Handicapped Showers Layout and Design

One of the immensely important areas in any handicap bathroom design that will be used by someone with a physical disability, perhaps an elderly person, a person with limited mobility occurring because of an accident or illness or anyone who may have difficulty using a regular shower, is the installation of handicapped showers. This article takes a closer look at the several different types of design and layout considerations that go into the manufacturing and installation of handicap showers as well as the ways in which they can be integrated in the nest manner into an existing handicap bathroom design as well as some information on their primary use by the people that need them.

This type of shower enclosure is specially designed to allow wheelchair access and even for wheelchair users to take a shower in the sitting position by transferring from the wheelchair to a special handicap shower seat or bench for that purpose. It is naturally therefore larger than a regular stall while being flush with the bathroom floor so that a wheelchair can easily be rolled in and out. Excess water is kept inside and not allowed to run over onto the bathroom floor thereby making it slippery and dangerous by one of several means. The most effective and permanent of these is a gully covered by a grid along the open side of the shower that allows the excess water to drain away into its own waste outlet. Other methods are discussed later in this article.

Planning For a Handicapped Shower

One of the first considerations when intending to include a handicap shower stall in an existing regular bathroom is the additional footprint of such a unit. The physical dimensions of a disabled shower stall need to be far greater than a regular one to permit a wheelchair user to easily navigate their way into the enclosure, get into position to take the shower and then get out of the enclosure when they're finished. It also has to provide space for a suitable handicap shower chair so the user can take a shower seated if needs be.

So when considering the dimensions of your handicap bathroom design, it's important that you factor in the additional size and amount of floor space that a handicapped shower enclosure will occupy.

Handicap Shower Installation

Having planned your design and layout specs, the actual installation of the shower unit is generally relatively straight forward. You should take extra care when matching up the waste outlets and drainage points and similarly making sure that hot and cold water pipes match the placement of faucets in the shower stall itself.

Additional consideration should be given to where excess water will go. As already mentioned earlier in the article, in order to take any excess water away, most handicapped showers come with a front drainage gully covered by a heavy duty grating or grid to cover it. This is so that a wheelchair will roll in and out safely and smoothly as there is no protruding lip or curb that might cause an unwelcome obstruction. Another way water can be kept from splashing over the bathroom floor where there is no permanent gully is to provide a flexible rubber or PVC barrier strip that runs the length of the open side of the stall but can be run over by a wheelchair without causing an uncomfortable bump. Combined with a heavy duty shower curtain, almost no excess water should escape from the shower enclosure keeping things nice and dry on the outside.

Handicap Shower Accessories

There are several accessories that can improve the functionality and usability experience of handicap shower units.

Some will come fitted with a handicapped shower seat or bench so that the user can take a shower seated for comfort or necessity. The most common type of handicap shower chair is manufactured to be able to withstand heavy weights, so will be strong, durable and robust. Waterproofing is essential as is the ability to withstand very hot water as well as soaps, shampoo and all kinds of cleaning liquids without becoming corroded. They are designed to be comfortable to sit on while being able to be set to the correct height to suit the user.

Grab rails or handrails usually come as standard fittings as they are necessary for allowing safe and secure movement within the shower as well as transference between the wheelchair and the seat. These handicap grab bars are generally integrated, very strong and solidly anchored for supporting the user.

A shower curtain that is heavy duty, flame resistant, stain resistant and mold resistant that is fixed to a suitable curtain pole is a recommended must have accessory. The wider opening of the larger unit will need a robust curtain in place to prevent water from escaping. A strong pole is needed to support the curtain's weight across a wider than average opening.

A pressure mixing valve is a great accessory for controlling water flow and maintaining water temperature. This means the user is not constantly fiddling about with faucets to maintain an even pressure or temperature.

In conclusion then, a handicapped shower stall makes a perfect addition to the handicapped bathroom's appeal to the user. It is an essential feature that is indispensable for those that are restricted to a wheelchair or have physical disabilities that prevent them from using a regular shower stall to take a shower in safety, comfort and with dignity. Its worth is immeasurable and can be thought of as priceless.

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