When remodeling a bathroom to make it wheelchair accessible:
- Door Width: Make the bathroom doorway 36” wide.
- Door Location: Position the door so it opens into a room, rather than a narrow hallway.
- Shower Access: Lower the curb on the shower for easy wheelchair access.
- Toilet Access: Position the toilet with enough room around it for wheelchair access.
- Sink Access: Leave the sink open underneath for wheelchair access.
Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
- Aging in Place (article)
- How Wide to Make Doors for Wheelchair Access (video)
- Innovative Home Solutions for Aging in Place (video)
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Of course, the bathroom is something that’s always a challenge for people to figure out exactly the accessibility there. But seems a bit unusual that this opens to the living area instead of maybe the hallway, but that would be pretty tight in there, wouldn’t it?
Josh Shedeck: Danny, I’m glad you brought that up. Originally the house had a door. And it was a 2’ 0” door entering the bathroom right here.
Danny Lipford: I see.
Josh Shedeck: And structurally, it would have been a little bit more because we have ceiling joists and rafters that come into this wall, sitting right on this middle wall. And the other thing was by adding the door here and making it a 3’0”, it’s a lot more easier for her to get in and out of the shower. It’s a straight shot. You’re able to move around. And this is also cost efficient for us. We were able to get the shower in here, move the wall a little bit and get the toilet positioned over so that the shower would work. And that’s a key point when you’re trying to make a handicap accessible shower or tub unit.
Danny Lipford: Absolutely. Boy, you went all out there in order to lower that down. Because a lot of times you’ll have a pretty significant curb there. And the sink works out well. You have accessibility under there. And still, instead of the large handicap type sink, which can really be expensive, using a traditional sink, but just positioned in a certain way.
I absolutely love this post. I think it’s so great to see such an incredibly healthy and positive attitude towards disabilities. Posts like this always make me feel so happy and optimistic about my own husband’s disability. One of the things he was actually most alarmed about originally, was the bathroom and his own independence. He didn’t want to have to rely on others too much, and still wanted to be able to bathe himself and such. I was originally sceptical of this and thought we’d have to go against his wishes and install a load of hoists and things to help him get into the bath and shower. But nowadays with all that’s available – this is certainly not the case! There are so many wonderful options these days, from showers with seats, to slide in baths – it really is absolutely amazing! I believe the home my husband is currently in has an accessible bath from Gainsborough (I’m 98% sure that’s the company anyway) – and he loves it because he has his all important independence! Equipment like this really does make all the difference, and it’s fantastic to see so many wonderful options out there nowadays, and it’s so great to read articles like this that show people that
I’m really sad cause do to my bathroom in my home I never get to take a shower ,I only have GOT to take a shower 3times in 2years ,you know there are people in this world that wish they had a certain brand shampoo but mexi wish I could take a shower,I am in my home with no toes no hipp and mostly 99 percent of the time I’m in my hospital bed ,my bathroom is very I’m safe plus my chair is two big to get into the shower ,plus I only have one hand that works,and co weigh close too 200pounds I’m sad cause I want to shower and my water pressure is so weak,I wish by some miracle that I was blessed to have a shower with water pressure and door way bigger,please help me figure out something
Hi, Mary,
We’re sorry to hear about these challenges you’re facing. Do you belong to a church or civic organization, or have access to social services where you live?
It sounds like these challenges exceed simple home improvements; they surpass tweaking the shower’s water pressure.
We encourage you to contact local “angels” who can fully assess the situation and assist.
We sincerely hope and pray you can find the right help locally.
have always thought about accessibility in houses even though i myself am not disabled except for breathing issues from birth, thank you for the video! am wondering about the dimensions of the bathroom in the video? I’m guessing around 1.5 m wide by 2-3 m length?
Hi, Kieron,
Thanks for your interest in this episode.
This article is eight years old, so, unfortunately, we no longer have that information.
Take care!
LOVE THE INFO YOU OFFER. I AM IN A WHEELCHAIR AND WOULD BE INTERESTED IN LEARNING IF THERE IS A PRODUCT (S) OUT THERE THAT IS AVAILABLE TO EASILY OPEN & CLOSE SHADES & DRAPES.
THANK YOU.
LORRY
Hi, Lorry,
There sure is! Remote-controlled blinds, shades and drapes are available online, and there’s a good chance they’re also available at your local home center.
Thanks for your question!