Accessible Bathrooms
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EHLS likes to to say that the bathroom is the most important room in your home. It is very difficult for someone to live in any home if they do not have safe and convenient access to a bathroom. Given its importance it is no surprise that EHLS spends a lot of time doing bathroom modifications. The kind of modifications we make in a given home are based on the needs of the client and caregiver. The modifications may be very simple - maybe some strategically located grab bars are all that's needed - or perhaps the bathroom needs to be completely remodeled with accessiblity as the focus. The most important point to remember is that no matter what needs to be done EHLS has the resources and experience to create an accessible bathroom that can dramatically improve the quality of your daily life. Give us a call and we'll be happy to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs.
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Roll-in Showers
A roll-in (sometimes called a barrier-free) shower may be one of the most effective accessibility modifications EHLS makes. For anyone with a mobility limitation washing up in a bathtub can be difficult if not dangerous. If you're a caregiver you know how much awkward and stressful lifting is involved in helping someone use a bathtub. The good news is a roll-in shower can solve all of these problems. There are a number of ways a roll-in shower can created. The exact method chosen will depend on the needs and wishes of the client as well as the layout of the room.
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One relatively easy way to create a roll-in shower is to replace an existing bathtub with a special fiberglass shower base. The shower base we use is the same size as a typical bathtub which allows us to minimize site preparation work. The base also has only three sides leaving the fourth side open for access by a wheeled mobility device. A drip rail can be installed between the base and the floor to prevent water from running out.
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A second method for creating a roll-in shower is illustrated in this photo. This approach generally referred to as a site-built shower involves lowering the floor followed by the creation of a sloping base using a thin-set mortar. A 2"x2" unglazed tile is applied to the mortar base to provide a finished floor. Creating a site-built shower base requires more work than installing a fiberglass base but it gives us almost a lot more flexibility when deciding the layout and size of the shower.
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An EHLS representative can discuss the pros and cons of each approach in more detail after assessing your bathroom.
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No accessible shower would be complete without a hand-held shower. A hand-held shower makes bathing much more convenient for client and caregiver alike.
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A final accesssory used in most roll-in shower projects is some sort waterproof wheeled shower-chair. Here we a Rifton Bluewave chair used by a child.
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Can you make using my bathtub safer?
There are a number of products and modifications that can help make using a bathtub easier and safer. Properly located grab bars, over the tub seats like the one pictured here, and power bathlifts are all popular solutions.
Over the tub seats are available in a variety of styles and configurations. Some models are supported by the tub itself while others are mounted to the wall and can be folded up out of the way when not in use. Transferring to and from these seats is relatively easy and they avoid the problems many people encounter when trying to stand while seated on the bottom of the tub.
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Some of our clients really enjoy soaking in a nice warm bath but can't get in and out of the tub. A power bathlift can be an effective solution for this problem. A bathlift is essentially a waterproof seat that can raise and lower a client in the bathtub. Most lifts use a battery powered motor to do the lifting although some employ water pressure. These chairs are lightweight and easy to use and install. The Beluga bathlift is shown in this picture.
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Here we have an interesting grab bar and tub seat combination. A portion of the grab bar is hinged and can be folded back when not in use.
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What can be done to make my toilet easier to use?
Many times a toilet would be easier to use if the seat was a bit higher. A standard toilet has a rim height of about 14" which is too low for many people. A toilet seat riser is a simple, inexpensive way to raise the seat a bit. But while risers might be fine for short term needs they aren't very attractive and they can make using the toilet less convenient for other members of the family.
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A permanent more attractive solution is to replace a standard height toilet with a new extended height fixture. Extended height toilets like the Toto Drake shown here have rim heights of 16 1/2" to 17" or about 2 1/2" to 3" higher than standard models.
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You can also raise an existing toilet by using a product called the Toilevator. A Toilevator is a riser that is installed between the toilet and the floor. The Toilevator will raise a toilet 3" and is relatively easy to install.
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Strategically placed hand supports are a simple but important way to increase safe and ease of use. Grab bars are the most commonly used support device and they come in a variety of styles from fixed wall-mounted to hinged wall-mounted to hinged floor-mounted. This picture shows a fold down grab bar attached to a floor mounted pedestal.
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Grab bar in the down position ready for use
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A unique support device called the SuperPole is shown in this picture. The SuperPole can be installed quickly and can be used almost anywhere.
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The toilet modifications presented here are by no means a complete list of the modifications EHLS offers. If you contact our office an EHLS representative will be happy to discuss your needs and suggest possible solutions.
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How about a wheelchair accessible sink?
There are a number of sinks on the market that are designed for wheelchair accessibility. These sinks typically are shallow in the front and slope downward to their deepest point in the rear. This shape provides clearance for knees so a wheelchair user can get close enough to use the sink comfortably. Shown here is the Kohler Invitation wheelchair accessible sink. This nicely designed sink positions the drain in the back right which keeps pipes out of the way.
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Here are a pair of older Kohler accessible sinks mounted in a solid surface vanity top. The area below the left hand sink is open for wheelchair access.
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Hey the sink works great!
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Touchless Faucets and Hand Dryers
For clients who have trouble manipulating controls with their hands a touchless faucet might be the answer. This touchless faucet called the EuroPlus is made by Grohe. Just place your hands under the faucet and the water will flow.
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Electric hand dryers are easier to use than towels. Compact models like the one pictured here are available for home use.
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Bathroom Costs
If your bathroom is not as accessible as you'd like call EHLS to schedule a free, no-obligation appointment. Our representatives will assess your situation and prepare a written proposal with associated costs.
