Bathing is one of the activities we take part in daily and one of the most important things to consider during this time is safety. Do you currently have a bath or shower that is not quite meeting your individual needs and requirements? It might be time to consider a disability-friendly wet room.
Many bathrooms are not accessible for disabled and elderly people, which means that the sink or toilet might be too low, you may require more assistance when stepping in and out of your bath or shower, or maybe the flooring has started to cause problems, and you could be at risk of tripping or falling.
Disabled wet rooms are becoming a popular choice to assist with all sorts of issues. Are you unsure whether a wet room is the right choice for you and your home? We have put together a helpful guide to help you make the right decision.
What is a disabled wet room?
Recognise the definition of a wet room first so it helps you to understand if it would best suit your needs when it comes to bathing.
It’s very much like disabled walk-in baths and walk-in showers, where wet rooms are tailored for elderly individuals and disabled users to accommodate their specific requirements. This includes both the size and shape of the wet room as well as the layout, all dependent on the available space in your current bathroom.
The popularity of wet rooms is on the rise due to their distinctive bathroom experience, making them a favoured option for both elderly individuals and those facing mobility challenges.
How can this type of room make bathing easier?
Highlighting the main advantages of a wet room will help you to enhance your current bathing situation.
Offering simple accessibility
A disabled wet room can help in the case of if you have safety concerns when entering and exiting a shower cubicle or bathtub. By removing the potential risks associated with a shower tray or bath panel, and eliminating the necessity for shower doors, it becomes an excellent choice for individuals using wheelchairs or those who require a carer or helper when bathing.
There are other safety features and accessories you can install to assist in the overall comfort and safety of your bathing experience.
Adding a modern touch to your home
Wet rooms have evolved significantly over time, and contemporary designs for wet rooms tailored to the elderly and disabled are now more prevalent. They present a wide array of designs catering to both personal tastes and specific bathroom requirements. Just as bedrooms and kitchens are designed to align with modern living, so should your bathroom.
Modern wet rooms can create a visually expansive bathroom area, incorporating both safety features and a touch of luxury into your home. This is another reason why the disabled wet room is becoming a more popular choice.
Bathroom size doesn’t matter
The style of a disability wet room is to create a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Even if you have a smaller bathroom, space doesn’t matter. There are designs and features available that can visually enlarge the area. With fewer fixtures in wet rooms, individuals can move around more freely and comfortably.
An additional benefit is the wet room’s low maintenance requirement. With fewer features to clean, the upkeep of this modern room isn’t much of a problem and helps elderly people or individuals who have mobility issues.
Another great reason to think about a disabled wet room is that any bathroom can accommodate one, depending on your plans for a refurbishment. If you are thinking of completely removing your existing bath, you can do so and install a disabled wet room in its place. Not only will this open up the bathroom space but also provide you with more room.
If you are limited to space and your bathroom features are close together, you can choose to install a shower screen to ensure a completely shower-proof area. Each feature can be designed in a way to provide a modern disabled wet room, so there’s no need to worry about the overall aesthetics.
Create a unique space
Do you enjoy your bathing time? A wet room can make it an even more enjoyable experience, allowing you to tailor your bathing area according to your preferences.
The customisable options that are available such as the various flooring and tiling choices, along with an array of accessories designed to cater to your specific bathing needs. Whether you opt for grab rails or fold-up seats, a disabled wet room can be crafted to seamlessly meet your requirements, providing not only functional support but also creating an aesthetically pleasing space for you to fully immerse yourself in that essential relaxation time.
Additional features for your wet room
There are many additional features that you can add to create a unique bathing space. Showers for disabled users can be tricky, as it can be difficult to get in and out, so additional features can help make your showering experience easier, safer and more accessible.
Grab Rails
Grab rails help provide stability when standing. They can be designed in various ways to assist the user, from horizontal rails to help lower you into a seated position, to vertical rails to help provide extra support when showering.
There are even grab rails that double up as toilet roll holders in a modern bathroom design.
Also known as a shower bench, this type of seating can come in a range of styles and is an excellent additional safety feature if you require a little extra seated support when showering.
Whether it’s fixed to the wall or integrated into the unit itself, these seats can be beneficial for users with diverse mobility issues. Whether stationary or mobile, shower seats typically feature rubber cups on the legs to prevent slipping.
The various designs to choose from cater to both functional requirements and aesthetic preferences. Options range from padded shower seats and curved-edge designs to straight shower benches and drop-down choices.
Here at Direct Mobility, we have many options to simplify your bathing and personal care routines. We provide reliable shower stools and shower boards that empower patients to maintain their independence.
Choosing the flooring
Wet rooms are typically installed with non-slip flooring, with the most suitable being a porcelain or mosaic tile. To enhance a contemporary feel, choose a marble effect or stone slab flooring. You can make your wet room truly bespoke helping to mitigate against any slips or falls.
Sloping floors help with water drainage and can be particularly useful for completely open, walk-in disabled wet rooms.
Bespoke Lighting
Something that is often overlooked is the lighting you choose. There are two options to consider – cool or warm bathroom lighting. Making the right choice can help to improve the look and feel of your mobility bathroom and help to accentuate the features and additional fittings you choose to install.
Cool lighting is often chosen in white suites for a brighter finish, whereas warm tones are often selected to create a softer and cosier feel. You can choose to have dimmed bulbs installed or use simple, natural light to create the best atmosphere.
Below is our complete range of bathroom mobility aids. Contact us for further information or simply add your selected bathing aid your your hire list and request a quote.
Battery Bath Lift – Invacare Orca