Accessible Bathroom FAQ’s

The main difference between an accessible bathroom and a wet room is their design focus and layout. An accessible bathroom is created to meet the needs of individuals with limited mobility, incorporating features like grab rails, raised toilets, walk-in baths, and non-slip flooring. Typically, it includes traditional elements like shower trays and bathtubs.

In contrast, a wet room is an open-plan, fully waterproof space where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor, eliminating the need for a shower tray or bathtub. Wet rooms are barrier-free, easy to clean, and designed for efficient water drainage. An accessible bathroom emphasises mobility aids and safety, while a wet room offers a spacious, open layout that is particularly beneficial for wheelchair users.

If you purchase adaptations for temporary solutions, you may hire a handyperson or plumber to support installation. However, these individuals must know how to install accessibility products securely to ensure maximum safety.

If you have chosen a complete bathroom renovation, we recommend using our expert fitting services. Our professional fitters provide a professional and respectful service, with over twenty years of experience installing high-quality mobility bathrooms. Plus, you can enjoy peace of mind with our 12-month installation guarantee.

A range of products and adaptations can be used to make your bathroom more accessible. These include mobility baths, mobility showers, power baths and various adaptations such as grab rails, non-slip bathroom flooring, bath lifts, body dryers, toilet accessories, half pedestal basins and wall-mounted units.

The answer to this question depends on your budget, needs and preferences. Bathroom adaptations are cost-effective solutions that enable you to keep your current bathroom whilst enhancing its functionality and ease of use. Most adaptations are simple to install, making them the least disruptive option to your home environment; plus, they are helpful during short-term periods of recovery and rehabilitation. They are also useful in home environments where multiple users with varying abilities use the bathroom space.

On the other hand, an accessible bathroom transformation offers a more comprehensive, long-term solution. This option involves upgrading every aspect of your bathroom – from flooring and tiling to walk-in baths and low-level showers – providing maximum safety, comfort, and accessibility. While these transformations come at a higher cost and require more time for installation, they are designed to future-proof your bathroom, ensuring it meets your needs for years to come.

Care homes can meet CQC regulations by making bathrooms easily accessible to all residents, using features such as grab rails, level-access showers and accessible toilets. Other safety features such as non-slip flooring, thermostatic controls and emergency call systems should be installed so residents can alert staff if needed.

Care home bathrooms should also be designed to promote hygiene, with easy-to-clean materials that minimise the risk of infection. Plus, they should be spacious enough to accommodate residents who require assistance from mobility aids or carers.

CQC also emphasises that bathrooms should support residents’ privacy and dignity, which can be achieved using features such as privacy screens and respectful fitting services.

We recommend booking ahead so that we can ensure that the right consultant is available to give you the highest quality advice and service.

Typically, to create an accessible bathroom, you would need to hire various tradespeople such as electricians, tilers, plumbers, and decorators.

At Absolute Mobility, our multi-skilled fitters are qualified to carry out all bathroom installation works, from start to finish. This includes plumbing, wall-panelling, fitting specialist Altro flooring and even widening doorways for wheelchair access. This professional, respectful, all-in-one service is available when you purchase accessories as part of a complete bathroom transformation.

The installation process can take anywhere from one day to two weeks, depending on how much work is required in the bathroom. For example, if you simply need a walk-in bath, this can be installed in 1-2 days alone, whereas if you are having a whole bathroom refurbishment with new flooring, levelling and wall panelling, it may take up to two weeks.

Bathroom adaptations are modifications to standard bathrooms to improve accessibility, safety and comfort for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities. Adaptations are designed to meet specific needs and enable users to bathe, shower and use facilities more easily. Common bathroom adaptations include bath lifts, non-slip flooring, toilet aids, grab rails, half-pedestal wash basins, lowered sinks and body dryers.

The core features of mobility showers – like low-level access, non-slip flooring, and grab rails – are similar for individuals with disabilities and older people. However, the specific design can vary depending on the user’s mobility needs. Showers for individuals with disabilities may offer additional customisations like wheelchair accessibility, while those for older people might focus more on non-slip flooring and grab rails to prevent falls.

At Absolute Mobility, we consider situations where users live independently, as well as those who require bathing assistance from a carer or mechanical support. We are passionate about providing personalised solutions for a wide range of people with various mobility needs. We guide you towards the best options aligned with your preferences and budget, from temporary accessories to safe, long-term solutions.

You can customise your walk-in bath with features like an air spa, soothing coloured lighting, power-lifting seats, and a range of tap options. These enhancements uplift your bathing experience, allowing you to enjoy massaging effects at varying speeds, adjust your mood with ambient lighting, and experience ease whilst getting in and out of the bath. Plus, with custom tap attachment choices, you can wash your hair with ease.

A walk-in bath has a textured anti-slip surface on the bath floor to prevent slips and falls, plus thermostatic valves (TMV), which regulate the hot water temperature at 43 degrees. This prevents scalding whilst sitting in walk-in baths as they fill. Grab rails and non-slip flooring outside of the bathtub may also be fitted for additional support.

A full-length bath is the same as a standard bath, with the addition of a door for easy, step-in access. Similarly, a walk-in shower bath is the same as a standard bath but with the addition of a door and the ability to shower. A tub-style bath is shorter than a standard bath and supports the bather in sitting upright. This makes it easier for the bather to get up and down without the added expense of a power lift seat.