Wheelchair Accessible Showers

Wheelchair accessible showers are beneficial to anybody that may be wheelchair bound. The ability to shower, without the help of a nurse or loved one, is important for a person to maintain their dignity. These showers are specially built to allow an opening wide enough for a wheelchair to easily get in. These showers are designed to eliminate any kind of bump or curb, which could cause problems for somebody in a wheelchair.

The showers are equipped with handicap accessible seats and bars to allow a person to safely move from the wheelchair onto the shower seat. There are a number of different designs available. The showers can be fitted to any bathroom style.

If the shower space is big enough, a person can also remain in their wheelchair during the shower. They will need to have a rust resistant handicap shower chair. More wheelchair shower features include strategically placed shelves at the right height that provide even more freedom for a wheelchair bound person. This allows someone to sit and still be able to reach soap and other toiletry items.

Features of Wheelchair Accessible Showers

The wheelchair accessible shower pans or floors are made with special non skid material to provide safety during the transfer from a wheelchair to a shower seat. These accessible showers can be converted from existing showers or bathtubs but should have a very slight slope to ensure proper drainage and a handicap shower ramp on the outside to allow for wheelchairs to be rolled into the shower.

• Floor level Entry – The entry of this shower is flush with the floor level. The actual shower area dips down so water is properly drained. This option is best for wheelchair users with limited upper body strength and has trouble getting over a small shower curb.



• Inclined Ramp Entry – With a bit of dexterity, a wheelchair user can get over the incline. Most existing showers will setup this option because of its lower cost and quicker installation time.

Accessible Showers

The important considerations when building showers for wheelchair users is accessibility and that is done by providing enough space for the wheelchair user to maneuver around. The ADA accessible showers dimensions requires a 360 degree turning range for the wheelchair in the bathroom. At minimum, there should be a 5 feet turning circle.

In addition, the entry way must have a ramp or curb free entrance so the wheelchair user is not strained when they enter. The shower ramps must meet the specifications of at most 1 inch rise in height for every 12 inches. A design of 1:16 ramps reduces the incline and requires less upper body strength to roll the wheels.

They are affordable and can usually be installed for under $2000 for a simple shower set up. Most insurance will not cover the full cost to install a wheelchair accessible shower, because they are considered optional, and not medically necessary.

Handicap Bathtubs and Showers

The use of handicapped accessible bathtubs and showers has improved the lives of millions of disabled people. Handicap bathtubs and showers may also improve the lives of the elderly or people with diseases that cause frail bones. These handicap bathtubs and showers reduce their chances of falling and improve their well-being. It is important to explore all your options and figure out the products that meet your budget and needs.

There are different handicap bathing options. These options range in style from the simple and inexpensive shower chair, costing anywhere from $20 to $300, to the most extravagant of whirlpool therapy type tubs that may cost from $1,000 to $10,000 dollars. Accessibility varies with each type. With a shower chair, the tub itself remains standard and the chair is placed into the existing tub. A handicap shower will cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000.

Handicapped Accessible Showers

Handicapped accessible showers work in such a way that removes the door or curb entrance, thereby enabling the user to walk directly in, usually by stepping or rolling their wheelchair over a slight curb or ramp. Some handicap showers and bathtubs have a roll in shower design where the user is able to drive their wheelchair directly into the shower or tub. Yet another option is a leak safe door in the side panel of the handicap bathtub. These tubs may be equipped with a seat inside, and often they are much deeper than a standard tub, allowing the user a more complete soak.

The addition of a handicap shower or bathtub can be an excellent way for an elderly person or a person with disabilities to gain independence. Often times, if a person has a disability that would make a handicap shower or bathtub necessary, their medical insurance will cover part, if not all, of the costs involved.

Handicap Roll In Showers

Handicap roll in showers are a great safety feature for anyone with limited mobility. Roll in showers allow easy access to the shower and offer a safe bathing alternative to traditional barrier showers. With roll in showers, the floor of the shower is made level with the bathroom floor. Thus, it is easy to step into the shower without having to tackle a dangerous barrier curb that can be difficult to maneuver. A wheelchair can also easily be rolled into the shower. With the barrier free, low profile design, of a roll in shower, caregivers can easily help with bathing.

There are many benefits to handicap roll in showers. Increased independence is one of the most important benefits associated with a roll in shower. There are many alternatives to roll in showers, including tub transfer seats, shower stools, shower chairs and sliding transfer benches. However, these alternatives still require a considerable range of motion and getting into and out of the shower or tub can still be a challenge. Handicap roll in showers, on the other hand, offer unsurpassed accessibility and safety, allowing easy entry and exit from the shower. Handicap roll in showers improve hygiene options for individuals of all ages with limited mobility, increasing independence and making bathing safe.

Types of Roll In Showers

The cost of purchasing and installing handicap roll in showers depends on a number of factors. In many cases, a roll in shower can be designed to fit within an existing bathroom layout. The shower stalls are easily “glued” into place and becomes a permanent fixture to your bathroom area. Make sure to obtain the proper dimensions and where the drainage flows, before making an order.

The standard color for roll in showers is white made out of a fiberglass material that can be easily installed. There are also roll in barrier free showers that are beautifully tiled with a rainbow assortment of colors ranging from light blues to greens. Collapsible rubber water retainers can be fitted near the roll in showers so water does not flow pass the intended showering areas.

Popular options include recessed wall roll in showers, corner roll in showers, and bathtub replacement roll in showers. A recessed wall shower can start at under $800 plus installation fees, bathtub replacement roll in showers start around $1,300 and corner roll in showers start around $1,500. Some medical insurance may cover some of the cost of purchasing and installing a roll in shower. Get more information about handicap showers and their installation times.