Bathroom Remodeling Ideas for People With Low Mobility
Bathrooms are one of the most important and functional rooms in any home. Unfortunately, they can also be a serious safety risk—over 200,000 people visit the hospital each year due to bathroom-related accidents and injuries, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk of bathroom accidents is even greater for seniors, infants, and people with mobility issues.
Luckily, there are many simple changes you can make to your bathroom to make it safer and more comfortable for everyone in your household. Here are some remodeling ideas to make your bathroom more accessible from the experts at Mattioni.
Walk-In Bathtub
Getting in and out of the bathtub can be a challenge for seniors or people with mobility issues. Walk-in bathtubs allow you to enjoy the soothing comfort of a nice bath without the worry of slipping and falling before or afterwards. With a few small renovations, it’s possible to have a walk-in bath or shower installed in your home.
Space and Lighting
One of the biggest reasons why bathrooms can become so dangerous is because the space is too confined. In a small space, it’s easier to hit your head or injure yourself on a nearby bathroom fixture. The risk of a slip-and-fall is significantly reduced in a larger space. If you’re having trouble maneuvering within your own bathroom, consider having it expanded. A more spacious bathroom is not only safer – it’s also more comfortable and will provide you with more room to relax.
Lighting can also have a big impact on your safety. If your bathroom doesn’t have adequate light, it’s easier to experience an accident. A few simple lighting renovations can make your bathroom much brighter and easier to navigate.
Doors
Automatic door opening is needed for a wheelchair. The installation of hinges will allow for a wider door. In the case of a small bathroom, we recommend the installation of a swing-out door so that there will be enough space in the bathroom for a wheelchair user to close the door upon entry. We recommend that doorknobs be replaced with lever handles.
Less Rounded Shower Floors
Low-profile linear drains are long, straight drains that can be installed in various locations around the shower. Unlike regular round drain covers that are typically near the front end of a shower, linear drains minimize the slope of the shower floor. If installed at the outside edge of a shower for example, linear drains can create a curb-less, relatively flat shower floor which is both stylish and wheelchair accessible.
Slip Resistant Flooring
Another example of how to improve accessibility in your bathroom comes with the rapidly expanding selection of porcelain, glass, and ceramic tiles. With so many types to choose from, it is now easier than ever to find floors that are slip-resistant and low-maintenance yet stylish. Everything from faux wood to linen and uniquely textured tiled bathroom floors and walls add both aesthetic sensibility and enhanced traction for wet feet.
Remodel Your Bathroom With Safety in Mind
Protect your safety and prevent any serious accidents from occurring in your home by having your bathroom remodeled to be more accessible. For high quality bathroom renovations, trust the experts at Mattioni Plumbing. Our team of professional designers and contractors will help you create the bathroom of your dreams with minimal disruption to your daily life. Contact us today to learn more about our bathroom remodeling services.
