Remodeling for Accessibility and Aging In Place
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As this first image illustrates, most U.S. homes have bathrooms that do not incorporate universal design, aging-in-place, or accessibility features. However, residents and their guests may experience degrees of temporary or chronic physical disability at some stage in life. People with physical challenges often do their best to work around barriers to mobility, but these do-it-yourself solutions can be uncomfortable, cumbersome, and even potentially dangerous.
When remodeling a bathroom to accommodate someone with accessibility needs, hiring an experienced licensed contractor is essential. Even homeowners who aren't facing accessibility needs now should consider aspects of universal design that will serve them and their guests if the need should arise or as they age. As the images below illustrate, accessibility and universal design need not draw unwanted attention to the need, nor is it necessary to sacrifice beauty and style in overall design aesthetics. |
Bathroom "Before": Cramped and potentially dangerous.
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Accessibility Renovations, Coastal Virginia
Below:
The homeowners chose to have a traditional walk-in shower and Jacuzzi walk-in tub for added versatility. A walk-in tub allows ease of access for those unable to bathe in a regular tub, including persons with physical challenges, limited mobility or the elderly. An individual capable of using a walker will have no problem using a walk-in tub by themselves. Strategically placed grab bar and shower seat make enjoying the shower safer for all walks of life. Sleek chrome shower heads offer an all over body relaxation. Double sinks, each with it's own medicine cabinet, make this bathroom sleek and usable.
The homeowners chose to have a traditional walk-in shower and Jacuzzi walk-in tub for added versatility. A walk-in tub allows ease of access for those unable to bathe in a regular tub, including persons with physical challenges, limited mobility or the elderly. An individual capable of using a walker will have no problem using a walk-in tub by themselves. Strategically placed grab bar and shower seat make enjoying the shower safer for all walks of life. Sleek chrome shower heads offer an all over body relaxation. Double sinks, each with it's own medicine cabinet, make this bathroom sleek and usable.
Below: Features of this newly remodeled accessible bathroom include roll-in shower with wooden seat and grab bars, widened doorway, and strategically placed grab bar and shower seat. The coordinating tile makes the shower much more cozy.
Other areas of accessibility throughout the home can include
Widening doorways
Wheelchairs need a minimum 32" door for a straight in approach. If the doorway is located in the typical hallway and requires turning a wheelchair, you'll need a 36" door. Doors can be widened for wheelchair and walker access. The existing door unit is removed, the light switch relocated, the framed opening widened, a new wider door unit installed and the finished flooring is repaired.
Adding Ramps
Residential access ramps are traditionally constructed of wood but can be made of other materials such as concrete or molded plastic. They can even be made to blend in with a home landscaping design.
Installing Grab bars
Grab bars are empowering devices which provide a secure hand hold in the bath tub or shower, and offer individuals of all ages enhanced stability while standing or sitting. Falls are among the leading causes of injuries, hospitalizations and functional disabilities among seniors, and bathrooms are one of the most common locations for indoor falls.
Curbless Showers
These showers. which also are referred to as barrier free or walk in showers, offer a seamless design without a divider between the bathroom and shower floor. They can accommodate people with limited mobility due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions.
Widening doorways
Wheelchairs need a minimum 32" door for a straight in approach. If the doorway is located in the typical hallway and requires turning a wheelchair, you'll need a 36" door. Doors can be widened for wheelchair and walker access. The existing door unit is removed, the light switch relocated, the framed opening widened, a new wider door unit installed and the finished flooring is repaired.
Adding Ramps
Residential access ramps are traditionally constructed of wood but can be made of other materials such as concrete or molded plastic. They can even be made to blend in with a home landscaping design.
Installing Grab bars
Grab bars are empowering devices which provide a secure hand hold in the bath tub or shower, and offer individuals of all ages enhanced stability while standing or sitting. Falls are among the leading causes of injuries, hospitalizations and functional disabilities among seniors, and bathrooms are one of the most common locations for indoor falls.
Curbless Showers
These showers. which also are referred to as barrier free or walk in showers, offer a seamless design without a divider between the bathroom and shower floor. They can accommodate people with limited mobility due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions.
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Contact us today to discuss which accessibility designs would work best for you and your home.