Handicap Shower
In order to build or buy a handicap accessible shower, you first need to make it easily accessible to people with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. Remove the shower curb so you can get in close to the shower with a wheelchair. This is also handy for any caregivers to provide cleaning care without reaching over.
Most handicap showers take about 2 days to install if the shower is prefabricated and fits the old shower space. You can remove your old bathtub and fit the handicap shower to the old water pipes. It is important to note that the showers are usually a inch or so above the ground, so you need a shower ramp if you want to go directly inside the shower with a wheelchair.
Handicap Shower Accessories
Handicap showers offer many features that it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Here is a basis roundup of all the features you can add on to your shower and improve your showering experience. Some shower accessories you might consider are a handicap grab bar, handicap shower heads and shower bench. Handicapped grab bars are very useful for transferring from wheelchair to shower bench. Every handicap shower should have grab bars. They provide more support for the individual during transfers and while exiting and entering the shower stalls. Install more than one for the most efficient use. If you do not want to damage the walls of the shower, get suction grab bars capable of supporting your weight. They are easily installed and removed with the flip of a lever.
The shower bench is water resistant and provides those cannot stand for long periods a place to seat and clean themselves. The shower benches are optional if you have a wheelchair shower aka commode that you plan to sit on during the shower. Instead of a bench, you can choose a fold up shower seat that can support 250lbs to 900lbs. The handicap shower heads have a long extended hose so you don’t have to stretch, pull or strain during a shower.
Handicap showers usually come with slip resistant bases that you can install easily by snapping on to the floor. The sizes can range from 4 feet for small handicap accessible bathrooms and 6 feet in width for the larger bathrooms. Measure the space properly for the shower stall enclosure. With narrow handicap showers, anyone can install one in their small and cramped bathroom. A total package of a handicapped shower can range in prices from $700 to $1400 depending on how much installation work is needed.
Tags: Shower handicapped
