Adapted Bathrooms for Disabled & Elderly

Stepping into a small traditional step-in shower is often problematic for the disabled person, especially when walking aids, wheelchairs or hoists are required.

One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom more accessible is to dispense with the need for contained spaces. The best way to approach this is by replacing a bath with a large and expansive shower area which is easy to navigate. A home survey and needs assessment will determine whether a low-level or level-access shower is a more suitable product for your current and future requirements.

Low level Showers

Low level shower trays remove the need for stepping into a shower cubicle. These showers are idea for those who have the ability to navigate small steps. Small ramps for wheelchair users can be installed.

Level Access Showers

The flooring of a level access shower tends to be a continuation of the bathroom floor. This means that the shower floor sits completely flush with the bathroom floor eliminating the need for a shower tray. This is the most commonly requested solution and idea for wheelchair users.

Bathroom Accessories

When we design an adapted bathroom or install a wet room we will also consider the wider functionality of accessories i.e. all associated sanitary items such as the toilet, wash hand basin and any user transfers within the space. Functional and stylish accessible bathroom solutions can be implemented even in the smallest of spaces and often some well placed individual measures can significantly increase comfort.

Shower Screens

Level access showers can be enhanced with shower screens that offer different configurations, folding options and heights, making them both practical and stylish.

Folding options:

Single bi fold, folding back on itself

A corner enclosure, on 2 sides from a wall to create a fully enclosed shower space

Half height or split-level shower screen if carer assistance is required

Why choose a shower screen rather than a shower curtain?

All accessible shower screens and enclosures are made with toughened safety glass

Floor seals prevent any water escaping

Left and right-hand opening options

Self-cleaning properties within the glass provide the perfect solution to limescale build-up

Grab Rails / Dropdown Rails

Accessories like drop-down rail provides users with additional support when transferring on and off a toilet, but can be folded away when not required by other users.

Styles can vary greatly and are available either with support legs for not; colour choices include stainless steel, white or blue for visually impaired users.

Grab rails provide an extra level of safety and are available in a range of styles, colours and lengths.

Shower Seats

A shower seat is an essential part of any wet room adaptation, especially for anyone living with a health condition that affects the strength of the lower body or anyone with restricted mobility.

A shower sear can provide added stability, allowing the freedom to shower independently without external assistance.

When it comes to shower seats, there is a whole range of options available, depending on the level of support that is required.

Options range from freestanding stools or chairs, specially designed for use in the shower, to chairs or benches, which are fixed to the wall.

When it comes to flexible and stylish options, Hewi shower seats either fold up against the wall or can also be easily removed as shown below.

The latter option is ideal for multi-generational households.

Raised height toilets

The height of a standard toilet pan can be anything from 380mm to 405mm, with seats adding an additional 20mm – 35mm.

On a raised height toilet the pan is 460mm high with the hygienic seats adding a further 20mm to create a finished height of 480mm.

Raised height toilets are available in close coupled, back to wall, and low level cistern styles.

All of these feature large footprints and a range of projections to assist side transfers.

Bidet seats/shower toilets

For those users who may struggle with personal hygiene, a bidet or shower seat toilet incorporates a washing and/or drying and odour extraction function, leaving users all-round cleaner and more comfortable.

Options can vary greatly but can include complete stand-alone units such as a bidet seat which fits discreetly over the existing toilet pan.

Body Dryer

A body dryer offers the perfect drying solution for those with limited mobility who want to remain independent while drying themselves. They offer a hygienic and efficient alternative to towels using gentle air jets with balanced heat to dry the entire body.

Safety Flooring

Safety flooring is specially engineered to minimise slip risk and provide safe movement in high risk areas such as bathrooms. All Altro slip-resistant flooring solutions are durable and have good stain resistance and physical wear and tear. You may need your floors to work hard, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look good. With a range of colours and finishes available, you will have plenty of choice.