People who use wheelchairs often face challenges in their home’s bathroom because standard fixtures don’t accommodate their mobility needs. Features like high tub sidewalls, raised shower bases, and tall sinks may be daily inconveniences, but they also pose a safety hazard.
If you’re tired of dealing with these risks and challenges, an accessible bathroom remodel for your Massachusetts home is the solution. With the help of skilled contractors, retrofitting your existing bathroom is easy. Below, you can explore what installation options are available and how Neeeco can make your bathroom safer and easier to use.
Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom Options in Greater Boston
One of the main areas in the bathroom where people with disabilities typically have trouble is the bathing area. Traditional bathtubs and showers don’t usually consider mobility, so people in wheelchairs can struggle to use them without alterations. They often have to resort to swivel shower chairs, which can feel insecure and dangerous.
Bathroom remodeling for seniors and people in wheelchairs focuses on installing accessible showers and tubs. The two primary options are a barrier-free shower or an accessible bathtub.
Roll-In Handicap Shower
The majority of home showers have a threshold at the base. For those in a wheelchair, it’s impossible to enter the shower without a ramp or transfer bench, but these are less than ideal. The best way to improve mobility in the bathroom is by investing in a barrier-free shower.
These showers allow people in a wheelchair to roll right into the shower. There’s no need to have a separate plastic seat, and there’s no risk of falling or injury.
Accessible Bathtub Replacements
Most residential bathtubs are incompatible with wheelchairs, so a lot of people think that new showers are the only way to make their bathroom more accessible. However, if you prefer the functionality of a tub, you can still enjoy it with an accessible bathtub (some call them walk-in tubs).
These bathtubs have a hinged door that’s cut into the sidewall and sealed to prevent water leaks. Inside the tub, there is ergonomic seating and jetted water systems for a more comfortable experience. When a person in a wheelchair wants to use this fixture, they open the door, align their wheelchair with the in-tub seating, and transfer themselves over. The door then shuts and seals behind them, allowing them to take a warm bath or shower.
Accessories and Other Bathroom Accessibility Solutions
While a new tub or shower is an important part of accessible bathroom remodeling retrofits, smaller accessories make a big difference in usability. When you’re planning your bathroom design, you’ll want to consider adding:
- Grab Bars: Grab bars can be installed in intentional locations to assist with mobility, such as when transferring between seats.
- Open Sinks: Standard bathroom sinks have a lower vanity that prevents wheelchair access. Open sinks can be either floating or have wide legs that leave room for wheelchairs underneath.
- Detachable Showerheads: This accessory is a must for all showers and tubs used by people in wheelchairs. It lets them comfortably shower while seated. High-efficiency showerheads are often eligible for rebates under the Mass Save program.
Neeeco’s Bathroom Conversions Can Help
It might seem like a big installation to retrofit your Massachusetts home to have a wheelchair-accessible bathroom. But at Neeeco, we specialize in bathroom conversions that make it straightforward and affordable. Our contractors can easily remove your existing shower or tub and replace it with a handicap shower or bathtub that fits your needs. Oftentimes, we can reuse the same footprint, so no framing or construction work is necessary. All of our accessible bathroom remodels follow a simple three-step process:
Free, In-Home Appointment
Design Consultation
Professional Installation
We are a locally owned and operated company that’s fully licensed and insured, giving you confidence in our services. We’ve served thousands of homeowners in the Lowell area and would be happy to add your household to that list.