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BobVila.com > Channels > Bathrooms > All Articles > Accessible Solutions: Bathroom Fixtures Accessible Solutions: Bathroom Fixtures Bathroom fixtures can pose unique accessibility hurdles. Related Showrooms• Sears - Kitchen Cabinet Remodeling and Refacing• Renovation Experts - Put your home in good hands. Get FREE estimates on your project. • FixtureUniverse.com - Plumbing, kitchen and bath fixtures • FaucetDepot.com - Plumbing, faucets and fixtures
Bathroom Fixtures Each fixture should be carefully selected to best meet the needs of the intended users. It should also be located in the bath or toilet room in a location that facilitates its use.
Toilet seat height affects the ease of sitting and rising, wheelchair transfer, or use of commode chairs. For ambulatory or semi-ambulatory residents, sitting and rising is easier if the seat is higher. If it is too high, users' feet will not touch the floor, which makes balance difficult. High toilet seats inhibit the natural contraction of bowel muscles. Toilet seats higher than 18 1/2" preclude commode chair use. For wheelchair users who transfer, the most convenient seat height approximately matches their wheelchair seat level. Toilet seat height can be raised with seat extenders. Extenders' primary disadvantage is that the seat is less stable. When a resident's specific desires are known, toilet heights should be adjusted appropriately during installation. Vanities - Grooming and some hygiene activities are performed at either a sink or vanity counter. The appropriate choice depends on the installation. Powder rooms, for example, often include pedestal sinks, since grooming is limited and storage requirements are minimal. In hall and master bathrooms where more extensive grooming is performed, vanity basins are more appropriate. Two advantages that vanities offer are counter space to prepare medicines and toiletries and base cabinets for storage. Kneespace can be provided below either vanity basins or sinks. For wheelchair users, kneespace allows a closer approach and eliminates the need to rotate the upper body.
For hand and face washing, basin depth is not critical. If kneespace is desired, maximum basin depth is approximately 6 1/2". A similar basin height (2'10") can serve wheelchair users and standing adults. For most wheelchair users, however, a lower height is preferred. Washing hair at a bathroom sink is difficult. To accommodate hair washing, bowls should have a larger front-to-back dimension, deeper basins, and higher filler spouts. An optional hand spray attachment is recommended. The filler spout design is important to washing. If the spout is too high or projects too far into the basin, it is an obstacle when users rinse their face. In most cases, the best alternative is a spout that is raised slightly above the rim, extends 3" to 4" into the bowl, and is angled to direct flow toward the basin center. Faucets - Faucets should be easy to grasp and operate. Many models are appropriate, but there are two advantages of single-level controls. First, the water can be turned on and off with one hand in a single motion; and, second, flow rate and temperature can be adjusted independently. Faucets should be labeled hot and cold so users can adjust water temperature. For people with limited tactile senses, determining proper water temperatures is essential. If the water is too hot, scalding can result, and if it is too cold, washing is ineffective because skin pores remain closed and body oils do not break down. To ensure accurate temperature regulation, thermostatic mixing valves can be installed.
The maximum height countertop for most wheelchair users is 2'10"; however, a lower height is often more convenient. Kneespace under the basin effectively controls the minimum countertop height, so both dimensions should be evaluated together. Vanity basins should be located horizontally at least 1'3" from side walls to allow for a front approach. Basins should be located no further than 2'0" from the wing wall, so the user can reach it. The front-to-back countertop depth should accommodate the basin and provide rear faucet clearance for operation and cleaning. Additional counter depth is not recommended, because it increases distance between users and the vanity mirror and light. If vanity storage is desired, cabinets or drawers can be provided beside the kneespace alcove. In order to increase maneuvering room in small bathrooms, full kneespace can be provided below vanities by cantilevering the countertop and eliminating the base cabinets Selecting a Bath Fixture Residential plumbing fixtures offer users several different ways to bathe or shower. Safety should be a concern in fixture selection, because many bathing activities are difficult. Accidental falls often result in serious injuries because of hard surface finishes and projecting equipment. For homeowners, the first step is to decide whether to install fixtures for showering, bathing, or both. In general, showering is a less time-consuming way to bathe and body cleaning and rinsing are more thorough. Showering is viewed as safer than getting in and out of bathtubs. Medical authorities consider showering more hygienic. For many people, however, there are therapeutic and psychological benefits to soaking in a hot bathtub. Before selecting a bath or shower fixture, homeowners should consider all the alternative methods that can be used for bathing. Showering in a wheelchair - For wheelchair users who cannot transfer, roll-in shower stalls are the best alternative. Although some manual wheelchairs have waterproof bearings, shower chairs are commonly used. Shower chairs have four small-diameter caster wheels rather than drive wheels and therefore must be pushed. Because all wheels caster independently, shower chairs require smaller maneuvering clearances than conventional wheelchairs. Some people who use wheelchairs are semi-ambulatory and can move to bath fixtures with assistive aids. Some wheelchair users have sufficient upper body strength and agility to transfer into bathtubs or onto a shower seat. People with high level spinal cord injuries often transfer with portable lifts. For these residents, bathing may be most convenient in special shower chairs. Many accessible fixtures are also used by other family members, so their bathing needs should also be considered. Seated Showering - Showering can also be performed while seated on either a stall bench or a stool positioned over a bathtub. For many people, a seat makes showering easier and safer, because they do not need to assume a reclined position nor do they need to maintain their balance as they shower. When seated, however, it is more difficult for bathers to clean certain body parts. Portable shower seats allow wheelchair users to enter tub fixtures. To rinse their body, seated bathers must use a hand-held spray. They are still vulnerable to sudden water temperature fluctuation, but they can redirect or discontinue the flow to avoid scalding. Bathing - Passive relaxation in a warm bath can be both pleasant and beneficial. For wheelchair users, transfer into and out of a bathtub is a very difficult maneuver. Once the bather is seated, positive buoyancy provided by water makes some activities easier. Unlike with showers, water temperature is pre-adjusted and can be safely maintained. Washing can be difficult because bathers must assume various positions to clean themselves. Based on the needs of the wheelchair user and other family members, homeowners should select appropriate fixtures. The bathroom plan should allow the selected fixture to be used in the desired manner. Provisions for future modifications should be considered. Bathing Fixture Options
Design and Installation of Bath Fixtures Bathrooms typically include (1) roll-in showers, (2) stall showers, or (3) bathtubs. Any of these fixtures can be designed to make bathing easier and safer. With any fixture, there are several alternative ways to bathe, but compromises are necessary for additional flexibility. A tub designed exclusively for bathing, for example, provides greater user comfort and safety than a unit that is also a shower receptor. Roll-in Showers - In roll-in showers, bathers remain in their wheelchairs and either bathe independently or with assistance. A 3'0" x 4'6" roll-in stall accommodates bathers in most conventional wheelchairs. One of the most critical design features of a roll-in shower is a flush floor transition. To provide this flush transition, custom-built roll-in shower bases are often recessed into the floor framing. The shower floor should be sloped (1/4"/ft.) to the shower drain.
Roll-in showers often do not effectively contain water inside the stall. Hand sprays also produce additional splash. Membrane waterproofing is therefore recommended under the entire bathroom floor. For safety, stall floors should have a no-skid finish. Storage space should be provided at a height and location that is convenient for bathers in wheelchairs, standing bathers, and attendants. Operating controls should be mounted in a location that suits the individual resident. Rear wall locations are not recommended for several reasons. For example, the controls cannot be adjusted from outside the stall. Rear wall spray heads are also aimed directly against the curtain, which increases splash. Single-level controls are recommended for the reasons previously discussed. Shower curtains are typically installed at roll-in showers since most doors are not practical in the large opening. An excellent alternative is a pleated, accordion-type door with a tapered threshold. Stall Showers - In designing or selecting a stall (or transfer) shower, attention should be given to stall size and shape, threshold height, the location of operating controls, and built-in features such as seats and storage shelves. Stall showers can include special spray heads, temperature controls, and other accessories. Stalls can be sized for different bathroom configurations, but interiors should be at least 3'0" wide and 3'2" long. To accommodate grab bars and surface-mounted accessories, a slightly larger stall is recommended. Shower configurations should complement bathroorn plans so that bathers can safely enter and exit. For ambulatory bathers, entry is safest near the side wall with the spray head and temperature controls. The transition from bathroom floor to shower receptor is hazardous because of different surface levels and finish materials, standing water, and spray. A grab bar is recommended both inside and outside the stall. For wheelchair users who can transfer, showers should be located to allow access to a stool or seat inside the stall. Bathroom plans must provide space to position the wheelchair for this transfer. Stall seats can be surface-mounted at a height of approximately 18". Seats in small stalls should fold-up in order to provide room for use by other family members. For wheelchair transfer, the end of the seat should extend as close as possible to the shower curb. If a curb is provided, it should be low so it is easy for bathers to transfer into the stall. For ambulatory bathers, the lower curb makes stepping into the shower safer and easier. Storage within the shower should be provided for wash cloths, shampoo, soap, and similar items. In small showers, storage should be located conveniently to sitting or standing bathers. In larger stalls, two separate storage areas may be required. Shower controls should be easy to operate with limited strength or hand function; edges should be rounded to prevent potential injuries. Single-level mixing valves provide users with mechanical advantage and allow water temperature to be preset. For safety, these controls can be quickly shut off. Thermostatic mixing valves can be installed to automatically regulate water flow and temperature. Curtains or glass doors can be installed at shower entrances. Doors provide a superior water seal, but they require swing space in the bathroom. Swing space is reduced with accordion-type doors. Door tracks can be a source of injuries, so sill sweep strips are recommended. Shower curtains are easy to operate but do not contain spray as well as doors. Projecting jams at the stall sides improve the curtain's water seal, but they also obstruct outside access to the operating controls. Although some water may escape, flush side walls are usually the most practical alternative. Bathtubs - For wheelchair users, the transfer into the tub requires agility, hand function, and upper body strength. Bathroom plans should provide bars or table space for towels that is convenient so seated bathers can dry their hands and face before getting out of the tub. Storage should be provided on shelves or other areas for soap, shampoo, and toiletries. Faucets and operating controls should be convenient for bathers outside the tub to draw the bath water. It should also be convenient when they are seated in the basin to adjust the water temperature. If tubs are used exclusively for bathing, there are many alternative control locations, but faucets mounted along the back deck are inaccessible from outside the tub. Faucets and filler spout should be located together to test water temperature and adjust controls accordingly. The appropriate control location also depends on the tub depth. For tall tubs, controls can be deck-mounted. To improve access from outside the tub, controls for wide basins can be offset toward the bathroom. Deck-mounted controls can obstruct entry. Basins should be equipped with remote drain controls. From Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User PVA accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information published herein and does not endorse any company or any of the products or services advertised on this Web site. Text by Paralyzed Vetrans of America Copyright Paralyzed Vetrans of America © 2001 | |
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