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Tips For A More Accessible Bathroom for an Independent Lifestyle

Whether you or someone in your household is getting older or you need to accommodate a disability, an accessible bathroom is one of the most important areas in your house to remodel. More than 2/3 of emergency room visits are due to bathroom falls with the tub and shower being the most hazardous areas for young adults and most falls for the elderly occurring near the toilet. Here are some tips to consider when you’re thinking about making your bathroom more accessible.

Know Your Options

Whether you have limited or difficult mobility, or you have to accommodate for wheelchair access, a shower/tub combination makes it near impossible to shower easily. We recommend a walk-in shower with a rolling or fixed shower seat for an accessible bathroom, a level entrance sloping to the drain, and a wide shower entrance or door. You can also opt for a walk-in tub – they have a super low step-in height, extra wide door options, and heated surfaces for optimal comfort. 

Walk in Showers are a great option for any home. You won’t have to worry about remodeling in the future! Walk-in showers from Home Smart can feature low-threshold or barrier-free bases, built-in bench seating, safety grab bars, and more. Want to learn more about our accessible showers and baths? Keep reading! 

Walk-in baths are designed with you in mind to create an effortless and independent bathing experience. Kohler walk-in tubs feature accessible control panels that will activate and adjust massaging jets, handheld shower wands, and easy-access door latches so you won’t have to worry about potential leaks and future slips. Kohler walk-in baths feature extra wide doors, ultra-low safe-step entrance, and handrails for added security. 

Prevent Slips

Slipping in the bathroom is a danger for everyone regardless of age or mobility. You want to ensure that you install slip-resistant tiling, like a textured tile or pebbled floor, or use a slatted wood mat in the shower to prevent falls. Make sure all areas in the bathroom are clearly lit and that you have overhead lighting in the shower. Again, installing grabbing bars is an essential safety feature.

Grabbing bars should be installed in all bathing areas. If optimizing for wheelchair access, you’ll want to think about the turning radius and width of the chair to customize shower depth and door width as well.

Safety grab bars and bathtub handrails give you places to hold so that you can maintain your balance and help you maneuver around your shower or bath safely. Grab bars ideally are found both at the entrance and the back or side of your shower. A slick floor or wet tub can increase your risk of falling, so safety bars are a must for any bathroom. Home Smart offers a wide variety of safety bar types, designs, and finishes, so it can complement your personal style. 

 

Safety Features

Your shower or accessible bath model options depend on whether you need wheelchair access. If you are accommodating for a wheelchair, you’ll never have to sacrifice style for safety with Kohler walk-in showers. Home Smart offers barrier-free, accessible shower options so you can regain independence.

Built-in bench shower seating enables you to bathe while seated without having to lower yourself down to a bathtub floor. This is a comfortable, safe, and stylish option for anyone, regardless of age or handicap. 

There are plenty of other safety features that can be added to your new walk-in shower, including shower lockers for soaps and shampoos, and shower controls for easy adjustment. 

Bathroom Accessibility

Takeaways

Think about the width of your bathroom door, how low light switches need to be, and the general layout of the bathroom – especially if it needs to be wheelchair accessible. Take into consideration the turning radius of the chair in key areas like the shower, toilet, and vanity. Storage options should be adjusted to accommodate low reach or limited mobility. The location and height of other items like towel hooks, soap dispensers, outlets, etc. will also need to be customized.

We understand this is a lot to think about, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone! As the area’s only exclusive Kohler walk-in bath and LuxStone shower dealer, we take bathroom safety seriously and want people to feel comfortable and independent.  If you’re ready to take on this project, we’d love to come out and give you a free quote.

Give Home Smart Industries a call at (855) 646-4000 or fill out our contact form today!

Tips for an Accessible Bathroom

Whether you or someone in your household is getting older or you need to accommodate a disability, an accessible bathroom is one of the most important areas in your house to remodel. More than 2/3 of emergency room visits are due to bathroom falls with the tub and shower being the most hazardous areas for young adults and most falls for the elderly occurring near the toilet. Here are some tips to consider when you’re thinking about making your bathroom more accessible.

 

Know Your Options

Whether you have limited or difficult mobility, or you have to accomodate for wheelchair access, a shower/tub combination makes it near impossible to shower easily. We recommend a walk-in shower with a rolling or fixed shower seat, a level entrance sloping to the drain, and a wide shower entrance or door. You can also opt for a walk-in tub – they have a super low step-in height, extra wide door options, and heated surfaces for optimal comfort. 

 

Walk in Showers are a great option for any home. You won’t have to worry about remodeling in the future! Walk-in showers from Home Smart can feature low-threshold or barrier-free bases, built-in bench seating, safety grab bars, and more. Want to learn more about our accessible showers and baths? Keep reading! 

 

Walk-in baths are designed with you in mind to create an effortless and independent bathing experience. Kohler walk-in tubs feature accessible control panels that will activate and adjust massaging jets, handheld shower wands, and easy-access door latches so you won’t have to worry about potential leaks and future slips. Kohler walk-in baths feature extra wide doors, ultra-low safe-step entrance, and handrails for added security. 

Prevent Slips

 

Slipping in the bathroom is a danger for everyone regardless of age or mobility. You want to ensure that you install slip-resistant tiling, like a textured tile or pebbled floor, or use a slatted wood mat in the shower to prevent falls. Make sure all areas in the bathroom are clearly lit and that you have overhead lighting in the shower. Again, installing grabbing bars is an essential safety feature.

 

Grabbing bars should be installed in all bathing areas. If optimizing for wheelchair access, you’ll want to think about the turning radius and width of the chair to customize shower depth and door width as well.

 

Safety grab bars and bathtub handrails give you places to hold so that you can maintain your balance and help you maneuver around your shower or bath safely. Grab bars ideally are found both at the entrance and the back or side of your shower. A slick floor or wet tub can increase your risk of falling, so safety bars are a must for any bathroom. Home Smart offers a wide variety of safety bar types, designs, and finishes, so it can complement your personal style. 

Safety Features

 

Your shower or bath model options depend on whether you need wheelchair access. If you are accommodating for a wheelchair, you’ll never have to sacrifice style for safety with Kohler walk-in showers. Home Smart offers barrier-free, accessible shower options so you can regain independence. 

 

Built-in bench shower seating enables you to bathe while seated without having to lower yourself down to a bathtub floor. This is a comfortable, safe, and stylish option for anyone, regardless of age or handicap. 

 

There are plenty of other safety features that can be added to your new walk-in shower, including shower lockers for soaps and shampoos, and shower controls for easy adjustment. 

Takeaways

 

Think about the width of your bathroom door, how low light switches need to be, and the general layout of the bathroom – especially if it needs to be wheelchair accessible. Take into consideration the turning radius of the chair in key areas like the shower, toilet, and vanity. Storage options should be adjusted to accommodate low reach or limited mobility. The location and height of other items like towel hooks, soap dispensers, outlets, etc. will also need to be customized.

 

We understand this is a lot to think about, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone! As the area’s only exclusive Kohler walk-in bath and LuxStone shower dealer, we take bathroom safety seriously and want people to feel comfortable and independent.  If you’re ready to take on this project, we’d love to come out and give you a free quote. Give Home Smart Industries a call at (855) 646-4000 or fill out our contact form today!

Home Smart On Philly LIVE!

Did you see Home Smart’s segment on #PhillyLive today with Aunyea Lachelle?! If you’re ready to remodel your bath or shower, call Home Smart. We exclusively install Kohler baths & showers, made in the USA and guaranteed with the Kohler Warranty. Stop by our Kohler Bath & Shower Showroom in Aston to see the beautiful crushed stone shower walls & accessories!

A Simplified Way to Start Your Bathroom Remodel

Getting a price for your bath or shower replacement is easy!

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with our expert Design Consultants to explain what is in your bathroom and how we can improve your bathtub or shower experience. You design your dream bathroom and we give you a down to the penny price. No surprise costs and we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED!

Transformation

We complete 90% of installations in1-2 days with a focus on respect for homes and homeowners. Home Smart’s Kohler Certified Installers will professionally install your bath or shower and with our 100+ year of combined remodeling experience, your Kohler installation will offer you -and your home- the value, style and safety you deserve.

Relaxation

Relax and enjoy your new bath or shower with the peace of mind that the work and products are covered by both the Kohler Warranty and the Home Smart Exclusive Labor Guarantee. All products are made in the US so be confident your new bathroom will provide you a safe space to age-independent in your home.

Get a Quote
Why Home Smart?
Bath Remodelers Dedicated to Your Satisfaction

Since our founding in 2001, Home Smart Industries has served homeowners throughout Pennsylvania,  Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia helping them upgrade their bathrooms to better suit their needs. Our customers appreciate that, as a certified Kohler dealer, we’re backed by the industry’s leading manufacturer. And, since we focus exclusively on remodeling the “wet area” of the bathroom, meaning tubs and showers, we have more specialized knowledge than companies that provide many other services in addition to remodeling baths. This expertise translates into better design advice and a more precise installation for you.

By always putting our customers first, Home Smart has received numerous forms of recognition within the industry, such as Remodeling Magazine’s Big50 Award and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. But above all else, we take pride in knowing the difference we’ve made in the lives of the homeowners we serve.

Contact Us Now
What Our Customers Are Saying
Bath Remodeling
Jefferson Hills, PA

The crew and leader were exceptional and the work done was top quality. They took care of everything and finished all work within one day.

More Reviews
GuildQuality Reviews
GuildQuality Progress Bar
Home Smart Is Hiring
Join our Certified KOHLER team and apply today.
Join Our Team
Trusted Remodeling For Our Diverse Customers
All-American Company in Business for Over 15 Years!
Kohler Walk-In Bath Authorized Dealer Home Smart Industries Kohler Certified Installer Home Smart Labor Warranty GuildQuality Award for Service Excellence BBB Accredited Qualified Remodeler Top500 Home Smart HomeAdvisor Screened & Approved

A Simplified Way to Start Your Bathroom Remodel

Getting a price for your bath or shower replacement is easy!

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with our expert Design Consultants to explain what is in your bathroom and how we can improve your bathtub or shower experience. You design your dream bathroom and we give you a down to the penny price. No surprise costs and we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED!

Transformation

We complete 90% of installations in1-2 days with a focus on respect for homes and homeowners. Home Smart’s Kohler Certified Installers will professionally install your bath or shower and with our 100+ year of combined remodeling experience, your Kohler installation will offer you -and your home- the value, style and safety you deserve.

Relaxation

Relax and enjoy your new bath or shower with the peace of mind that the work and products are covered by both the Kohler Warranty and the Home Smart Exclusive Labor Guarantee. All products are made in the US so be confident your new bathroom will provide you a safe space to age-independent in your home.

Get a Quote
Why Home Smart?
Bath Remodelers Dedicated to Your Satisfaction

Since our founding in 2001, Home Smart Industries has served homeowners throughout Pennsylvania,  Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia helping them upgrade their bathrooms to better suit their needs. Our customers appreciate that, as a certified Kohler dealer, we’re backed by the industry’s leading manufacturer. And, since we focus exclusively on remodeling the “wet area” of the bathroom, meaning tubs and showers, we have more specialized knowledge than companies that provide many other services in addition to remodeling baths. This expertise translates into better design advice and a more precise installation for you.

By always putting our customers first, Home Smart has received numerous forms of recognition within the industry, such as Remodeling Magazine’s Big50 Award and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. But above all else, we take pride in knowing the difference we’ve made in the lives of the homeowners we serve.

Contact Us Now
What Our Customers Are Saying
Bath Remodeling
Merchantville, NJ

I was most satisfied with the two installers, they were very good at what they did. It was not an easy job and they had to take a lot of stuff out, but when they left you couldn't even tell anyone had been there. They left the site clean and orderly, they really did a great job.

More Reviews
GuildQuality Reviews
GuildQuality Progress Bar
Home Smart Is Hiring
Join our Certified KOHLER team and apply today.
Join Our Team
Trusted Remodeling For Our Diverse Customers
All-American Company in Business for Over 15 Years!
Kohler Walk-In Bath Authorized Dealer Home Smart Industries Kohler Certified Installer Home Smart Labor Warranty GuildQuality Award for Service Excellence BBB Accredited Qualified Remodeler Top500 Home Smart HomeAdvisor Screened & Approved