Bathroom Checklist | |
Checklist --The bathroom door should be wide enough to permit wheelchair entry. A 32-in. wide door from a wide hall is acceptable, but a 3-0 (36 in.) door is better. --The bathroom floor plan should be large enough to permit a wheelchair to turn inside. --Lavatories and toilets can be wall-mounted, which permits them to be positioned for wheelchair accessibility. --Allow space beneath the lavatory sink for the wheelchair to approach. Consider having a wall-mounted countertop with an abbreviated vanity or no vanity cabinet underneath. --Hang mirrors low enough to be used by the seated person. --Provide enhanced lighting for those with reduced vision. Light should be bright enough to read prescription labels to avoid taking the wrong medicine or wrong dosage. --Drawer pulls and round door knobs on vanities should be D-shaped for better gripping. --Install non-slip flooring. Ceramic tile flooring can be perfectly safe if you choose the type used in hospitals and laboratories. These offer the resistance to dirt and stains, easy cleaning, and low maintenance normally associated with ceramic tile floors, with good traction underfoot. --If building a new home, check out the barrier-free tubs and showers offered --Bars and seats to aid tub entry are available at hospital supply stores (see Yellow Pages, "Hospital Equipment & Supplies"). --Install grab bars for safety wherever the less-abled must stand and to aid entry and exit in bathtubs or shower stalls. Be sure grab bars are well anchored, with screws into wood framing, not just into plaster or drywall. Provide plenty of ventilation so that steam and moisture do not collect and make fixtures or floor slippery. --If building new or remodeling, have the plumber offset water faucets and shower controls so they are near the front edge of the tub or shower stall, rather than having them centered over the tub. --If space permits, install stackable laundry equipment in an alcove or closet in the bathroom. This eases laundry chores by keeping the laundry area central to the bath. --Turn water heater thermostat down to prevent accidental scalding. --Faucets should have lever handles for easy control of water temperature and flow. --Install the medicine cabinet so it is not centered over the sink but allows easy access for a wheelchair occupant. Written by Gary Branson Reprinted with permission. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |