What To Include In Your Accessible Bathroom For Downstairs Living

Most people want to stay in their house for as long as possible before they have to move to a care home, even if their mobility difficulties make this challenging for them. That is why it is essential to make necessary adjustments to the property in order to extend their home living. 

One way to do this is to have a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor so they do not have to navigate the stairs. 

If you are considering fitting a downstairs washroom for yourself or a loved one, here are some things you should consider:

 

Easy access

The most important thing to implement when designing the space is making sure it is easily accessible. This means it needs to have level access, a sufficient area within the room to move around in, and potentially a wider doorway if it is likely that a wheelchair may be needed in the future. 

 

Sliding doors

Having sliding doors is also a good idea, as this means someone on the outside of the bathroom can still enter if the user has a fall behind the door and cannot get out themselves. 

Alternatively, if there is not enough space for a sliding door, you could fit it so it opens outwards.

This prevents the person getting stuck behind the door, preventing a relative, friend or carer from being able to get in and help. 

 

Higher toilets

Fitting toilets that have a higher seat than standard WCs is a good option for anyone who has difficulty with their mobility, as it enables them to sit down comfortably without causing pain in their joints, hips or back. 

They can also help anyone who has issues with their balance, as there is less of a distance between sitting and standing, reducing the risk of falling. 

By making it easier for homeowners to use the toilet by themselves, this gives them more independence for longer, and helps them to maintain their dignity. 

 

Smart WCs

Another option is to buy a smart WC, which can provide a range of technological functions, such as touch-free flushing, heated seating, and integrated bidet toilet seats with adjustable water temperature, pressure and drying. 

This is especially beneficial for people who have limited dexterity, poor balance, painful joints, or weakness in their muscles, as it helps them to stay clean after using the toilet without having to put pressure on their legs and hands.

 

Wet rooms

There are many options when it comes to installing bath seats or walk-in baths, but wet rooms have become increasingly popular over the last few years. 

This is because they are very easy to access, they do not require stepping into or over a level, and shower seats can be fitted to the wall so anyone can sit down while washing. 

On a practical level, they may also require less room than a bath, making them a more viable option for a downstairs washroom. 

By fitting anti-slip flooring, adjustable shower heads, and grab rails as well, there is a lower risk of slipping in the shower. 

It is important to make sure the wet room is properly installed, however, so it is fully waterproof and there are no leaks underneath the flooring. 

If it is fitted well, it can last a long time and be a good option for future house guests to use too. 

 

Sensor taps

Another design consideration to make when creating a downstairs bathroom is to fit sensor taps or levers. This is because traditional taps that you twist to open can be really difficult to use for the elderly or anyone with reduced mobility in their hands. 

Ones that work on a sensor or just need to be flicked on and off are much easier to operate.

 

Emergency features

It is also worth installing emergency features in the bathroom, including pull cords that alert a carer or relative, or trigger a loud siren if there’s a fall. 

According to NHS figures, a third of people over 65 fall over at least once a year, with this rising to half of those older than 80 years old. Therefore, it is sensible to be as prepared as possible in case this happens at home.