Five Must-Have Features In An Effective Disabled Wet Room Design

A recent survey revealed the number of disabled people in the UK to be more than 11 million. For a person with a disability, even simple daily tasks can turn into a big challenge. Scarcely resourced areas can be a source of anxiety and stress for people with a disability. For commercial spaces, it is essential to provide a well-equipped disability-friendly bathroom for added convenience. Moreover, there are some laws governing the wet room design. In this blog, we will recommend some design features that should be there to make a wet room more accessible.  

Some modifications can help in building a safe and practical wet room like:

1. Level Shower Access: The Level shower access is what makes a wet room different from a regular bathroom. While normal bathrooms require you to raise your legs off the floor to get into the shower unit, a wet room allows direct access to the showers, and wheelchairs can easily be placed under the shower. Added support can also be provided in the form of a fixed shower seat. This eliminated the risks of slipping, tripping, and falling in the bathroom. The lower risk makes it easier for the disabled person to perform these tasks without needing assistance from anyone. 

2. Space: A wet room for a disabled user should be made keeping in mind the need for extra space he might require. Because wheelchairs need more room to maneuver, wet room size should also be prepared considering that. The fixtures within the wet room should be fitted in such a way that it makes enough space for the person to move around freely. The size and positioning of wet room fixtures should also be kept in mind. 

3. Wall hung sink: Wall fixed basins can be very convenient for disabled users as they can be installed at a comfortable height and can be accessed easily. New and improved versions also give an option to choose a basin fitted onto a rise and fall bracket. A rise and fall bracket can be controlled electronically helping the users adjust the height according to their wish and comfort. 

4. Support bars and handles: It is one of the most crucial safety features which should not be ignored while designing a wet room for disabled users. The grab bars offer stability, support, and safety to the users when they are trying to move around. Ideally, grab bars should be installed around the main areas of the room, such as the entrance of the shower, in the shower area, next to where the toilet is, and right next to the sink basin. Retractable ones can be opted for putting next to the toilet, as they can easily be pulled down from the wall.

5. Slip-resistant flooring: This feature is mandatory for wet rooms designed for disabled people. For people with fragile or immobile limbs, slipping injuries can be fatal and must be minimized at all costs. Using the best quality flooring is imperative to avoid such accidents and ensure the complete safety of the users.

Creating accurate designs for disabled people is not rocket science but it certainly takes a little effort and expertise. At Apple solutions, we believe in only providing the best solutions to our clients. We can provide you with the best disabled wet room designs to improve the accessibility of your premises.