Accessible Solutions: Bathroom Fixtures

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. Foll-in showers need to be large enough to accommodate the maneuvering associated with entering and exiting the stall. The clearances are therefore related to the type of chair that will be used. If a spouse or attendant will assist in bathing, the stall should be long enough to accommodate this activity. A minimum size of 3'0" wide by 4'6" long is recommended. In order to accommodate roll-in showers, homes with concrete floor slabs must have a depressed area below the stall. Homes with wood floors must include a similar lowered section with shallower joists. These requirements increase roll-in shower costs and make retrofitting difficult. In renovation projects where a floor depression is impractical, one alternative is to raise the entire bathroom floor and then to ramp up in the adjacent bedroom or hall. This arrangement is awkward but in some cases may be the only way to accommodate a roll-in shower. 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.

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