Accessible Bathrooms: Practical Tips For Long-Term Usability

An accessible bathroom is non-negotiable if you have a friend or family member with chronic health conditions, an injury, or other disability. But where do you start for these types of designs, especially for a wheelchair user?

From grab bars to non-slip flooring, this blog will give you a rundown of some clever ideas for accessible bathrooms to improve quality of life.

How Can You Make It Accessible?

There are many things you can put in place to put together an accessible bathroom.

Fixtures and fittings that are adaptable

• Adjustable-height showerheads (such as handheld models) support users of different heights or abilities
• Lever handles instead of knob styles as they are easier to operate for people who have limited dexterity strength
• Raised toilet seats instead traditional options as they are more comfortable for users with mobility challenges.

A thoughtful bathroom layout

You would not create a bathroom with tight spaces and clutter. To make it accessible, add in:

• Easy-to-get-to storage like lower shelving, wall-mounted cabinets, and pull-out baskets or open shelving.
• Allow for a turning radius of 1500mm for wheelchair users to comfortably navigate the room.
• Wide pathways and doorways for wheelchair users or people with walking aids.

Look at AAA Build projects if you are not sure on where to begin.

It must be safe to use

• Place nightlights or motion sensors around the bathroom to prevent trip hazards
• Anti-scald valves in showerheads and faucets to prevent sudden changes in water temperatures
• Secure flooring materials that are slip-resistant and comfortable to walk on. Textured tiles, rubber, or vinyl options are worth looking at
• Shower chairs keep users safe while bathing

Barrier-free shower spaces

Enable safe, easy, and comfortable access for people with varying mobility levels. For example:

• A curb-less shower for smooth entry and exit
• Install slip-resistant flooring in the shower area for a safer showering experience
• Sturdy grab-rails in the shower for stability and mobility concerns

Are you looking for some inspiration for accessible bathroom renovations? View the new Highett bathroom designed by AAA to start thinking about what might work for you.

Accessible Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne: Get a Quote!

Servicing Melbourne for over 30 years, we want to be your #1 choice for bathroom renovations.

AAA Build takes the hassle out of space planning for accessibility features! Whether you want to install porcelain tiles, thermostatic mixing valves, touchless faucets, wider doorways or have specific requests with your occupational therapist, the AAA Experience will not disappoint you.

Contact us today for a free in-house consultation or to reserve now and pay layer with up to 18 months interest-free. You can call 1300 400 388 or email [email protected] to discuss your project budget as soon as possible.

Read more about our renovation process. All our builds meet Australian standards, from the support bars to the washbasin heights. We service several locations around Melbourne including the Mornington Peninsula region, Kingston, Port Phillips, Frankston, and many more.

If you are unsure if we cover your area, drop us a line and we will get right back to you.