Often out of necessity, bathrooms are the smallest room in the house, leaving more space for bedrooms and other living areas. When transforming a traditional bathroom into a new easy access bathing space, the amount of room available has significant influence over final design and product choice.
For instance, whilst many bathrooms will accommodate full length walk-in baths and large easy access shower spaces, sometimes it is more important to reduce the bathing area in order to accommodate turning circles for wheelchair or frame users.
In a small bathroom, it is always a good idea to seek out options which make the most of the small space. Here are a just of few ideas for how to maximise the space available and create a stylish new bathroom.
Walk-in tub-style baths
Significantly shorter than the length of a standard bath, typically around 1200mm or less, these versatile tub-style walk-in baths with seats offer many benefits. First there is the door to provide easy step in access, reducing the threshold to get into the bath to around 8 or 9 inches (200 – 230mm). The moulded seat allows the bather to get up and down in the bath from a comfortable seated position. This avoids struggling to get all the way down to floor level and then get back up again. The seated position of some walk-in tub-style baths e.g. the Tranquility is a similar height to a standard wheelchair, making the process of transitioning a bit easier for wheelchair users or individuals with specific mobility challenges.
Other examples of popular walk-in tub-style baths that we regularly fit are the Priya and Georgia, both of which provide a generous bathing area, various accessibility features and a water capacity equal to that of a regular bath.
The shorter length means this type of walk-in bath can fit into much smaller spaces, with some models only 1 metre (1000mm) long, such as the Athena Mini, or for an even shorter length consider the Maestro walk-in bath which is just 900mm long. Please be aware that these shorter walk-in baths suit people under 5ft 6inches tall (168cm).
Wheelchair accessible walk-in showers
Sometimes it is not practical to specify a walk-in bath of any kind within a wheelchair accessible bathroom design. It could be that a bath is not deemed safe for the intended bathers, or that there simply is not enough physical space to squeeze one in.
Happily, though, there are various other design choices which can enable disabled people or those with restricted mobility the opportunity to continue enjoying bathing. One such route is the installation of level-access shower. A core components of which is the shower tray. In order to create a roll-in shower experience a level-access tray will need to be specified which is designed for use with Wheelchairs, this reduces trip hazards to a minimum. Additionally, incorporating a shower chair can further enhance accessibility and safety for those with mobility issues.
Wheelchair compatible shower trays
With its contemporary design, the Onyx Exclusif shower tray is a perfect solution for an accessible shower involving wheelchairs. It offers a maximum capacity of 31.5 st (200kg) and can be ordered in a variety of sizes. Its textured finish offers significant slip resistance. With a tray depth of 26mm, it is ideal for installing above the floor or recessing into it, offering the choice of low level or completely level access. Clearly if installing for a wheelchair user The Onyx Exclusive would need to be recessed into the floor. The ability to do this depend on physical constraints of the property and contract constraints if the property is not owner occupied. Additionally, ensuring easy access to the shower head is crucial, as it should be integrated seamlessly within the design to enhance accessibility and functionality.
Accessible Shower Screens
Beyond the shower tray itself, there are various other options you will need to consider if yourself or a family member has limited mobility such as the shower mixer itself and the shower screen. Specific half-height folding shower screens are available to enable carer access to support a bather during the bathing process.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the bathroom door is accessible, with appropriate dimensions and specifications to allow easy access for individuals using wheelchairs.
Suitable Shower Mixers
Regarding the shower mixer, diverse options are available including power showers which can boost water pressure in gravity fed hot water systems as well as smart shower systems you can control from your smartphone. From a wheelchair users perspective one of the key features that should be considered is whether a shower mixer can deliver water at a reliable thermostatically controlled temperature.
Roll-In Wet Rooms
For a small bathroom space, particularly those that are an unusual shape, it may be worth considering the specification of an accessible wet room for wheelchair users. A wet room is an excellent option and has many of the same advantages as a level access shower but is designed in such a way that once showering has finished the shower area can be used by the bather to do other things, maximising the sense of space. For this reason though, it is very important that a slip resistant flooring is specified to keep your bathroom safe. Tiles with a PTV value of 36+ are recommended for wet areas like accessible bathrooms due to their high level of slip resistance. These tiles may be referred to as R11 or R12, however, the British standard typically uses PTV.
Accessible wet rooms offer easy access, ample wall space for grab bars, and minimal cleaning maintenance, making them ideal for disabled individuals.
Wet rooms can be installed in any part of a building so long as the services in and out are suitably located. Normally one of the main considerations is drainage. A wet room requires a very slight gradient to be created across the entire floor space so that water runs towards the drainage. This can require excavation of the bathroom floor if over a concrete slab or cutting of joists if installed on a suspended floor, in many cases installation will be possible, but in some leasehold properties or apartment complexes it may not be permitted. When designing a disabled wet room, consider grab bar placement, natural lighting, and effective drainage solutions to enhance accessibility and safety.
Space Saving Bathing Aids for Wheelchair Users
There are many features and ideas that you can incorporate into an accessible bathroom design. Some of these not only improve the bathing experience, but also take up less room in an environment that offers limited space. Grab bars are essential for support and safety, and their placement and design can significantly enhance accessibility and functionality.
Folding Grab rail
There are many types of grab rail and grab bar available that provide essential support for bathers whilst moving around in an accessible space. When suitable this can be specified as a fold-down grab bar to save space. It is also recommended that contrasting colours are used, this not only enhances their visibility but also adds individuality to the overall bathroom design.
Electronic bidet toilet
A popular option for elderly people or disabled users this all-in-one sanitaryware brings together the functionality of a toilet, a bidet and a dryer. It is a space saving solution that can support more independent living. Instead of having to transfer to the toilet, and then on to a separate bidet and back to a wheelchair, a smart toilet such as the Closomat uses water for cleaning, along with a dryer, to ensure cleanliness without the need for toilet paper, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Additionally, it is important to consider accessible toilets that comply with the building standard DIN 18040-2, which include specific features such as required movement space, seat height, and support handles to accommodate wheelchair users.
Other options
Where the bathroom is really just too small to be usable, consider taking down walls and expanding into the room next door. Other options could be to put a free-standing shower cubicle into the corner of a large bedroom or convert an unused bedroom or downstairs room into a bathroom, a major adaptation, but something that could significantly improve quality of life. An accessible wet room can also be a great option, offering easy access and minimal maintenance.
Many individuals are opting to convert garages into combined bedrooms and bathrooms to maintain independence at home. This solution, while drastic, can be more cost-effective than moving to a care facility.
If you or somebody you care for is considering adapting their current bathroom, shower room or wet room, please contact our accessible bathroom experts for advice, to download a brochure, or request a no obligation home visit. We have an extensive portfolio of accessible designs we can share, showing how we have integrated accessible bathing features into small spaces.
2 September,2024
