Handicap Showers And Wheelchair Accessible Handicap Shower Stall Options

This is a tricky question and there are many variables. In general, you want enough space for a wheelchair or walker to be free from obstructions. It’s important to have safety grab bars throughout the bathroom, especially in higher risk areas such as the shower or bathtub, but also by toilets, sinks or anywhere that makes maneuvering easier and safer.

There’s no perfectly safe solution, but by adding grab bars, handicapped showers, walk-in tubs, and non-slippery flooring you can minimize your risk of having a fall. In this day in age, it may make sense to have some type of alert system available in the bathroom as well just in case. Here’s an interesting article on building your own handicap shower or click here to view our quick-install multi-piece handicap showers that have the walls and pan already reinforced for fast efficient installations. 

Handicap shower systems come in many different sizes. You’ll typically want to size the roll-in shower based on what’s best for the bather. Some bathers who are in a wheelchair or use a walker may want a larger 60” x 42” shower, but this size handicap shower stall won’t fit in all bathrooms. Sometimes homeowners may be able to expand the bathroom size to fit a larger low threshold shower in it. Since these are multi-piece showers, getting them in the doorway isn’t a problem, but you’ll need the space in the wet area for whatever size shower you order.

You’ll need to check with your specific jurisdiction about the official ADA shower size. American Disabilities Act (ADA) indicates it must have clear inside dimensions. There are two styles that are acceptable by these standards, 3636 transfer showers and 6036 roll-in showers. Please remember this can vary depending on your jurisdiction.

ADA sets standards for ADA-compliant showers. An ADA compliant shower may be required for commercial installations depending upon your specific jurisdiction. Aging Safely Baths offers several ADA-compliant handicapped showers as well as non-compliant.  No matter which type of barrier-free shower you need, Aging Safely has one of the largest selections of roll-in showers available for large or small bathrooms.

If you’re handy, you could get all the raw materials you need to construct your own handicap shower once you’ve done the demo. This can take a long time unless you have done it many times before. The easier approach may be to purchase a multi-piece shower from Aging Safely Baths. The typical install time is only 1-2 days. The walls are already reinforced so you can stud mount them. The pan doesn’t need to be mud set, as it comes ready to go right from the factory. Typically, having a place to sit, a low threshold for entry, a textured pan, and several safety grab bars for extra stability are the most important parts of a good handicap shower.

A barrier-free shower base doesn’t have a curb on it like a traditional walk-in shower. Some showers have curbs as high as 4”-6”, whereas a barrier-free shower will have a 1” or lower threshold. Aging Safely Showers have low thresholds down to only .5” and can even have a wheelchair ramp installed if needed. Trench-drain showers offer a low threshold height without the need for a water stopper. An Aging Safely Baths representative can help you choose the tight threshold height for your specific needs.

There are several things you can do to help make your bathroom more senior-friendly. You can add a high-profile toilet, ADA compliant safety grab bars, ceiling-to-floor grab bar, low threshold wheelchair accessible shower, walk-in tub with hydrotherapy, good lighting, as well as remove obstacles or loose rugs and do a personal safety analysis to see what modifications you should make that work best for your safety needs, wants and lifestyle.

Handicap showers are typically designed for those with disabilities and the elderly. The best handicap shower systems are solid. You don’t want a flimsy shower wall or pan. Invest in something that will last a long time. All Aging Safely’s low-profile shower systems come with an industry-leading 30-year manufacturer warranty. It’s also vital to have enough space to bathe in a handicapped shower.

If the bather is in a wheelchair, you will want more space for them to maneuver or transfer in. Other than that, these specialty showers will typically have safety grab bars located in areas that help the bather remain stable. Whether you need an extra-large roll-in shower or a small one, make sure the seating and transfer bench work well for your needs in addition to safety grab bars.

This can vary greatly depending on the specific application. For commercial projects, you may have to follow ADA guidelines. For residential homes, it really depends on what is best for the bather. But it’s always a good idea to check with your local jurisdiction. Bathers that have a wheelchair or walker may want a wider door going into the bathroom, but also require a larger shower. You will want to take into consideration their body size, mobility restrictions and if they will have assistance. All these variables may play a role in choosing the best size handicap bathroom for your needs. Sometimes expanding the bathroom isn’t an option so you’ll need to design around that.

There are many colors and styles you can add to your handicap shower. Aging Safely Baths offers numerous options with colors, patterns, and even real tile backsplash integration. One thing you will want to consider though is maintenance. Many of our low threshold showers have tile designs but you don’t need to worry about sealing grout every 6 months. They are low maintenance by design, but you can still integrate real tile decorative backsplash, unique colors, shelves, and colored patterns in the walls. Handicap showers don’t need to look intuitional; they can match your style and tastes while addressing your safety concerns.

A curbless shower is a great idea! Especially if you’re a senior aging in place or have mobility concerns in your shower or bathtub. The curbless showers can lower the threshold for the shower entry. Some bathers have a hard time lifting their feet even a few inches. Barrier-free showers can be the perfect solution for many bathers who have limited mobility, are in a wheelchair, or for those who simply want less of a step-in for safety purposes.

Price ranges can really vary for curbless handicap shower systems. We just need to find out what specific size you need and what accessory options you want. Quoting is really fast! We even offer next-day drop shipping on certain barrier-free showers. You can buy direct from Aging Safely Baths and DIY or have it professionally installed.

Call toll-free at 1-888-779-BATH(2284) for a free no-obligation quote.