Many people suppress the thought that they will eventually grow old for as long as possible. However, this is a mistake, because it is definitely worthwhile to take precautions in the form of age-appropriate living space design at an early stage - this applies to a particularly high degree to the bathroom.
Besides the dwelling and the house shows up by a barrier liberty fundamentally more comfortable, so that this means advantages over all generations. How the planning of a barrier-free bathroom succeeds, explains the following article.
Provide in good time through barrier-free conversions
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Barrier-free living is of great importance, especially in the bathroom. Finally the equipment and the organization of this area are crucial for it whether in the age still as long as possible self-determined in the used environment to be lived can. In addition, of course, sudden illnesses or accidents can always lead to restrictions in the area of mobility.
Regardless of whether a new building is being planned or merely a conversion - a barrier-free bathroom should not be dispensed with. But what is actually to be considered in the planning and what requirements must be met by the new bathroom?
What does accessibility in the bathroom mean
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In the field of accessibility, there are defined standards that are regulated within the framework of DIN 18040-2. A distinction is made between the more comprehensive requirements for wheelchair users and the minimum standards. This is accompanied by the fact that bathrooms that are designed to be barrier-free cannot necessarily also be assessed as being suitable for disabled persons.
Of course, the standards are not binding for private bathrooms, but they do provide valuable guidance for planning. Nevertheless, it must of course always be decided individually which safety and comfort standards are to be established in the new home bathroom.
As a rule, accessible bathrooms include, for example, washbasins that can be moved underneath, non-slip floor coverings, showers at ground level, generous room for maneuvering and doors that open outwards and are of sufficient width. In addition, grab bars can be installed and raised toilet seats can be used.
Planning an accessible bathroom design
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When planning an accessible bathroom, the main thing to plan for is spacious areas that offer a great deal of freedom of movement. This also affects the passageways, so the width of the doors should be at least 80 centimeters - for wheelchair users, a door width of 90 centimeters is necessary. In addition, all doors, including the shower door, should be able to open outward.
An area of 120 x 120 centimeters should be planned in front of all sanitary objects; if the bathroom is also to be handicapped accessible, the dimensions 150 x 150 centimeters apply. At least 20 centimeters should be the distance between the sanitary elements to the wall and also to each other. To the side of the toilet, wheelchair users also need a free area of 90 centimeters.
However, the space available in many bathrooms is limited, especially in old buildings. This does not mean, however, that a handicapped-accessible conversion is not possible in small rooms. It is possible, for example, to move walls, but this involves a great deal of effort - both in terms of time and money.
If the sanitary facilities are placed in a well thought-out manner, however, a lot of space can be gained even without such far-reaching measures. For example, it often proves useful to exchange the bathtub for a barrier-free shower.
Use barrier-free sanitary elements
When planning a barrier-free bathroom, the sanitary elements play a particularly important role, because these influence to a large extent whether independent and comfortable use of the bathroom is still possible in old age.
The shower
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In most new buildings today, floor-level showers are standard anyway. However, to make a barrier-free shower design, the shower enclosure itself must also have the appropriate dimensions.
A minimum area of 120 x 120 centimeters is considered barrier-free in the shower, while the dimensions 150 x 150 centimeters are suitable for wheelchairs. The installation of a seat should also be considered in the shower, for example in the form of a tiled bench or a folding seat. Getting up and sitting down are then significantly facilitated by the installation of grab bars.
The bathtub
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In the case of bathtubs, special handicapped-accessible models are available that are equipped with a door so that entry can be mastered without difficulty.
In addition, an alternative is to install a bathtub lift. In addition, safety can also be increased here by using grab bars on the wall.
The washbasin
In an accessible bathroom, the washbasin should be usable in both a sitting and an upright position. Side grab bars are also a great help.
For wheelchair users, washbasins are necessary that can be moved underneath - a height of 80 centimeters is prescribed. However, this is often too low to be able to use the washbasin comfortably while standing. The solution in this case is washbasins that can be flexibly adjusted in height.
The WC
Most people would like to be able to do without outside help, especially when using the toilet. For this sanitary element, too, it is therefore important to have handicapped-accessible variants. So-called zero-barrier toilets, for example, are characterized by supports on their sides that can be folded up. It is also important that the toilet flush can be reached without problems from the normal position while sitting.
Standard WCs have a height of 42 centimeters, but WCs designed for the disabled have a seat height that is between 46 and 48 centimeters. Especially in households where large families live, toilets that can be flexibly adjusted in height also prove to be extremely practical.
Financial support for accessibility from the state
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If a handicapped-accessible conversion of the bathroom is desired, the costs incurred for this are not necessarily to be financed solely out of one's own pocket. Those willing to modernize are financially supported in their project by foundations as well as by the states and the federal government within the framework of attractive funding opportunities.
For example, the "Barrier Reduction - Investment Grant (455-B)" program of the KfW, the Reconstruction Loan Corporation, provides grants of up to 6,250 euros for barrier-free conversion. However, the specifications of the aforementioned DIN 18040-2 should be taken into account for a secure approval of the grant.
Photo: spa-ambiente.de
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Many people suppress the thought that they will eventually grow old for as long as possible. However, this is a mistake, because it is definitely worthwhile to take precautions in the form of age-appropriate living space design at an early stage - this applies to a particularly high degree to the bathroom.
Besides the dwelling and the house shows up by a barrier liberty fundamentally more comfortable, so that this means advantages over all generations. How the planning of a barrier-free bathroom succeeds, explains the following article.