Accessible Solutions: Bathroom Fixtures

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Bath and toilet rooms may include toilets, sinks, tub/shower units, bathtubs, and stall showers. Any of these fixtures can be installed in a manner that provides optimum wheelchair accessibility. If a resident has stronger abilities on his or her left side, for example, accessible fixtures should be oriented to take advantage of these strengths. 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. Toilets can be mounted adjacent to a wall to provide anchorage for grab bars and toilet paper holders. Locating the toilet an extra 3" from the wall (1'6") allows space for the grab bar. Toilets - The toilet's location should provide clear floor space to position a wheelchair for transfer. It should be located adjacent to a wall (18") to support grab bars, toilet paper holders, and other accessories, but far enough away for access and comfortable seating. 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 wheelchair access, vanities should be mounted as low as possible without obstructing the kneespace below (typically 27" to 29"). The mirror should be as low as practical. Drawers provide more accessible storage than cabinets and can be located on either side of the basin to suit the user's preference or capabilities. The wall adjacent to the basin can accommodate an electrical outlet, towel rack, and medicine cabinet. Basins and Filler Spouts - Selection of an appropriate vanity basin depends on its intended use. Basins are used for washing hands, face, and hair; brushing teeth; and shaving. Basins are seldom filled, because most activities are performed with a running stream of warm water. For hand washing, even very small sinks suffice. For face washing, basins should be larger and oval-shaped. 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.

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