How to Improve Accessibility In Your Bathroom

If you live in a multi-generational household or wish to design a home that ages with you, accessibility is essential. Accessibility in bathrooms can be challenging, as showers and tubs can be difficult for people with disabilities or limited mobility to use. Fortunately, many design innovations exist which can easily improve accessibility in your bathroom. In fact, you don’t even need a complete remodel to implement some of these designs. By focusing on the following three improvements, you can find ways to make your bathroom accessible and safe for every person in your family. 

Small Changes That Make a Difference

Sometimes it’s the small things that can make a big difference. One way to improve accessibility in your bathroom is to update the lighting. Without proper lighting, it can be hard to navigate the space and the potential for injury increases. You can improve this room’s safety by ensuring that the lighting illuminates all important features and that the controls are easy to operate and can be used by someone in a wheelchair. 

Another minor update that makes an impact is the installation of safety bars. Adding grab bars around the toilet, shower, and tub can provide additional stability and support to your existing features without requiring significant changes. 

Update Your Shower 

There are a few changes that can be made to your shower to make this feature more comfortable and safe. Adding a small seat can make your shower more accessible and doesn’t require a complete shower replacement. If you are installing shower seating, you will want to ensure that you also have a handheld showerhead with a hose of 60 inches or more for maximum flexibility. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a significant change, you can completely renovate your shower and make a “roll-in shower.” These showers have virtually no threshold, which makes maneuvering wheelchairs or walkers in and out of the shower significantly easier. 

Install a Walk-In Tub 

If you or your older family members prefer bathing to showering, you can design an accessible bathtub as well. An elegant option to improve accessibility in your bathroom is a high-quality walk-in tub. These tubs have no-slip flooring, comfortable seating, and easy-open doors. These bathtubs are designed to foster bathing independence without sacrificing safety or style. 

Build Your Dream Home With T&G Builders

T&G Builders, located in Berlin, MD, has been a premier waterfront custom home builder and home improvement contractor serving Worcester and Sussex Counties for over 25 years. We are a locally owned and operated business known for our uncompromising commitment to quality, our passion for using innovative technology and premium materials to complete projects, and our exceptional attention to detail. In addition to building custom homes, we also specialize in remodeling your current house into your dream home! Our skilled team can assess your needs, determine the right design for your addition or improvement, and complete the entire construction process.

To see what your dream home could look like and receive a free home design, contact us today! Don’t forget to follow T&G Builders on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Houzz.