Summer 2011 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

option is to use a bathtub with a door.
Most of these types of bathtubs can fit in
the same space as a typical existing tub,
making renovations work much easier. A
bathtub with a door cannot be used by
someone in a wheelchair; however, it can
be very useful for persons with mobility
limitations including our rapidly aging
population.
5. Toilets: The recommended height
for a toilet is to be the same height of a
wheelchair used by a person wanting to
transfer. The most common height of a
toilet is 14 inches, and the tallest toilet is
18 inches; toilets also come in heights of
15, 16, and 17 inches. Existing toilets can
be modified by adding a two to four inch
base piece or a two to four inch raised
seat. An extremely useful item that can
be added to an existing toilet is a bidet
seat. Toilets should be elongated and
provide sufficient space, at least 3’-0”,
on one side of the toilet to afford for a
parallel transfer for an individual in a
wheelchair.
6. Counters and Sinks: The key to proper
height placement of the countertop
is to keep the counter to a minimum
thickness. This maximizes the ability
to keep the countertop low enough for
those users in wheelchairs to reach into
the sink; the countertop can also be
high enough to allow the same users
in wheelchairs to get underneath the
counter. Sinks should be shallow enough
to allow persons in wheelchairs to get in
underneath. Also, it is important to keep
users’ legs from coming into contact with
exposed hot pipes. To prevent potential
burns to legs, the pipes can be insulated
or a protective panel can hide exposed
pipes. A third, and my preferred, option is
to set the sink pipes as far back up against
the wall, where one’s legs could never
come into contact with exposed pipes.
7. Faucets: Single lever handle, as
opposed to two (hot and cold) faucets
make it easier to turn the water on
and off; people who lack strength in
their arms, people with arthritis, and
people with artificial limbs often cannot
grasp a round faucet. Thermostatically
controlled faucets are also important for
those individuals with limited feeling in
their hands. Faucets controls can also
be mounted at the side of sinks to allow
for easier access for those people who
cannot reach very far. Offset controls
should be provided for bathtubs and
showers. Hand-held faucet heads with
flexible hoses attached to a vertical wallmount
bar should be used in bathtubs
and showers.
8. Grab Bars: Grab bars are fixtures
that assist persons to transfer onto and
back off a toilet. They can also be used
around bathtubs, shower areas, counters,
and walls to assist those persons with
balance issues. A good rule is to that too
many grab bars is better than not enough.
Today, grab bars are designed to fit in
with any décor of a residential bathroom
9. Mirrors: The preferred solution for
bathroom mirrors is to bring the mirror
right down to the top of the countertop;
this allows both individuals who are
standing or who are in a wheelchair to
effectively use the mirror. A magnifying
mirror located in a bathroom is especially
useful for persons with visual limitations.
10. Interior Finishes: Floor finishes in
residential bathrooms should be level,
non-slip, and durable. A color contrasting
border on the wall and floor assist
those persons with visual limitations
understand the boundaries of the room.
Floor and wall finishes must be nonglare
and non-pattern. Color contrast
improves accessibility for person with
visual limitations; countertop edges, door
handles, grab bars, and light switches
should contrast in color to surrounding
surfaces. Color contrast bands should
also be used around accessories such as
toilet paper dispensers, light switches,
and towel racks. Towel racks should
be mounted as securely as grab bars
to support people should they lose
their balance. General lighting should
be combined with well positioned task
lighting.
MS Connections Summer 2011 17