It is always heartbreaking when someone you love is stricken with mobility issues. This requires making drastic changes, especially in the bathroom. You'll have to pay close attention to several things when approaching the accessibility of the bathroom.
Assure there is good access. Some older homes do not have entries wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, or may have a high threshold or even a step up. There are a lot of building codes that require a minimum of three feet wide. If your current opening is not satisfactory, the structural dimensions of the doorway will need to be changed.
Most standard toilets are too low for people in wheelchairs and walkers to transfer themselves onto. Instead of getting a whole new toilet seat, you can get an adapter that makes it taller. These are available at many medical supply shops. Building supply stores will carry the high toilets.
The installation of grab bars is necessary for safety and comfort. Grab bars will help the challenges family member get in and out of the tub and shower. These will need to be mounted on underlying studs so the person's weight won't break it. Specifications can be made through local building codes.
You may want to replace the current shower with a walk in shower or tub. A walk-in bathtub has a hinged door allowing the mobility challenged person a bathtub bathing experience without having to climb over the tub wall. Usually these will have a movable shower head and a seat. Many of these walk-in bathtub units can be found on the internet for under US$3,000 and some even include installation in the pricing. Investing in chairs and rails will be a good idea if you already have a walk in shower.
Organize all of the soaps and necessities considering the person you are accommodating for. Get perspective by bringing a chair in. This will give you some perspective.
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