As one of the activities we take part in daily, one of the most important things to consider when bathing is safety. If you currently have a bath or shower that is not quite meeting your individual needs and requirements, it might be time to consider a disability-friendly wet room.
Many bathrooms simply are not accessible for disabled or elderly people. You may find that the sink or toilet is too low, that you require more assistance when stepping in and out of your bath or shower, or maybe the flooring has started to exacerbate the risks of trips and falls.
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Bathing can start to become more challenging with mobility issues and a struggle when it comes to embracing complete independence and being able to feel safe, as well as comfortable when bathing. Due to this, disabled wet rooms are becoming a more popular choice to assist with all sorts of issues.
Unsure as to whether a wet room is the right choice for you and your home? We understand it can be daunting. So, to help you make the right decision, we have put together a helpful guide.
- What is a disabled wet room?
- How can a disabled wet room make bathing easier?
- They provide inclusive access
- Adds a modern touch
- Spacious and low maintenance
- No size is off limits
- You can create a unique space
- Additions that could make your disabled wet room feel bespoke
What is a disabled wet room?
It is important to identify the definition of a wet room to help you understand if it would best suit your needs when it comes to bathing.
Similar to disabled walk-in baths and walk-in showers, wet rooms for elderly people and disabled users are designed to meet the individual’s specific wants and needs. This includes both the size and shape of the wet room as well as the layout – depending on your existing bathroom space.
Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a wholly unique experience for bathing, which makes them a popular choice for both elderly users and those with mobility issues.
How can a disabled wet room make bathing easier?
There are a variety of different ways in which the installation of a disabled wet room can enhance your current bathing situation. To help explore the option, we have highlighted the main advantages as follows:
They provide inclusive access
If one of the reasons you are seeking to upgrade your bathroom from a shower cubicle or bath is due to issues with getting in and out safely, this is where a disabled wet room can really help.
Not only does it eliminate the potential hazard of a shower tray or bath panel, but it can also eliminate the need for shower doors. This makes it the ideal choice for wheelchair users and those who require a carer or helper when bathing.
You can also choose to install further safety features and accessories to assist in the overall comfort and safety of your bathing time.
Adds a modern touch
Wet rooms have advanced over time, and typical wet rooms for elderly and disabled people are now much more contemporary in their design. Offering up a whole host of different designs to suit both your taste and your individual bathroom needs. In the same way that your bedroom and kitchen are designed to accommodate modern living, so should your bathroom area.
Wet rooms can provide a spacious-looking bathing area that introduces both safety and a little luxury into your living space. This is another reason modern disabled wet rooms are becoming a more popular choice.
Spacious and low maintenance
The style of a disability wet room is to make the space feel large and inviting. Those that have a smaller bathroom space need not worry, as there are designs and features available to help make the space appear larger than it is. And as wet rooms tend to come with fewer features, you can move about more freely and comfortably.
Another great advantage of a wet room is how little work is required when it comes to their maintenance. Because there are fewer features – from shower trays and screens to wall-hung accessories, there is simply less to clean. This is another reason wet rooms are a great choice for the elderly and people who have mobility issues.
No size is off limits
One of the great things about a disabled wet room is that any bathroom can accommodate such a choice, depending on your plans for a refurbishment. For example, if you wanted to completely remove an existing bath, you can do so and install a disabled wet room in its place. Not only will this open up your bathing space but it can also provide more room.
There will be various factors to consider with a smaller space. If your other bathroom features are close together, you can choose to install a shower screen to ensure a completely shower-proof area. This means that your other bathroom features stay dry as well as further eradicating the chance of any slips and falls.
They can be designed in such a way as to provide a modern disabled wet room, so you need not worry about the overall aesthetic if a shower screen needs to be installed.
You can create a unique space
If you look forward to your daily bathing routine, the installation of a disabled wet room can enhance the experience, as you can create your bespoke bathing area.
Not only can you choose from a selection of different flooring and tiling options, but there are various accessories to assist you with any bathing needs you may have.
From grab rails to fold-up seats, a disabled wet room can be made to completely accommodate your requirements, as well as an aesthetically pleasing space so you can focus on that all-important relaxation time.
Additions that could make your disabled wet room feel bespoke
As mentioned in the previous point, there are various extras you can add to create a unique bathing space. Showers for disabled users can be tricky, as it can be difficult to get in and out of the dedicated bathing space if you have mobility issues.
In these cases, there are additional features which can help to make your showering experience easier, safer, and more accessible:
Grab Rails
Grab bars can be installed in disabled wet rooms to help provide stability when standing. Designed in various ways to assist the user, you can choose from horizontal rails to help lower you into a seated position, as well as vertical rails to help provide that extra support when showering.
Modern disabled wet rooms usually offer neutral tones and minimalist tiles and flooring options. For a particularly contemporary feel, you can install sleek grab bars that also function as towel rails or modern toilet roll holders that double up as grab bars.
With these particular types of disabled wet room layouts, you ensure additional support without the extra clutter, as well as maintaining accessibility.
Shower Seats
Also known as a shower bench, this type of seating can come in a range of styles and is an excellent additional safety feature if you require a little extra seated support when showering.
Whether you choose to have yours fixed to the wall or built into the unit itself, these types of seats can assist the user with various mobility issues. Either static or mobile, shower seats usually come with rubber cups at the bottom of the legs to prevent any slipping.
There are various designs to choose from to suit both your requirements and your aesthetics. From padded shower seats and curved edge seats to straight shower benches and drop-down options, you will need to shop around and work out which one is best suited to your needs and personal style.
Flooring options
Wet rooms are installed with non-slip flooring, but that does not make them all equal. The most suitable flooring materials are porcelain or mosaic tiles, but you can opt for a little luxury should you so require.
To enhance a contemporary feel in your wet room, you can choose to use a marble effect or stone slab flooring. As one of the more luxurious non-slip flooring materials, they can help to create a truly bespoke look in a modern disabled wet room as well helping to mitigate against any slips and falls.
To ensure maximum water drainage, you can also opt for sloping floors. These can be particularly useful for completely open, walk-in disabled wet rooms.
Bespoke lighting
An often overlooked aspect but an important one to consider when installing a disability wet room is the lighting you choose.
There are two options to consider – cool or warm bathroom lighting. The right choice can help to improve the look and feel of your mobility bathroom and help to accentuate the features and additional fittings you choose to install.
Cool bathroom lighting is usually chosen in white suites for a bright finish, whereas warm tones are often selected to create a softer and cosier feel. With modern disabled wet rooms, you can choose to have dimmed bulbs installed or use simple, natural lighting to create your unique atmosphere.