One of the main challenges faced by anyone with mobility problems is accessing their shower or bath.
An adapted bathroom can greatly improve quality of life and independence, and here we look at how you can transform your existing space into a ‘walk-in bathroom’.
Walk-in showers and wet rooms
While the ultra-modern, minimalistic style of walk-in showers and wet rooms makes them a must-have for luxury homes and hotels, they are also an affordable and practical option for mobility bathrooms. But what are the differences?
A walk-in shower features a pre-cast shower tray, but with a much lower threshold for easier access. On a low-level access shower, this will typically be 60mm or less, which provides less of an obstacle to anyone who struggles with steps.
A level access shower may be a better option. The threshold on a level access shower would normally be 10mm or less thus allowing for a user or carer to manoeuvre a wheelchair across a small lip.
Most walk-in showers have a footprint that is the same as or smaller than that of a conventional bath, so they can often replace an existing bath without major alterations to the rest of the bathroom.
Walk-in showers still require a shower door or curtain to contain water spray within the showering area, although a half-height carer shower screen can minimise this while allowing the carer to assist the bather from outside.
To construct a wet room, the bathroom floor is contoured so that it slopes gently towards a single drain outlet. It is then protected with a fully sealed, waterproof layer before a non-slip flooring material is applied. With no threshold at the edge of the showering area and no door needed to contain water spray, a wet room is a perfect choice for accessibility and ease of use.
Another advantage of a wet room is that while walk-in showers come in a range of sizes, a wet room is completely bespoke. This means that it will perfectly fit within a given space without awkward or unsightly gaps and optimise the space available in the bathroom.
Walk-in baths
While a shower is faster and more convenient, soaking in a bath can benefit both physical health and mental well-being.
Walk-in baths often have a footprint that is the same or less than a conventional bath, so they can easily replace an existing bath without having to change the entire bathroom. Some are so compact that they can replace an existing shower.
With a low-access door allowing easy entry and exit, the choice of walk-in baths includes models with an integral lift that will lower you into a lying-down position and others that allow you to sit upright in a deeper bath while saving water.
All walk-in baths from EA Mobility can be fitted with Air Spa massage therapy, chromotherapy and Bluetooth sound systems to enhance your bathing experience.
What’s the most suitable product for me?
Choosing the best product for your situation can sometimes be difficult as almost every website or mobility store you visit has a different range of products and a list of reasons why you should buy them.
At EA Mobility we approach our client’s needs differently. We like to start with one of our home assessors visiting you and assessing your mobility requirements.
This is entirely free and you will be under no obligation to use EA Mobility for your bathroom adaptation. Our advice and recommendations will be completely unbiased and professional, drawing on our extensive knowledge of the challenges and requirements that are unique to every kind of disability.
If you would like a visit from one of our home assessors, please call us on 0800 468 1023 or fill out our online contact form and we will respond promptly.