Handicaps and Independence

It is easy to become overly helpful to someone who is handicapped. It may be because we don’t want them to be hurt or we feel like the person can’t do things on their own. There is a balance that allows the person to be as independent as possible while still being safe. The more that the environment can be managed to provide a level of independence in addition to safety, the better it is not only for the person that is handicapped, but also the caregivers. Handicapped toilet seats help attain that balance

Handicapped Toilet Seats

A handicapped toilet seat assists a person who is physically challenged, because the seat makes it easier to get up and down from the toilet safely. Once sitting, the right seat can make sure that the person is comfortable and secure while toileting. This is done by raising the height of the toilet, having secure grab bars (arms), or using a special belt. The grab bars can be on a wall near the toilet or it can be part of the toilet. Choosing the type of handicapped toilet seat will depend on the needs and future needs of the person using it.

Types of Handicapped Toilet Seats

There are different types of handicapped toilet seats. When choosing the type of seat, consider the person’s weight, the amount of assistance that they need, and ability to balance. Grab bars on a wall will not be possible if there is not a wall near by, so there will need to be hand rails or arms on the handicapped toilet seat. These are the types of seats that are available:

• Raised toilet seat
• Raised locking toilet seat
• Seat with adjustable/removable arms
• Safety frame that fits around toilet
• Molded raised seat with arms
• Non-locking raised seats

Installation is usually easy, but you should know the toilet specifications and the handicapped toilet seat toilet requirements before purchasing.

Handicapped Toilet Seat Safety

A person who has gait or balance issues should not be left unattended on a toilet. Handicapped toilet seats don’t replace the need for monitoring. It can help the person to have a little privacy while a caregiver is near by. It can also help a person to use the toilet safely when he or she is alone.

When adapting a bathroom to a handicapped person, in addition to a handicapped toilet, a handicapped shower ramp may also be needed.

Handicapped Toilet Uses

There are different reasons that people need handicapped toilets. A person who will use a handicapped toilet temporarily will want equipment that can be removed after recovering from an injury, illness, or stroke. For someone who has a permanent change in abilities, mobility, or strength, a bathroom remodel may be needed to install a handicapped toilet.

Handicapped Toilet Specification for Wheelchair Accessibility

When considering handicapped toilet options, keep in mind the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Specially Adapted Housing requirement guidelines. They specify the following requirements for an accessible handicapped bathroom:

• Minimum hallway width of 48″
• Minimum doorway width of 36″ to allow full wheelchair accessibility
• Minimum clear space for a T-shaped 180 degree turn is 36″ in all directions

Even if a person doesn’t use a wheel chair at present, if they have a condition that will cause a decline in mobility, a wheel chair may be needed in the future and guidelines should be used when planning the bathroom changes.

Bathroom Remodels and Handicapped Toilets

A bathroom remodel may be the best way to assure a safe and efficient place for toileting and showering for a handicapped person. A permanent remodel will not be able to be done in homes that are rented, that value would decrease with a remodel, or in bathrooms that are shared with other people in the home. Someone who uses a handicapped toilet may also need a handicapped shower or shower chair. If a remodel is able to be done include an accessible shower, grooming area, and dressing area.

Handicapped toilets need to have grab bars and should be 17 inches high. Flushing should be convenient with a lever that is easy to use and access. Automatic flushers are ideal, but not possible with most budgets.

Handicapped Toilet Safety

Many people, especially if they are newly disabled, will be more comfortable with some privacy while using a handicapped toilet. If the person can safely be left alone, the caregiver should be close by in case the person needs assistance. Some handicapped toilets have belts to prevent the person from loosing their balance and falling off the toilet. A handicapped toilet should be securely installed and periodically checked for stability.

When choosing a type of handicapped toilet, choose one that will meet current and future needs of the person who is physically challenged.

Handicapped Toilet Seats

Learn about handicapped toilet seats.

Handicapped People and Shower Stalls

A handicapped shower stall is for people with disabilities. The disability may be physical or developmental. Some types of disabilities are permanent while others are temporary. All types of disabilities will benefit from a specialized shower stall. These are some of the disabilities that can affect the ability to shower safely and independently.

• Physical disabilities – loss of limbs, limited use of limbs, inability to stand, gate problems, muscle weakness, uncontrollable movements, and diseases (MS, stroke, CP, etc.).
• Developmental disabilities – inability to follow directions, unable to learn safety procedures, functioning at an infant or small child’s level, and undeveloped problem solving skills
• Permanent disabilities – illness, disease, physical, developmental delays, physical damage to body, seizures, and brain damage.
• Temporary disabilities – recovering from an illness, healing from an injury, coping with a tragedy, and rehabilitation after surgery.

All the disabilities have traits that can make showering unsafe. The amount of assistance needed will vary from person to person depending on their specific disability.

Assisted Showering in a Shower Stall

There are various levels of assistance that will be needed depending on the extent of the disability. The assistance can be minimized with a properly equipped handicapped shower stalls. When assisting someone showering you will want to allow them to do as much as they can independently. Properly equipped shower stalls are needed. Handicapped shower stalls can have the following features:

• Large size to allow room for assistance
• Grab bars to assist in standing, steadying, and turning
• Shower ramps to allow shower chair access
• Seat so that an ambulatory person will not need to stand too long
• Easy to reach soap and shampoo holders
• Non slip shower floor
• Handheld shower heads

The right accessories like shampoo, soap, and conditioner pumps, sponges with extended handles, and curtain shower closures will also be helpful. Avoid shower doors because they can be hard to use and make the space more confined.

Accessible Handicap Shower Stalls

Some shower stalls will have a threshold to prevent water from leaking out into other areas of a bathroom. These usually have an increased incline so the water stays in the shower stall to drain. This may cause a shower chair to be at an angle. Using a shower chair with locks and adjustable legs will make showering safer. Showers with a threshold may need a shower ramp to be accessible and safe. Widened doorways into the bathroom may be required to make the shower accessible.

When choosing handicap shower stalls consider the present level of assistance needed and future assistance needs if the person has a condition that will progress and require additional help with personal care.

Handicapped Shower Ramps

A handicapped shower ramp will help a person with personal issues or other disabilities to be able to get into the shower area safely. The ramps may be permanent or you may prefer them to be removable. If the person is going to simply walk over the shower ramp, it won’t need to be as sturdy as a ramp that is used when a shower chair is necessary to get the person into the shower safely. All handicapped shower ramps need to be water resistant or water proof and very durable.

Basic Handicapped Shower Accessories

One of the most basic and useful accessories for a handicapped shower is a shower head that is removable. Usually it is easy to install to a regular shower head. It makes it easy for the shower head to be at various heights, angles, and locations. An adjustable spray will allow for wetting and rinsing without exposing the person to the risks of a fall.

A sponge or shower puff on the end of a long handle will allow for independent washing in hard to reach areas. It can also be used by the caregiver to safely wash various parts of the person’s body or to help with hand-over-hand assistance.

Handicapped Shower Safety Accessories

A person who is being showered will be wet and soapy, which makes for a slippery person who is at risk of falling. To prevent that from occurring, a shower chair should be used, hand rails should be installed, and there should be a belt on the shower chair. For people who can stand for part of their shower, it is important to have a shower mat to prevent slipping. Locks should be used on shower chairs for stability. Especially for people with health issues that can be aggravated by water that is too cool or hot, a thermometer to test the water should be handy in the shower area. Using no tear shampoo will prevent irritated eyes if the shampoo gets into the handicapped person’s eyes.

Before assisting a person that needs, be sure to have all the accessories and necessities together to avoid leaving a handicapped person unattended in the shower. Having the right handicapped shower accessories will assure that showering is safe and done efficiently.

Shower Ramps for Handicapped Shower Chairs

You will need to look at your shower to see if it can accommodate a handicapped shower chair. The chairs come in various sizes and styles, so you will need to choose one that fits your shower. The chair will also need to be able to access the area. Handicapped Shower Ramps can be used to safely wheel a person into the showering area, which allows the shower to be modified without any construction to the shower being done. When those who do not use a shower chair while showering, can conveniently remove the ramps as needed.

Handicapped Shower Chair and Independence

Handicapped shower chairs help a person to be more independent. When a person with special needs has a shower chair, they can safely sit and do some of the showering tasks on their own. With sponges on a stick, like the ones designed to wash a back, are helpful to reach their back, lower legs, and feet. Even when a person is washing as much of themselves as possible, a caregiver should be nearby if the person has any difficulties.

For a person who needs full assistance when showering, a shower chair makes it safer to wash a person because they are in a stable position. This is important because the water and the soap can make a person slippery, which can be responsible for falls and injuries in the shower.

Choosing a Handicapped Shower Chair

A safe shower chair is one that is durable. It should fit the person so abrasions and sores don’t develop where the chair rubs. The shower chair must have holes in the seat so that the water and soap that is rinsed off doesn’t collect in the seat. A hole that has a removable bucket will allow toileting to occur when necessary for those who are incontinent. There should be a secure, easy to use belt to prevent a disabled person from sliding or falling out of the shower chair. The entire shower chair will need to be waterproof.

Bathroom Grab Bars and Handicapped Shower Chairs

It is recommended that Suction Grab Bars installed in a shower used by someone with a disability. The bars come in handy if the person is able to stand for brief periods of time. It can also be helpful for caregivers who must assist the person and may need to safely lean over to assist in showering.

The right handicapped shower chair can make showering easier, reduce risk of injury, and also increase independence. When used with a handicapped shower ramp and shower grab bars, the risks of injury are reduced further.

The suction grab bar provides a safety mechanism when handicapped persons use the bath tub, shower or toilet, and thus provides a “Safety Grid” in order to prevent from falling on a slippery surface. The Suction Grab Bar provides safety and support in every corner of the bathroom. Can be used in any direction which can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal.

The suction grab bars are very powerful and provides strong hold on the shower wall or shower area. When you are installing a suction grab bar, make sure you apply it to a smooth clean surface and firmly press against it while fastening the levers on both side to ensure safety and to prevent it from moving.

The main benefit which the suction grab bar provides is that it prevents physically challenged people from slipping, Suction Grab Bars empower  these people so that they can move freely and in an easy manner. These bars can be installed in a simple way and are safe to use at anytime, anywhere. These bars also make disabled individuals more independent. The suction grab bar does not require any drilling and thus does not cause any damage to the bathroom walls. These bars are made of plastic which is of very high tensile strength and devoid of any edges.

The Suction Grab Bar is available in four sizes. The price can vary in range from $65 to $140. The Suction Grab Bars which are available with price less than $65 are very unsafe to use and lose their suction ability in a very short span of time. These Bars do not work on painted, dry wall, and other porous surfaces.

Keep in mind while you are out buying suction grab bars to make sure that the content of the rubber suction pad is made of natural rubber. There are several forign makers that create suction pads through the mixing of cheap quality plastic and natural rubbers.. So think carefully before buying a bar that you need and think of quality over price so that it’s worth your money in the long run.

The shower handrail is a type of assistance accessory which a disabled person needs when they are going through or in the stage of physical disability or developmentally challenged. It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes which are suitable according to the needs of the of the individual. These are primarily composed of stainless steel but along with the steel, it has wooden surface to suit your taste. It is textured to provide maximum grip to the person who is in need. The grip which is provided is non-porous and also free from microbial organism which keeps the rails clean.

Installing shower handrails increases the safety factor of elderly and disabled persons that make use of them. Make sure that the shower handrails are fixed tightly onto the walls by the use of nails and screws, so that there is no kind of movement or wobble coming from the shower handrail. Check well before anyone uses the shower handrails for any kind of sharp edges and double check that everything is in place.

Shower handrails provide the ability for handicapped people to walk with extra security while bathing, due to reduction of bathroom related injuries, cities around the world are implementing these into public places. Shower handrails are not very helpful for the elderly or disabled that are unable to carry their own weight but for for but definitely provide a helping hand for anyone who can balance their weight well. Nice and firmly placed bars really provide a convenient usage of open shower areas where the handrails are employed. Some of the handrails are of excellent quality as in most cases quality matters the most.

Some of the handrails are coated with aluminum and also with a nylon coating at one end and a polyamide coating at the other, providing a convenient way of movement for the people. They are rust proof and have a blunt edge to provide well-balanced movement through the slippery environment of the bathroom.

Handicap Shower Ramps

A shower chair is made for showering and will not be as durable as a wheelchair that is made for daily use. Tipping the chair to get it into the shower may cause damage to the shower chair. Depending on the size of the person in the shower chair and the person assisting, tipping the chair to get it over the edge of the shower can cause injuries. With a handicap shower ramp, the shower chair can be easily wheeled from a bedroom, to the bathroom, and into the shower area.
The shower ramps need to be water resistant and durable. When other people who are mobile are using the shower, the ramps may be a hindrance, so removable or portable ramps will be needed.

Handicap Shower Ramp Uses

Not only do people who use shower chairs need a ramp installed in their shower, those with gate issues will also benefit from the installation of a handicap shower ramp. When someone with a gate issue lifts their foot up to step over the ledge of a shower, they can loose their balance, stub their foot, or trip. This can cause an injury and it may cause an injury to whoever is assisting them when they try to prevent a fall or help them up. The ramps can be used in addition to grab bars to safely shower people with disabilities.

Types of Handicap Shower Ramps

Some of the ramps are more compact than others, so you will want to determine how much room you have on both sides of the shower curb. These are some of the types of shower ramps that are available:

• Hard plastic ramp
• Ramp with drainage holes
• Rustproof ramps
• Stacking shower ramps (adjustable)
• Metal ramps

Before choosing a shower ramp, you will need to measure the width of the chair, the opening, and the room on both sides of the curb.

Cost of Handicap Shower Ramps

The cost can vary so it is worth shopping around for a handicap Shower Ramp. Knowing your needs, the weight of the person (with chair), and the weight of the caregiver will help in choosing the best ramp. It is worth paying a little extra to be able to have a shower ramp that will be durable.
Handicap shower ramps are not only worth it because of convenience, but also because it reduces the risks of showering someone with a disability. It can help a person with a disability to be more independent when showering.

Wheelchair Accessible Showers Features and Specifications:

Wheelchair Accessible Showers

• Shower handrail
• Shower Head
• Grab Bar
• Shower bench

Majority of the insurance company will only cover partial and not the full cost of the installation. Wheelchair accessible showers are affordable for most simple shower setup and the prices are under $2000. It would cost more for a higher end models and if special customization is required.

Accessible handicapped showers are nothing new, not by a long shot. But as the population is aging, there is indeed a growing need for them in average residential housing. Handicap showers are wheelchair accessible and can be built in existing homes. You should never attempt to install a handicapped shower without qualified professionals.

How are the handicap showers used?

Handicapped showers allow those with immobility issues to lie down while showering, rather than sitting up. This ease the process of showering for the elderly or disabled. Most people will use a handicapped shower chair when they cannot stand in the shower. Having the right equipment is essential, since it reduces stress. Most elderly people find it difficult to bath and shower without stressing, which is why many elderly people will stop bathing. Handicapped showers encourage the person, since they can relax and enjoy a nice bath.

Tell me more about the handicapped showers:

Let me explain this shower to you so you will have a better understanding. The handicap showers are made for shower chairs and shower beds. The showers do not have any bumps to go over they are just like a bathroom floor, in most cases the bathroom floor has a drain for the water to drain into and thus easier to get people in and out of the shower.
The shower looks almost like a room of its own. The showers are large, but most caregivers enjoy the luxury the shower brings them. It has the soap dispenser, which you attach on the wall. The dispenser combined makes it easy to store shampoo and get to it with ease. The concept is to save time when showering, since everything you need is at your disposal. The shower is large enough that the caregiver can stand in the shower comfortably without getting wet.

How can I find the handicapped showers?

You can purchase the handicap showers at any medical store. Perhaps your local Home Depot may have handicap showers and products. You may want to go on line and check out the different products, since technology as created a number of styles to select.