Facing Physical Limitations? 3 Important Bathroom Renovations

If you or someone in your household has experienced recent health problems that have resulted in physical limitations, one of the biggest victories is returning home. Unfortunately, adapting to physical changes requires significant overhaul of your existing residence. One of the most important changes you can make is modifications to your bathroom.

Find A Suitable Location

If you have a multi-level residence, it may be necessary to revamp the downstairs bathroom if the person will stay on the bottom level most of the time. This may require converting a half-bath into a user-friendly full bathroom, or in some cases, turning a closet or part of an adjoining room into a new bathroom. When you are considering the best location for a new bathroom or which bathroom to overhaul, available space and any plumbing needs will dictate what can be done. You may need extra doorway and bathroom space if the area must be wheelchair accessible. If you are converting a half-bath or closet into a bathroom, this may be dependent on the amount of plumbing and drainage that can be easily rerouted to accommodate the new bathroom.

Choose A Walk-In Tub

Walk-in tubs  are one of the most important changes you can make when you have physical limitations. Many people who can no longer soak in the tub or face difficulties standing up in the shower miss the opportunity to have a relaxing bath or are frustrated if they need extra help with personal care. Walk-in tubs are designed to minimize the need for someone to lift their legs to step inside or outside of the tub, which reduces the likelihood of falling or losing your balance. The tub has a built-in seat for comfort and safety. To reduce the chances of flooding or water damage, once the door is closed, the door seal prevents water from leaking out. Additionally, you cannot open the door while it is in use. Some models also have bubbles or water jets, which can be useful to soothe aching muscles and joints.

Raise The Toilet Seat

The standard toilet seat is often low to the ground, which you may only notice if you begin having problems with range of motion in your knees or balance problems. Raising the toilet seat by a few inches can make it easier for people with physical limitations to use the bathroom on their own, especially when the raised toilet seat is combined with a wall-mounted railing. If you or someone in your home uses a wheelchair, try to find a raised toilet seat that is approximately the same height as their wheelchair. This can make moving from the wheelchair to the toilet seat and back again easier. Most toilets can be raised by simply removing the existing toilet seat and replacing it with a higher-profile or cushioned one.

If you need to make changes to accommodate someone with physical limitations, your first changes should be in the bathroom. An accessible bathroom is important to give you or your loved one as much independence as possible, even with changing needs.

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