People with disabilities can’t use normal bathrooms as the showers, narrow doorways, and slippery floors are difficult to use for them. They can also get injured while using the normal bathroom due to the inaccessibility of the features of bathroom. So, how to design an accessible bathroom in Singapore?
Let’s learn how to do that so that you can create a bathroom with grab bars, non-slip floors, and wider doorways, so that your loved ones can easily take a shower. Also, PS Home Maintenance Singapore expert in sliding and swing doors, toilet plumbing, and locksmith services in Singapore.
Benefits Of Designing An Accessible Bathroom
Designing an accessible bathroom in Singapore gives you these benefits:
- Older folks or those with mobility issues can manage better on their own
- Less chance of slipping, especially on wet floors
- Gives people more independence and confidence
- Makes it easier for caregivers to assist without strain
- Adds long-term value to your home
- Prepares your home for ageing in place
- Supports recovery for anyone with short-term injuries
- Everyone feels more comfortable using the space, no matter their needs
- You might be able to tap into local grants for the renovation
- It’s a thoughtful step that really shows you care
How To Design an Accessible Bathroom in Singapore?
Designing an accessible bathroom in Singapore is easier than you think. All you need is a structured and expert guide with every single step, which is this. Just follow all the steps carefully, and you’ll be able to design a comfortable and safe bathroom for your loved ones with disabilities.
Lay Non-Slip Flooring Across the Bathroom
Wet floors are the most common reason for bathroom slips. So, use tiles that don’t get slippery when wet. Go for rubber or vinyl if you can’t find textured tiles.
Avoid glossy surfaces at all costs. Also, don’t leave uneven edges near the shower or toilet. Everything must stay level, flat and easy to walk or roll across.
Install Grab Bars Beside the Toilet and Shower
You don’t want anyone losing their balance when getting up or stepping in. Place grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower.
They should be strong, easy to hold, and firmly mounted. Avoid plastic ones that feel loose. Go for stainless steel or metal bars that won’t move or bend under weight. Keep them within arm’s reach, not too high.
Replace Bathtub With A Walk-In Shower
Bathtubs make things harder for people who can’t step in easily. So, get rid of it and install a walk-in shower. No step, no ledge, nothing to trip on.
Keep it flat. Add a shower seat and a handheld shower head. That way, even if someone can’t stand for long, they can still shower comfortably and safely.
Use A Higher Toilet Or Add A Raised Seat
Low toilets aren’t easy for everyone to use. Switch to a comfort height toilet or add a simple raised seat if you’re not changing the unit.
This way, it takes less effort to sit and stand. Also, install side grab bars to make it easier for people with joint pain or weak knees to move safely.
Mount A Sink With Open Space Underneath
Use a sink that doesn’t have a cabinet underneath. A wall-hung sink works best. This gives enough leg space for a wheelchair user or someone who uses a walker.
Use single lever taps or sensor ones that don’t need much hand strength. It’s a small change, but it makes washing hands way more convenient.
Widen The Door And Use A Sliding Design
Some bathrooms have doors that are too narrow. This blocks wheelchairs and walkers. If you can, widen the door to give more room.
A sliding door or an outward swinging one works best. Avoid knob handles and go for lever ones instead. This way, you don’t need to twist your wrist or push hard to open the door.
Brighten Lighting And Add Contrast
A well-lit bathroom makes it safer. Use bright LED lights and make sure all corners are visible. Pick tiles and walls in different shades so people with weak eyesight can tell them apart.
For example, use dark tiles with a light toilet seat. These contrasts make navigation easier without needing to think too much.
Final Words
Using a regular bathroom for disabled people isn’t safe and is also uncomfortable. They may get irritated trying to access things, and may also get injured due to the slippery floors.
You need to learn how to design an accessible bathroom in Singapore for your loved ones so that they can easily take a shower without fear of accidents.
These are the steps that you need to follow to do that: Lay non-slip flooring across the bathroom to prevent falls, install grab bars near the toilet and shower for extra support.
Replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower to remove stepping barriers, use a higher toilet or raised seat to make sitting and standing easier.
Mount a sink with space under for wheelchairs, widen the doorway and use a sliding door to improve access. Add bright lighting and contrast for better visibility.