Handy aids

Press, 10 February 1981, Page 19

Handy aids

In view of growing awareness in this the International Year of Disabled Persons, it is worth considering what improvements can be made 'in bathroom design to aid the disabled. Many disabled people need access to a bath that is not too difficult to get in and out of. The soluiton, with the help of a plumber, is to install a shorter, 1.5 m bath, with sides that are lower than normal. The illustration (above) shows how the bathroom was replanned to fit in the bath and the shower. The shower is an ideal alternative for many who cannot take a bath. As well as the small bath, such as installed here, there are full length baths available which have the middle section of the open side lower than the rest. A sunken bath is another alternative.

It is also worth considering some items of equipment that can be very helpful to the disabled, as well as being inexpensive and easy to install. A length of nylon rope, hung from an iron hook in the ceiling over the bath, is very useful for the disabled person who has. strength in the upper limbs and can pull him or herself up on the rope. However, a builder’s advice should be sought before fixing the hook to the ceiling. A bath rail, fixed fi-mly to the wall at. the required height, is a useful aid for getting in and out of the ba tii. A combination bath-seat and steps can also prove invaluable. The seat, which projects out from the bath, enables those who suffer from stiffness, weakness or lack of co-ordination to move in and out of the bath across the seat. It is particularly helpful for those transferring from a wheelchair. The steps help a disabled person to lower and lift him or herself into and out of the bath in easy stages. A bath hand-grip can help steady those who are unsure of their feet and could easily slip over the bath.