Taking a bath or shower is something that many of us take for granted. Age and health-related mobility issues can make regular showering extremely difficult.
Often disabilities like this creep up on us slowly. We gradually find it harder to get in and out of the bath without assistance. Then using a conventional shower can be challenging.
The good news is that most bathrooms can be easily adapted to walk in shower bath.
In this quick guide, we will explore the advantages of walk-in showers and how these bathroom mobility adaptions can make your life easier.
What is a walk-in shower?
What is the difference between conventional showers and walk-in showers?
The main difference between conventional showers and walk-in showers lies in their design and accessibility:
Entry
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- Conventional showers usually have a raised barrier or step at the entrance, which you have to step over to enter the shower area.
- Walk-in showers, on the other hand, have a level or slightly sloped entry, allowing you to walk straight into the shower without any step or barrier.
Accessibility
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- Walk-in showers are access baths. They are often preferred for their accessibility, making them easier to enter and exit, especially for individuals with mobility issues or those who use mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers.
- Conventional showers may be less accessible, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations, as stepping over the barrier can be challenging or unsafe.
Design
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- Standard baths may have more enclosed designs with walls and doors enclosing the shower area.
- Walk-in showers typically have an open design, which can make the bathroom size feel more spacious and visually appealing. They may feature glass screens, full walk in shower enclosures, or partial enclosures to contain water spray while maintaining an open feel.
Space Requirements
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- Conventional showers may require more space due to the need for a separate bathtub or enclosure with walls and a door.
- Walk-in showers can be more space-efficient, as they often feature a simple, open design that doesn’t require as much dedicated space.
What are the different types of walk-in showers?
There are 2 different types of walk-in showers: low-level access showers and level access showers.
- A low-level access shower differs from a standard bath shower in that they have a threshold of 60 mm (2.4 inches) or less to step over. This provides a safe and easy entry and exit.
- A level access shower sits with even lower shower tray, with a threshold of 10 mm (0.4 inches) or less, presenting even less of a trip hazard.
What are some other benefits of having a walk-in shower?
Walk-in showers are especially designed for people with mobility issues to make the showering experience much safer and better. The floor of the shower features a slip-resistant texture.
If you need a larger showering area and space is available there is also a range of sizes to choose from. There is something guaranteed to fit your requirements, be they for wheelchair access or a fixed or folding shower seat.
But a walk-in shower is more than a practical solution. Its low profile is less obtrusive than a conventional shower and reflects the sleek, minimalist look of modern bathrooms.
How easily is it to replace my bath with a walk-in shower?
One of the best features of walk-in showers is that they are designed to fit exactly the same footprint as a conventional bath tub.
This means that adapting your bathroom from a bath to a walk-in shower is extremely easy.
How can EA Mobility help?
As a specialist bathroom adaptation company, we offer a wide range of solutions that can be tailored to your individual needs.
We know that every client’s needs are different. That’s why we start with a visit from one of our home assessors. This is completely free and without any obligation to use EA Mobility for your bathroom adaptation.
It’s also an opportunity for us to get to know you personally and to assess your needs. We will provide you with professional, unbiased and personal advice on how your bathroom can be adapted.
Our friendly and professional fitting team will ensure the work is carried out with minimal disruption.
To book 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.