Barrier Free Bathrooms

In creating a barrier free bathroom the objective is to make the room as open and comfortable for all users, especially if the design is centred on someone with special needs.  Constructing a bathroom to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers for family or friends will create an environment of calm.  The open concept bathroom can still maintain a spa-like atmosphere with a steam shower to offer tranquility or a whirlpool bath providing there is sufficient access and the necessary elements such as grab bars.

When planning a bathroom for a disabled person, location is an important factor and should therefore be situated on the main floor of the home. Also door accessibility should be part of the design you should plan for an opening of at least 35 inches or 88.9 centimetres, which may mean a custom built bathroom door may be required. From a wheelchair position, a smaller opening makes it too narrow if not impossible to gain entry and too large of a door may be difficult to close, being considerate and compassionate for those with any type of disability makes for a welcomed environment.

Building Bathrooms for the Disabled

The actual floor space in the bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair should typically allow someone to completely make a 360 degree circle. Therefore, you will need to leave enough of a clearance, approximately 5 feet or 1.524 metres. This may require you to redirect plumbing to open up the space in your bathroom so that a toilet can be directly moved into the corner of the bathroom or a bath to be flush into the corner as well.  Toilets need a floor space of 47 inches or 119.38 centimetres and baths need at least 60x60 inches or 152.4x152.4 centimetres in front of the bath for easy access.

Accommodate Wheelchairs in the Bathroom

Starting with the installation of the bathroom basin it is important to make sure there is a clearance for those who are confined to a wheel chair, the height of the sink and the location of the mixer taps needs to be properly situated for having those having difficulty bending from the waist. Whether an adult or child, people in wheelchairs need an approximate height of 28-31 inches or 71.12 to 78.74 centimetres in order for them to have access to the basin. Also keep in mind when installing bathroom mixer taps to go with levers rather than taps with knobs as it is much easier to grab hold of  and turn off and on especially for anyone suffering with arthritis or manual hand dexterity.  
 
If you have a bathroom vanity, try removing the doors or the entire cabinet below the sink, this will provide you with free access area for wheelchairs and will eliminate space issues. If you want to conceal the open area below the basin while maintaining storage, a decorative curtain below the sink is ideal solution. If you decide to remove the doors from the vanity or cabinet, remember to cover any sharp corners or edges which is also ideal for protecting small children in the, protective plastic corner pieces can be purchased at most  hardware or specialty bathroom shops. It is equally import to shield any exposed water and waste pipes to avoid direct contact with especially if you have the water temperature set above 46 degrees Celsius or115 degrees, copper or any type of metal pipes do heat up quickly and could burn. An inexpensive and quick way of protecting pipes is to use pipe insulation or build a wooden box to incase the pipes.