Independent Living | 13 Comments |
Accessible Showers
Accessible showers provide an easy-to-use bathroom solution for the home, with a range of options to suit all levels of mobility, for both ambulant and wheelchair users.
Some tips to help with choosing a shower installation that meets your needs:
Wet Floor Showers
Wet rooms or wet floor shower areas are increasingly popular as an alternative to fitting a shower tray. They provide completely open and level access, which makes them ideal for wheelchair users, and a good choice where it is not practical to install a tray.
A number of companies produce wet floor formers, with an inbuilt gradient to assist drainage. These are laid level with the existing floor and then the whole area can be covered with a non-slip vinyl, to give a waterproof surface without any lips or ramps.
Alternatively, a wet room can be provided with a tiled floor with integral drainage. Make sure that any tiles provided a slip-resistant surface.
In order to contain water spray within the shower area, elegantly designed glass screens and doors are available, which can be fitted directly to a wet floor, making an enclosure that suits the space and the user’s needs.
Accessible showers – Enclosures
Make sure you pick a shower tray that is easy to access, with a textured surface that will help prevent slips.
For people who are able to walk into the shower, a low level tray can be a good solution: no big step to negotiate, and easy to install. Trays can be fitted on wooden or concrete floors.
For wheelchair users, a tray that provides completely level access can be chased into the floor, so that the chair can wheel in without problems. This provides a defined enclosure, which can then be equipped with half or full height doors and screens.
Built-in reinforced steel sections ensure that the tray is robust enough to withstand wheelchair access.
Opting for complete level access can be an effective way of future proofing bathroom provisions.
Installing a shower tray in an existing bathroom is less disruptive and expensive than converting the whole room into a wet room.
Accessible showers with minimum disruption
No one likes to have their bathroom out of commission for any longer than necessary. Thinking about the disruption and mess involved can often deter people from making the very changes they need in order to carry on using the bathroom safely and comfortably.
A “showerpod” which has been designed to fit as a complete bath replacement keeps installation time and disruption to a minimum. With integral back and side panels, and options that include half-height doors and panels, shower seats, grab rails and shelving, it can fit easily into a wide range of bathroom situations.
Quick and easy to install, it occupies the same space as a traditional bath if necessary, and is easy to look after as the self-contained leakproof unit needs no tiling, grouting or sealant.
There are also stand-alone trays designed to fill the space previously occupied by a bath. These are cut by the installer to fit exactly, so that the bathroom is left in a tidy condition without the need for much re-tiling or other making good around the new shower tray.
Completing the shower facility
Accessible showers which are not self-contained will require doors, curtains or a cubicle to complete the facility.
Curtains are cheaper than doors, but do not retain the water so well.
You might like to consider half-height or barn style doors, which allow someone to help with washing, if that is necessary.
Make sure that doors open wide enough to allow for easy entry, aren’t too heavy, and give good protection against water seepage.
Air-assisted doors are particularly useful for larger, bath replacement trays. They can be moved easily from open to closed position, even by someone with a weakened grip.
We have more information about products to assist with support and safety in the shower here
13 Replies to “Accessible Showers”
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I would like to get a wet room for my Dad who is in the advanced stages of dementia. Do you have a recommended list of trustworthy plumbers in my area. It is a lot of money and inconvenience for him and I need someone reliable. We live in Cumbria, near Cockermouth. Thank you, Marion
Hello Marion
I’m afraid I don’t know your area at all. But if you contact your local council, they should have a list of trusted trades people.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
This information is extremely helpful. The shower pod seems like a viable option for a concrete-floored first floor apartment where structural integrity of the building is maintained.
Are there any aids for the wrist-disabled who find difficulty turning on rotating shower taps ?
Hello Joyce
You can get tap turners which fit securely over the rotating part and give you a lever to push or pull in order to turn the tap on and off. You can see some examples here:
https://www.manageathome.co.uk/bathroom/bathing/tap-turners/ (external link will open in a new browser window)
Best wishes,
Frances
Hello, where can I get these shower type pods ? I’ve seen them on American sites with sides back and tray with a built in seat.
Thanks
Hi David,
The best way to get more information on the shower pods is by contacting the suppliers, AKW.
You can contact them directly by email sales@akw-ltd.co.uk
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if you have any other questions.
Best wishes,
Liane
Are you able to give me any information on body dryers. Having a level access shower installed and have read that body dryer is useful ? This is for someone that has osteoporosis and kyphosis.
Hello Christine
I have no personal experience of using one, but I have heard positive feedback. Useful for people with limited mobility/dexterity and also those with skin conditions that may be exacerbated by using a towel.
Do think about temperature and strength of airflow. Would be quite miserable having air blasted at you at a lower temperature than you like… Some models offer more adaptability than others.
Best wishes,
Frances
can these be installed on the first floor and are they allowed in council flats
Bath-replacement showerpod from AKW
Hello Benjamin
The best way to check on the suitability of the shower pod for your home is to contact AKW directly.
You can contact them by phone, 01905 823299 or email sales@akw-ltd.co.uk
Best wishes,
Frances
I was reading about shower trays that are bath size and suitable for wheelchairs etc,
“Some links would be useful”
Hello Keith
If you check out the right side bar, there are links to suppliers who can help with the various products mentioned on this page.
Best wishes,
Frances