Bathroom Features | |
FLOORING Check out flooring options to find one that is slip-resistant. Don't overlook materials that are normally designed for hospital or institutional use: you are not limited to using floor covering that is offered to the consumer. Cork, non-slip vinyls, and ceramic tiles with textured surfaces can provide better footing to the unsteady. LIGHTING Theater or strip lighting may be mounted above and on both sides of the mirror or on the sides only. Keep in mind that a person who is 80 years old may require up to 3 times as high a light-intensity level as a teenager, because of diminished eyesight. It is critical that high light levels be maintained at any location where people take medicine, to ensure against any mistakes in medication due to misread directions or taking the wrong medicine or the wrong dosage. Be sure to place an electrical outlet (ground fault circuit interrupter -type) near the sink. LAVATORY AND CABINETS Rather than having the familiar vanity cabinet with the lavatory sink recessed into the cabinet countertop, consider using a wall-hung lavatory, which will permit a wheelchair occupant to have leg space beneath the sink. Be sure the wall-hung lavatory is properly secured to the wall. Small wall-hung cabinets can be installed on one or both sides of the lavatory, as space and need permit. Mirrors in the bath should be mounted so a person seated at wheelchair height can easily see to shave or apply makeup. The bottom of the mirror should be no higher than 36 in. from the floor. The medicine chest should be within easy reach and have adjustable shelves. The tilt-out type chest may be the best choice. Mount the medicine chest next to, rather than over, the sink. Soap dishes and toothbrush holders should be within reach, mounted no more than 42 in. above the floor. TOILETS Wall-hung toilets can also be useful, as these have no floor pedestal to interfere with foot or leg movement. The wall-hung toilet may also be mounted so the toilet seat is at the same level as a wheelchair seat, for ease of movement between the two. For floor-mounted toilets there are extenders that can be fastened to the toilet (replacing the seat) to raise the seating level, or the toilet can be permanently mounted on a pedestal to bring it up to wheelchair height. Grab bars mounted to the walls, or bars that can be installed as floor-mounts, can be useful aids for those with limited mobility. Written by Gary Branson Reprinted with permission. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |