The fittings and fixtures installed in bathrooms to be used by aged or disabled people should also be considered, and there are many products available which can help to prevent accidents and increase access and ease of use.
An obvious modification is to provide handles and bars near baths, in showers and adjacent to toilets which can allow the user more independence from carers, although at the same time it is best to ensure that privacy locks on bathroom doors can be opened from the outside in the case of an emergency.
Showers should be built or modifies to measure at least 900mm x 1200mm, and they should not have any steps or be located over a bath. Solid walls on two sides are best, to allow horizontal grab rails to be fitted, and shower curtains or hinged shower screens are easier to use than sliding doors. In the case of users who are wheelchair bound, special showers are available which have low doors which open completely at ground level to allow wheelchair access.
Counters and sinks can be installed at a suitable height for the user; in the case of wheelchair bound users, low installations will allow access while for others, bench tops, sinks and cabinets should be at a height which allows use without the need for bending. Cabinets for wheelchair users are also available. Another helpful feature to prevent accidents is a night light or movement sensitive light switch in the passage for safe access to the toilet at night.
An obvious modification is to provide handles and bars near baths, in showers and adjacent to toilets which can allow the user more independence from carers, although at the same time it is best to ensure that privacy locks on bathroom doors can be opened from the outside in the case of an emergency.
Showers should be built or modifies to measure at least 900mm x 1200mm, and they should not have any steps or be located over a bath. Solid walls on two sides are best, to allow horizontal grab rails to be fitted, and shower curtains or hinged shower screens are easier to use than sliding doors. In the case of users who are wheelchair bound, special showers are available which have low doors which open completely at ground level to allow wheelchair access.
Counters and sinks can be installed at a suitable height for the user; in the case of wheelchair bound users, low installations will allow access while for others, bench tops, sinks and cabinets should be at a height which allows use without the need for bending. Cabinets for wheelchair users are also available. Another helpful feature to prevent accidents is a night light or movement sensitive light switch in the passage for safe access to the toilet at night.