Disabled Bathroom Ideas | More Ability

Published: 7 November 2018 · Last Updated: 25 August 2023

You probably have a preconception of what a disabled bathroom is.

You also probably associate the design being filled with traditional bath aids.

Well, we’re here to let you know that disabled bathrooms are much more than that. Not to steer away from the most important factor which will always be about ensuring the user’s safety. Now not only can we ensure safety, but we can also add style, and even look to add future-proofed features.

Does this sound too good to be true?

Well thanks to research and the help of our team of experts, in this article we are going to give you our top 10 disabled bathroom ideas and see how you can guarantee safety, and style for a disabled bathroom.

1. Multi-functional shower bench

Now this first idea sets us off nicely. When you’re looking for ideas to design a disabled bathroom, then a multi-functional bench is a perfect feature to start with, given that it serves so many purposes.

Popular by demand is a Corian bench is a purpose-built shower seat that guarantees safety and integrates style. Interesting right? It has the same purposes as we mentioned above, as well as ease of maintenance. It is great for those who have multiple users of the same bathroom or frequent visitors, as it is made for but not made to look like a disabled bathroom.

You could be an individual that is looking into future-proofing your bathroom, requires assistance, or may just enjoy the leisure of sitting down in a shower. Opting for a bench that is height adjustable, and has a removable seat is a good call. However, it is important that you ensure that the bench is sturdy, comfortable, and most importantly designed for water exposure.

2. Smart assistive technology

Of course, we had to include a feature that involves technology, all for good reasons though. After all, it is about helping you. Smart assistive technology can increase efficiency and enhance accessibility in a bathroom. Continue to find out why.

Reduce physical effort in a disabled bathroom with the installation of motion-activated faucets, a feature you have most likely seen in public restrooms. These sensors let the water run once it senses your hands and not only does it require very little effort, but it is also hygienic and saves water.

Continuing with the reduction of physical effort, integration of voice-activated controls, can help adjust water temperature, lighting, and potentially other bathroom features.

These smart technologies help you to retain independence and are considered convenient for individuals with disabilities.

3. Accessible shower with zero entry design

Accessible showers with zero entry massively consider individuals with mobility aids, wheelchair users, or walkers, and even those who live in a multi-generational home.

This feature eliminates the need for a step or threshold allowing a smooth entrance into the shower. To further enhance the safety of the Zero entry shower include grab bars and even consider a shower bench to elevate that shower experience.

4. Non-slip flooring

A popular feature in a disabled bathroom. Non-slip or anti-slip vinyl flooring, is a rubber or slip-resistant vinyl material; known to be the safest flooring option.

For an area that is typically wet or slippery, non-slip flooring provides multiple advantages, hence its huge approval amongst many. This disabled bathroom solution helps to minimise the risk of slips and falls, is water resistant, and is easy to clean and maintain.

The benefits don’t stop there. Non-slip flooring can help you retain style with its many options that are available in both colour and texture securing both safety and style in a disabled bathroom design.

5. Roll-in shower with multiple shower heads

Enhance a shower experience with the installation of multiple shower heads in a shower room and accommodate the varying needs of individuals with a disability.

Having more than one shower head installation provides you with options and who doesn’t love a bit of choice? This customisable feature can be easily accessed either sitting down or in a standing position.

And for those who are unable to stand or struggle to stand in the shower for long periods of time, this one is for you especially if you enjoy the showering experience. We have to say that this bathroom feature goes hand in hand perfectly with a shower bench.

6. Easy grip accessories

As we further delve into our ideas, we had to include some bathroom essentials. What bathroom can function without accessories? As our focus in this article is disabled bathrooms, there are now accessories out there that are designed to help the user.

Some of the options that are available to you are a toilet paper holder extender, this bathroom feature is super useful and can help the user with accessibility or mobility needs to have ease of access, restricting their movement

7. Voice – Activated Assistants

Touching again on technology, you have the option to integrate voice-activated assistants as part of your disabled bathroom design.

As usual, there are a few options available to you. Smart speakers or home automation systems can help to control various functions in a bathroom. It picks up individual voice commands that will allow you to have the ability to adjust lighting, temperature, and even access other hands-free bathroom features that are at your disposal. Helping to promote independence and convenience.

8. Wheelchair-friendly vanity

A big consideration for a disabled bathroom design would be to fit a vanity or a designated vanity area that is wheelchair friendly.

This bathroom feature can be wall mounted or a floating vanity with an open space beneath, which is an immense help for those who are in a wheelchair.

The other option you may want to consider is to install a roll–under sink this allows for much easier access.

9. Personal emergency alert system

As much as we have spoken about design in a disabled bathroom, we are very conscious about the safety and peace of mind of its user whilst the space is being used.

To ensure their safety within the bathroom space, we suggest having the user be equipped with a wearable device or another option available to the user is a wall-mounted button. Both devices will allow the users to call for assistance in case of emergencies or accidents.

Either way, whichever the user decides to go for this furthers your safety in the bathroom even if you decide that you want more of a stylish bathroom.

10. Clear floor space

Our final idea is all about the user and just like the previous suggestion we would like to give you another option to think about when it comes to ensuring safety in a disabled bathroom.

When deciding which features to go for consider space and manoeuvrability, especially for individuals with mobility devices. Make sure to remove unnecessary obstacles or even re-design the layout to achieve that full optimal practical design.

Can we help you design an accessible bathroom?

That is our top 10 disabled bathroom ideas, we have covered ideas that ensure the user's safety and incorporate style also. If you wish to gather further information about disabled toilets and disabled toilet accessories or to find out more information about our full design and fit service, please call a friendly member of our team or book a free design appointment online.

FAQs

How can I make a bathroom more visually appealing while maintaining accessibility features?

It can be hard to imagine making a disabled bathroom visually appealing. So an option that is so simple and easy to implement is using a combination of colours, patterns, and textures.

Choosing contrasting colours can be for fixtures and grab bars to enhance visibility. Other suggestions available to you are decorative tiles, accent walls, or artwork to add visual interest. Besides that, it is to ensure that those visually appealing features, don’t affect the accessible fixtures and that the pathways remain clear and easy to use.

What are some budget-friendly options for creating a disabled-friendly bathroom?

Some nice quick easy budget-friendly options that be incorporated as part of a disabled bathroom design are adding easy fixtures such as grab bars; you can also look to add non-slip adhesive strips or even mats instead of replacing the whole flooring. Additionally, it is advisable to contact your local accessible organisation or search for government programs that may provide resources for cost-effective adjustments.

How can I make my bathroom more accessible for individuals with mobility aids?

Further enhancing an accessible bathroom, to suit users with mobility aids, carefully consider features such as roll-in showers with grab bars, height-adjustable toilets, and sinks. The doors would also need to be widened for wheelchair accessibility.

Are there specific regulations or guidelines to follow for designing a disabled bathroom?

Yes, there are regulations and guidelines that outline the standards for designing disabled bathrooms. There would usually be build codes, and accessibility standards, which would include providing specific dimension requirements, grab bar replacement, and clearances to ensure accessibility and safety.

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