Phone: (210) 438-7514

ADA-Compliant Showers

We all know how important it is to feel useful and independent. Think about what your family member must be going through after spending their whole life taking care of and protecting you, only now to become helpless and to have to rely on you for something as simple as bathing. Or your child who may need assistance who is struggling to become his own person, while at the same time, having to rely on you for everything. Both of these situations not only make it harder for you and them, but it also can have a negative impact on their overall mental health and well being.

 

When thinking about a bathroom remodel, something as simple as putting in an ADA-compliant shower can make a huge difference for them. Face it…we are all self conscious without clothes on, and putting something in place for them to take care of themselves can go a long way toward improving the lives of both your family member and you. We will start off by examining the requirements for a shower stall under ADA Section 608.

 

Shower stall openings of 60 inches without a curb will aid wheelchair and walker access. In a transfer type shower compartment, the inside dimensions should be 36 inches square, with a 36 inch wide opening. Roll-in type shower compartments should be 30 inches by 60 inches with a 60 inch wide opening.

 

Horizontal grab bars should all be at the same height above the finished floor. Grab bars are not required in a private home, but they should be considered in order to aid your family member. If a seat is placed in the shower stall, grab bars should be placed on the back wall and the side opposite the seat.

 

Adding a fold up or non-folding seat is always a good idea in order to reduce fatigue and the danger of falling. This can also aid in their independence and in your comfort when they are out of your sight.

 

The shower spray head should have a hose that is at least 59 inches long, and it should also function as a fixed head sprayer as well. The shower spray head should have a non-positive shut off valve so that when they let go, it will turn off. It should also not be able to deliver water at a temperature of more that 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

These may sound like daunting changes, but all in all, they are relatively inexpensive changes to make. Here at Actsoftx.com, we would be proud to put our 30+ years of experience to work for you in making your home more accessible for you or your family members. As always, you are the most important part of our remodeling team.

 

Gary Harris


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