How to create a beautiful accessible bathroom

For many people, when they hear the words accessible bathroom, they often picture a room that is clinical in design, focusing on function over aesthetics. However, that shouldn’t be the case! In fact, there are plenty of equipment solutions that will enable you to have the bathroom of your dreams whilst meeting your care needs.

Our latest blog is here to guide you on what to look out for when planning an accessible bathroom for your home adaptation, looking at how different pieces of equipment can help you achieve the perfect balance between functionality and style.

Scroll down below to get our five tips on how to choose the right type of equipment to create a beautiful accessible bathroom for your home.

Jump Straight To –

• Grab Rails
• Accessible Showers And Baths
• Height-Adjustable Wash Basins For Accessible Bathrooms
• Discreet Hoist Tracking
• Hidden Hoists

Grab Rails

Grab rails are an essential addition to any accessible bathroom. They provide support and stability for people with reduced strength, poor balance and low sight when getting in and out of the shower, bath or off a toilet. Not only do they improve independence, grab rails also help take the pressure off your joints or other painful body areas.

 

 

 

 

Usually grab rails are supplied in a clinical white colour, often found in a hospital environment. However, to ensure your home bathroom has a sleek and elegant design, we recommend that you research and explore grab rail ranges that offer different finishes and colours.

Using contrasting colours and textures can help people with visual impairments navigate the space more easily, as well as bringing more warmth to the space. Current colour and finish trends to note for grab rails include carbon black, metallic silver and powder-coated chrome to deliver a more high-end feel that you will find in upscale hotels and retirement villages.

Accessible Showers And Baths

 

When it comes to showering and bathing, you need equipment that makes the experience as easy and comfortable as possible for the end user. Depending on your care needs, walk-in showers and height-adjustable baths are always recommended for an accessible bathroom. They eliminate the need to step over a threshold or climb into a bathtub, and can be raised or lowered to accommodate people of different heights and abilities, making it easier for people with mobility issues to use.

 

 

We can see how this equipment benefits users, but what can we do to integrate them into a design that creates a luxurious bathroom? One of our top tips is to always consider the dimensions of the space in which the equipment will be used.

Make sure you choose equipment that is appropriate in size and scale for the room — you don’t want a space that looks cluttered! For instance, a TR Comfortline bath has no wall or floor fixing, making it easy to install and can be positioned in almost any central bathing area.

In addition, its ergonomic design ensures easy access from either side of the bathtub, making daily hygiene routines easier for caregivers.

Height-Adjustable Wash Basins For Accessible Bathrooms

A wash basin that can be height-adjusted is an absolute must for any accessible bathroom. It gives users, especially wheelchair users, greater independence and comfort in using up/down arrows to adjust the basin to their preferred height. Often they include safety items such as a lockout to prevent accidental movement or misuse, as well as an anti-trap sensor.

 

 

 

Similar to accessible baths and showers, there is also plenty to consider when picking out a wash basin that will accentuate your bathroom design. For example, if your bathroom space is aiming for a modern design aesthetic, you need to choose a wash basin with clean lines and minimalist design.

Taps fall into this category, with options such as specialist lever handles or touchless technology lending well to sleek and contemporary styles, as well as being far easier to use than traditional knobs or handles. Not only do they require less force from the user, they can be operated with an elbow or forearm, making them a great addition to any accessible bathroom.

Discreet Hoist Tracking in Accessible Bathrooms

Many of our clients require overhead hoist systems in their home, particularly aids that enable them to move between their bedroom and ensuite bathroom. To prevent their home from looking clinical and unsightly, we provide bespoke options to make their hoist track look as subtle as possible, helping to achieve a more homely feeling.

Our top recommendation would be to choose an inset track rather than below-hung system. This is installed inset to the finished ceiling and doesn’t hang below like traditional hoist tracks. It means the system is a lot less noticeable when you first walk into a room, and it takes up less height in the room.

On an X-Y system, we can use inset tracking on the parallel fixed rails, so only the traverse rail hangs below providing excellent room coverage, flexible hoisting and discreet design.

Cabinet Hoists For Accessible Bathrooms

Installing inset tracking is a great solution to subtly hide the tracking that your hoist systems runs off. However, to make your hoist system even more discreet for your accessible bathroom, we have another top tip.

Taking inspiration from our Integralift, we can support with the bespoke designs to help contractors and architects deliver a bespoke cabinet for your bathroom, helping to completely hide the hoist unit when it isn’t in use.

Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, these cabinets provide a fantastic solution to discreetly hide your hoisting equipment, whilst complimenting your bathroom design.

Summary on Accessible Bathroom Design

To help create a beautiful accessible bathroom for your home, our guide has looked at the importance in choosing the right type of equipment, as well as the design considerations when choosing your items.

See our work in our case study Aidan Harris, Bathroom and Lift Installation

We would also always advise that you consult with a professional who has experience in creating accessible spaces. An architect or interior designer can help you navigate the design process, while working with a supplier like Innova Care Concepts will ensure your bathroom meets all your accessibility requirements whilst not compromising on style.

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