjustable; some have arms and handles for added support.

Also available are shower transport chairs and chairs with attached commodes. Transfer benches have seats that slide side to side to minimize strain on the caregiver and the handicapped individual.