What to Consider when Building an Accessible Disabled Bathroom Design

With the world wanting a more inclusive society for specially-abled people, the modern era has emphasised ensuring accessibility for individuals regardless of their physical abilities. The first steps begin in their own homes, with facilities that allow disabled people to utilise basic amenities without any hassle. Interior design has always focused on aesthetics, but when building a disabled bathroom design, the priority shifts towards functionality over aesthetics. However, such a process doesn't come with its own set of challenges.

 

Here at Western Mobility, we are dedicated to providing aid to disabled people and making their homes more accessible through our range of utilities. Among such utilities, we have specialised in building disabled bathrooms for our consumers. Through our experience, we are here to guide you through the essential factors to consider in creating an accessible bathroom design for the disabled. 

What to Consider in Accessible Disabled Bathroom Design

 

• Build a Spacious Bathroom

 

Most disabled people face the challenge of manoeuvrability, which is amplified when using a bathroom. The first factor to consider when building a disabled bathroom design is to provide adequate space to users, especially wheelchair users. You want to ensure there is enough space for moving and turning and a 60-inch diameter floor space for a wheelchair to make a 360 turn.

 

• Ensure Adequate Safety Precautions

 

The next factor to consider is to ensure safety and support for disabled bathroom design. You can provide it with well-placed safety bars around the toilet and bathroom areas at an appropriate height to assist in movement. Another thing to consider is to make the floor non-slippery to reduce the risk of falls using slip-resistant materials like vinyl and textured tiles.

 

• Install Bathroom Utilities at Proper Height

 

Most wheelchair users need a clear space underneath essential bathroom utilities like sinks, toilets, and counters to pull up close. You must provide them with adequate space to improve their comfort.

 

• Provide Accessible Indoor Bathroom Utilities

 

Little things can make a big difference in making bathrooms more accessible and comfortable for disabled people, such as a walk-in shower, which is easier for disabled people to access in a bathtub than a bathtub. Another thing you can do is to prefer lever-style taps and handles over traditional knobs, as it requires limited hand strength to access.

What to Remember in an Accessible Disabled Bathroom Design

 

• Visual and Audio Aid

 

It's common to design a disabled-friendly bathroom for users with mobility issues, but don't neglect people with vision and audio impairments. You can also make bathrooms more accessible to them by including features like audible alarms, tactile indicators, and braille signage where appropriate.

 

• Privacy Considerations

 

It goes without saying that disabled people also need their time in the bathroom to be private without feeling a sense of vulnerability. You don't want to design the bathroom layout in a way that compromises user privacy, but rather design it in a way that ensures maximum comfort.

 

• Create a Positive Atmosphere

 

We know we said earlier that functionality is the number one priority in designing a disabled-friendly bathroom, but that doesn't mean you should design one that feels more like a hospital than a private premises. Don't completely ignore the indoor aesthetics and create a dull atmosphere for disabled individuals. Opt for warm, inviting colours and fixtures that blend safety with style, making the space comfortable and welcoming.

 

• Emergency Call Systems

 

An emergency call system is a critical safety feature in public or commercial premises. The system should be easily accessible from the floor in case of a fall, with pull cords or buttons within reach of the toilet and shower areas.

Build an Accessible Disabled Bathroom in Ireland With Western Mobility

Building an accessible bathroom design for disabled people is no longer an option but a necessity. Here at Western Mobility understand the importance of such necessity more than anyone, and we have dedicated our cause towards helping people with disabilities, less abled and the elderly access basic indoor features with maximum comfort and safety.

 

Western Mobility offers a comprehensive one-stop solution for bathroom conversions, ensuring a seamless and efficient transformation to create accessible, safe, and stylish spaces. Our services encompass all aspects of bathroom adaptation, including expert plumbing, non-slip and aesthetically pleasing floor and wall tiling, and reliable electrical installations. We specialise in fitting raised toilets, level access showers, walk-in baths, and wet rooms, enhancing the comfort and independence of users.

 

Additionally, our installations of essential aids like grab rails and shower seats are designed to meet the highest standards of safety and functionality. With Western Mobility, clients receive an all-encompassing service that addresses every aspect of bathroom conversion, making the journey towards a fully accessible bathroom smooth and hassle-free.

 

If you'd like to install a disabled-friendly bathroom on your residential or commercial premises with Western Mobility, fill out our online contact form, and a team member will contact you shortly. You can also call us at 094 902 4994 or email us on [email protected].