Safety considerations when adapting a bathroom

There are many elements to consider when adapting a bathroom for use by a disabled or elderly person, but safety is certainly one of the most important.

Adapted facilities can offer life-changing benefits that promote greater independence and wellbeing for users, but this can only be achieved if safety is a priority and risk of accidents or falls are reduced.

Here we look at some of the key safety considerations to make when adapting a bathroom for an elderly or disabled person.

Drainage

Disabled and elderly people are reliant on stability and sure-footing in order to use a facility as independently and confidently as possible. So for bathroom installations, especially wet rooms, ensuring that drainage of bath/shower water is quick and effective is vitally important in order to prevent injury from slips and falls.

Support

Equally, it is essential that rails are installed in an adapted bathroom in order for an elderly or disabled person to navigate their visit safely and securely. Before installation it is important to think about how the bathroom will be used and the processes that will be followed in order to use the toilet, bath or shower facilities - including the leverage the user will require to perform each task.   

Flooring

Regardless of the level of space available in a bathroom, a disabled or elderly person will benefit from having all floorspace on one level. Not only are steps or gradients a potential trip hazard that could result in injury, but they are also likely to hinder access if the person using the facility has a wheelchair or requires assistance when walking.

Access Levels

For every design element of an adapted bathroom, accessibility has to be a primary consideration. It is vital that the user has easy access to key applications such as basins and toileting facilities so that they can feel truly independent. This means thinking carefully about the access level of all fixtures and fittings such as taps and switches before installation.  

Equipment

If an elderly or disabled person requires assistance when using bathing or toileting facilities, there is a range of safe and secure equipment such as hoists and adapted chairs that can be installed. These applications are likely to require additional space and support in order to work effectively, so always factor these issues in when planning a new bathroom.

Find out more

Kingkraft specialise in offering adapted bathroom facilities for elderly and disabled people, manufacturing a wide range of tailored installations including bespoke wet room applications.

If you would like to learn more about the selection of products we have to offer, please call our friendly and experienced team today on 0114 2690697.