Bathing area-shower cabin for people with disabilities

Shower cabin for people with disabilities should be highly thought out part of the bathroom – the introduced solutions must consider all details, and consequently result in a high comfort of use.

In the case of an open shower cabin, it should be a seperated part of a bathroom, preferably with an area of not less than 90 cm2 and a width of at least 90 cm.

In the case of a closed shower cabin, it should be a separated by walls running through the entire height of the room. The area of such cabin is at least 150 cm2, and the width at least 90 cm. The cabin should be equipped with mechanical ventilation exhaust.

Closed shower cabin, with equipment adapted for use by disabled moving in wheelchairs should have an area of not less than 250 cm2 and a width of at least 150 cm and be equipped with devices that enable the use of the cabin in accordance with its intended purpose.

While designing shower area, make sure it is on the same level as the next room. Descent should not exceed 2 cm.

Shower for disabled should be equipped with an overrun shower base, embedded permanently, preferably on mortar (filled completely underneath). The optimal diameter of a shower base siphon is 90 mm. A fully cleaned and supported from the top siphon is recommended. To provide safety, surface of the shower base should be non-slip, possibly with textured bottom.

An alternative to a shower tray are tiles that should be laid with 1-2% descent leading towards the floor drain located under the seat. It is important that the tiles gaps are wider than normal and tiles are equipped with non-slip surface.

Seated shower users have a choice of all kinds of chairs and shower benches. They may be fixed still or tilting. Some of them have armrests and rear backrest – that makes a shower for disabled significantly better suited to the needs of some users, enabling them independent bathing in comfort. Another solution are portable stools, which can be used in other areas of the bathrooms or the room.

The surface of the seat should be located at a height of 46-48 cm.

Horizontal grab rails should be located at a height of 75-85 cm above floor level. Additional vertical handrail is also very useful.

Shower for disabled people should be equipped with a single-bar faucet with a shower head in the reach of the sitting person. The preferable mounting height of a shower head is 85 cm.

The tap should be started by using the lever, button, or automatically. Do not use a faucet with knobs.

The minimum length of the hose to the shower head should be 150 cm. Make sure there is a convenient opportunity to hang a shower head. It is also important to allow easily move a shower head manually.

When designing a shower for disabled, you should consider the fact that, shower curtains are much more convenient for a disabled person than the door. A door limit moving on the wheelchair to a large extent and interfere with bathroom activities.