The Essential Bathroom

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The Essential Bathroom
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Start with full-size bathroom on main level
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Essential Features (universal design features)

• Open floor space (5-foot turning circle)
• 32 inch doorway (preferably 36)
• Shower (usually) or tub

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Open floor space wide doorways

• This

• Not this

Impossible for wheelchair users
Spacious for family guests
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Shower (36 x 36)

• Shower usually more convenient than tub
• 36 x 36 size -- easy to reach controls from
  seated position
• Can sit or stand to shower

Adjustable shower head
Removable seat
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Bathtub Alternative

• Hand-held adjustable shower head
• Faucet controls off-set for easy reaching from
  outside tub
• Anti-scald controls

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The Extras

• Other universal design features to add
  convenience and comfort

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The Extras

• Lowered mirror
• Non-slip flooring
• Removable base cabinet front
• Continuous flooring under lavatory
• Raised toilet

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The Sink

• Color contrast between counter sink
• Single-lever faucet
• Large, low mirror
• Low energy nightlight

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Gadgets Gizmos

• Easy-change toilet tissue holder

• Shampoo soap dispenser

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Plan for the future

• By including universal design features now, you
  wont be forced to move or remodel if needs
  change in future.

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Convenient nowand in future
Open knee space for seated users
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Open knee space under counter

• Convenient for wheelchair
  or seated users
• Electronic faucet
  no handles to turn
• Large, low mirror
• Lighting from top to
  bottom

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Grab bars can be added later

• Fold-down grab bar

Grab bar in vertical position ?
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Remodeling an existing bathroom for wheelchair
users

• Tub with transfer seating area
• Transfer shower (36 x 36)
• Tub replacement shower (36 x 60)
• Roll-in shower (60 x 60)

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Electronic toilet seat lifter

• No remodeling required
• Remove existing toilet seat bolt on lifter
• Plug into electrical outlet
• Push button to raise lower seat

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For more information on bathrooms

• Iowa State University Extension Web Site on
  Universal Design Home Accessibility
• www.extension.iastate.edu/universaldesign
• Visit Universal Design Learning Laboratory on ISU
  campus
• Call 515-294-6568 to make appointment

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Prepared by Mary H. YearnsExtension Housing
SpecialistIowa State Universitywith a grant
from the Iowa Department of Elder AffairsMay,
2004
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension
work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Stanley R. Johnson, director,
Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State
University of Science and Technology, Ames,
Iowa. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
prohibits discrimination in all its programs and
activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, gender, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, and
marital or family status. (Not all prohibited
bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can
be made available in alternative formats for ADA
clients. To file a complaint of discrimination,
write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W,
Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue,
SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call
202-720-5964.
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