Good walk in bath tubs incorporate the principles of "universal design" in their design and installation. They should promote safety and security of all users in the bathing area.
"Universal design" means simplified living for practically everyone, targeting the needs of all people, regardless of ability or age.
There are seven
principles of universal design:
1. Equitable Use
2. Flexibility in Use
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
4. Perceptible Information
5. Tolerance for Error
6. Low Physical Effort
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
A good bathroom design reflects a space that will be suitable for an extended period of time. It allows individuals to age in place at home and prolongs their independence. As well, it allows for future care of users by assistants or care providers, providing safety for both assistants and users.
The bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms in the house to adapt or remodel later. Therefore, it makes sense to plan for both present and future needs of all residents. If carefully designed however, good design can make bathrooms usable at little or no extra cost.
Bathrooms incorporating universal design have:
• A wheelchair-accessible clear floor space. Typically it is at least five feet by five feet
• A toilet with at least 18 inches of clear space on one side, with three feet being optimal
• An outward-swinging bathroom door. Again, this design is wheelchair-friendly.
• Grab bars. These make it easy for the user to keep their balance. If grab bars are not yet needed and the bathroom is being completely remodeled, reinforce the walls around the toilet, bathtub and/or shower. Use grab bars instead of towel bars so they can be used for support
• Sinks with space underneath for seated users. Hot water pipes under the sink need to be insulated to prevent burns.
• Bathroom mirrors and medicine cabinets installed at a height easily accessed by a user in a wheelchair.
• Single lever faucet handles on sinks. Users with limited strength in their wrists or hands find these easier to use
• Either a walk in bath tub or slide-in bath. Wheelchair users can easily transfer to a slide-in bath with a built-in seat at wheelchair height.
• A hand-held shower with an adequate hose length and adjustable shower head. This allows the user the choice of either a shower or a bath. It also suits the height of different users, and avoids wetting anything that needs to stay dry, such as casts and bandages.
• A vertical pole or grab bar near the bathtub seat. Users with poor upper body strength can enter and exit the bathtub easily
A good
walk in bath accommodates right or left-handed access and use. All components can be comfortably reached for either a seated or a standing user. This design increases efficiency and comfort, and reduces fatigue.
