Outfitting a Bathroom for a Disabled Person

Remove the bathroom's existing bath, and install a walk-in bath or walk-in shower. These items are similar to conventional baths and showers, but allow the disabled person to get in without having to step over a ledge. If needed, install a seat in the bath or shower that the disabled person can use. Often, this special style of bath or shower is low with multiple water jets located around it.

Install an accessible toilet or, at the very least, a toilet riser to elevate the height of the toilet to the height of the disabled person's wheelchair. A disabled person might have trouble getting on a toilet significantly higher or lower than his chair; an accessible toilet or toilet riser will make this job much simpler.

Remove the wall-mounted elements, such as towel racks and mirrors, and re-install them lower on the wall. Someone in a wheelchair often can't reach a hand towel hanging on a rack above the sink.

Hire an electrician to lower the bathroom's light switches so they're within reach of the person in the wheelchair. If you have skill in this area, you may be able to complete the task yourself. Otherwise, a licensed professional will do the job correctly and safely.

Install safety flooring around the tub. Safety flooring is rubbery and makes standing easier, especially when the floor is wet. This style of flooring is typically available in large, stick-on sheets and smaller, stick-on adhesives.

Replace the bathroom's traditional sink and vanity assembly with an accessible sink that sits lower to the ground.