Handicap Bathroom Fixtures

Handicap bathroom fixtures can enhance the safe use of this essential area of your home and make bathing and other personal tasks more comfortable for loved ones with physical challenges.

Although a standard bathroom setup offers convenience and some safety to the average user with the addition of a rubber shower mat and some non-skid floor mats, people with special needs require additional aids in order to perform important tasks safely.

Supplying a few slightly modified elements to an existing bathroom can sometimes work wonders to make the bath a more welcoming place to an older or disabled family member. A raised toilet or elevated toilet seat, brighter lights; the installation of grab bars and large, easy turn door and cabinet handles; and the addition of non-skid strips or floors can increase the independent functioning of someone with muscle problems, arthritis, or poor eyesight. Even these small changes can make a big difference, offering physically challenged adults a level of independence and security they wouldn’t have otherwise. Another nice benefit of making these minor changes is that they are relatively inexpensive and can be retrofitted into an existing bathroom with a minimum of fuss.

You've probably heard of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that mandated the establishment of handicapped accessible features in public facilities. Since the implementation of these minimum standards for places like restaurants, public restrooms and retail stores, there has been a revolution in the availability of products designed for use by the physically challenged.

This is a boon for the consumer looking for ways to make a bathroom user friendly. From special handles for people with arthritis to high countertops and sinks for people who have flexibility problems, there are lots of ways to modify an existing space or design a new one to make life easier for someone who wants to remain at home but needs a little help. The following list of handicap bathroom fixtures and accessory categories isn't exhaustive, but it will give you an idea of the types of products out there:

• Water temperature sensors and flow control devices
• High bowl toilets (16 1/2 inches)
• Walk-in tubs and showers
• Non-skid floors and safety strips
• Elevated sinks for those with limited flexibility
• Lowered sinks and countertops for those in wheelchairs
• Grab bars for a variety of applications
• Special handles and knobs for cabinets, doors, and faucets
• Remote control and voice activated devices to turn on lights and other electric appliances
• Open vanities for easy wheelchair access
• Bath or shower benches

As you can see, products vary depending on the need. If the area around the commode will have to be enlarged to accommodate wheelchair access and the doorway will need to be widened, for example, this is a much bigger modification than adding grab bars and installing a raised toilet.

Before you start making any big changes, consult an expert. Many contractors out there specialize in handicap access redesigns and can help you understand all the available options. If you're doing more than adding a few accessories, you may need to check local building codes too in order to determine whether or not you'll need a permit for the modifications you have in mind.

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