Accessible bathroom conversion: Avoid these nine mistakes

Accessible bathrooms are no longer just a necessity for people with limited mobility. Accessible bathroom conversions enable people with physical disabilities, older people, and families with small children to use the bathroom safely and without obstacles. In this article, we show you the nine mistakes to avoid when converting to an accessible bathroom. 

Converting to an accessible bathroom offers comfort and future-proofing for all residents – regardless of whether they already need assistance or not. In addition to providing support in everyday life, accessible design increases the attractiveness and value of a property. However: Not all accessibility is the same. 

1. Inadequate spatial planning

Inadequate spatial planning is a crucial mistake in accessible bathroom conversions. Generous space is particularly important when wheelchairs, walking frames, or care staff for personal hygiene are involved. Sufficient movement and meeting areas are essential in order to ensure optimum support for the individual everyday lives of your customers. In addition to an optimized floor plan, the strategic placement of aids such as swing-up grab bars is crucial.

2. Overlooked security risk

Overlooked safety risks are a critical mistake in accessible bathroom conversions. Limited strength, unsteady walking, and a child’s lack of knowledge represent an increased risk potential. Support is essential so that your customers can use the bathroom safely. Grab rails offer flexible support at the sink or toilet or in the shower – precisely where help is needed. Intelligent sanitary solutions such as thermostats with scald protection also help to make everyday life safer. The body of our SAFE TOUCH shower thermostat has a safety housing that does not get hot – a protective measure for children and the elderly who could accidentally set the water too hot.

4. Low illumination

In order make orientation easier and minimize the risk of injury, good lighting should be planned for the accessible bathroom conversion. Especially in the dark winter months and at night, light is essential in order to be able to use the bathroom safely.

Our illuminated mirrors feature glare-free LEDs with a satin edge. Your customers’ faces are ideally and evenly illuminated, and the accessible bathroom is brightened up. This provides the necessary safety in the bathroom.

6. Choosing the wrong bathroom fittings

In every project, the ideal bathroom fittings play an important role for planners. However, this component is even more important in an accessible bathroom conversion. Individual needs require flexible sanitary solutions that respond optimally to requirements. Height-adjustable sinks and toilets are the ideal solution for accessible bathrooms. The solutions can be flexibly adjusted so that they are comfortable for all users and make it easier to transfer from a wheelchair or roll under the sink with a wheelchair.

7. Underestimating the effect of color

The fact that color design in rooms has a major influence on people’s health and self-determination has now been scientifically confirmed. If your customers have visual impairments, these should be taken into account when choosing the color for an accessible bathroom conversion. It has been proven that contrasts are easier to perceive and help with orientation. In addition, high-contrast sanitary products promote intuitive use because they visualize how to use them. With our solutions from System 800K and our dementia sink with red accents, you can help customers with impaired vision or dementia lead as independent a life as possible. This is because the colors red and anthracite are better perceived by those affected.

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