How to properly prepare a bathroom for people with disabilities?

06-04-2021

A bathroom for a disabled person must provide safety and comfort of use, which is why preparing such a space requires compliance with specific regulations and installation of appropriate equipment. The ability to independently use the bathroom is of great importance for people with mobility limitations and has a positive impact on their psyche. How to properly prepare a bathroom for the disabled?

How to design a bathroom for the disabled

The design of a bathroom for the disabled should meet formal requirements, but also respond to the individual needs and expectations of the person who will use the bathroom. The dimensions of the bathroom for the disabled are also of great importance, as they should ensure freedom of movement.

There are several basic principles to consider when designing a bathroom for people with disabilities:

The space should be free of thresholds that can limit freedom of movement.
The bathroom door should be wider, but not too wide, so as not to reduce the usable space in the room. The optimal width is 0.9 - 1 m. The handle should be placed at a height suitable for the user's needs.
Sanitary ceramics must be hung at appropriate heights.
The washroom, bathing area, and sanitary zone should be equipped with handles.
In a bathroom designed for a wheelchair user, it is very important to provide a maneuvering space that should not be smaller than 150x150 cm.

Private bathroom

Home bathrooms for people with disabilities are not subject to such strict regulations as designs for public buildings. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the individual needs of household members, making sure that the bathroom is located in an easily accessible place, has enough space for maneuvering, and properly placed sanitary facilities.

Public Restroom

In the case of restrooms located in public buildings, the design should be based on the principles outlined in the building law. Regulations specify the necessary equipment for wheelchair users and apply to facilities such as offices, cinemas, theaters, recreational centers, educational institutions, and catering establishments. Restroom designs in public buildings must meet ergonomic requirements and comply with occupational health and safety and fire safety regulations.

How to equip a restroom for people with disabilities

Every bathroom can be adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Depending on whether people without mobility limitations will also use the bathroom, there is a possibility to arrange the interior with dedicated ceramics and fittings, as well as equipment elements or just additional accessories to facilitate the use of the bathroom for people with disabilities.

Wall handles

Bathroom handles are essential equipment for disabled people in the bathroom. They are available in various shapes and sizes to fit individual needs. Handles for the disabled are usually mounted on the wall near the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub. In our store, we offer sturdy handles made of stainless steel or carbon steel, with necessary certifications to ensure their quality and safety. Available options include straight handles, curved handles, and corner rails.

Preparing the bathtub or shower

Although the best solution for a bathroom designed for people with disabilities is a walk-in shower, which is open and free of moving parts and doors, you can also choose a bathtub. If there is already a standard model in the bathroom, steps with handrails can make it easier to enter the tub. There is also the option of installing a bathtub specifically designed for people with disabilities. Among the available options are wide tubs, corner tubs, and models with opening doors.

Walk-in showers are arranged directly on the floor, so they can have a shape and size tailored to the specific user's needs. It is important to remember to equip the shower with a seat, handrails, and handles.

Shower seats

Shower seats can be permanently mounted or inserted. Models installed in the cabin can be conveniently folded, thus increasing the available space. We offer both solutions in our assortment. We propose folding seats made of steel or durable plastic. We also offer bathroom stools, which can be used in the shower and wherever there is a need. There are also bathtub benches and bath seats that fit the size of most bathtubs.

Toilet

Disabled toilets cannot be installed in a random place. Its edge should be about 75 cm away from the wall to allow for the wheelchair to be placed parallel to its side. The installation height is also important. It is best for the toilet bowl to be mounted at a height of about 50 cm so that a disabled person can rest their feet on the floor.

Sinks for disabled people

A sink designed for disabled people is flat and wide, with a profiled front to allow for the wheelchair to get as close as possible. It is worth choosing a special faucet equipped with a long spout and lever or a version with a mixer to protect against burns. The sink should be placed as close as possible to the toilet so that there is no need to transfer to a wheelchair after using the toilet.

Hinged mirrors

Mirror above the sink should be hung no higher than 100 cm above the floor and must be a tilting model. The ability to adjust the angle of inclination allows wheelchair users to comfortably use it. Among the products we offer are mirrors of various sizes and patterns, enabling comfortable use of the bathroom by people with disabilities.

Accessories for people with disabilities

Specialized accessories for people with disabilities make it easier to use the bathroom without the help of others. In addition to the mentioned elements, you can also find special holders for toilet paper or shower curtain, which can further assist in using the bathroom and toilet.

Prepare a bathroom for people with disabilities with OLE.PL

A bathroom for people with disabilities must be a space that provides freedom, comfort, and safety. You can prepare a bathroom adapted to the needs of a person with limited mobility thanks to OLE.PL. We offer a wide selection of high-quality equipment and accessories, all with the required safety certificates.