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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.
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© 2001 Paralyzed Veterans of America
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