In many countries around the world are constantly developing and improve the proposals for toilets and bathrooms of special purpose, used in the private sphere. In our country, renovations, primarily, As for the toilets in the public areas (hotels, airports, stations and restaurants). But the Russian market also has a sufficient number of products, which can make the existence of many people with disabilities easier and more acceptable, and try, so that such devices become part of the daily life of those, who needs it.
For each person, good health and the ability to move independently are very important., unaided, as well as seeing well and serving oneself fully. It's that part of life, which we, usually, I don't appreciate it. Although serious injuries, leading to complete or partial loss of mobility, from diseases, affecting the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, no one is immune from visual impairment. Age-related changes in health are inevitable for all people without exception.. Due to congenital or acquired diseases, injuries, Aging people can not only lose the opportunity to lead an active lifestyle. Sometimes a person also loses the ability to take care of himself in such an intimate area., how to maintain personal hygiene and the administration of natural needs, when it matters most, so that he can act without outside help.
Diseases, venerable age or physical limitations should not be a hindrance to a full active life. People, who are wheelchair bound, should be able to visit museums, theater, the shops, travel and, of course, serve yourself – partially or completely. At the moment in our country there is a possibility of equipping bathrooms in houses in this way, to make the implementation of the necessary needs safe and comfortable.
Specialized plumbing for people with disabilities
One of the main tasks of plumbing manufacturers is the creation of convenient specialized equipment.. Such equipment is commonly referred to as barrier-free.. However, it is often costly., since electronics and complex mechanisms can be used in it.
The bathroom can be adapted to the specific needs of a person in part or in full.. They exist as separate devices., and complete sanitary ware collections, in which every detail is thought out. It is only necessary to determine the degree of re-equipment, taking into account the problems of a particular person, budget and size of the bathroom.
in the bathroom, used by the disabled, devices are placed,
to leave room for maneuvering the wheelchair
Adaptation devices.
If the disability is temporary, sometimes small changes and simple auxiliary devices are enough - various kinds of handrails, attached near the washbasin, toilet bowl, baths or showers, as well as support legs, Stable bath steps or bath seats with adjustable backrest (such devices are easily removed, if they are no longer needed.).
In more complex cases, a handrail or stand may not be enough, and have to replace plumbing fixtures. Refurbishing an entire bathroom can sometimes be very expensive., but it makes sense, so it's better to immediately have an idea about all the possibilities of alteration. Recommendations for organizing a "barrier-free space" in the bathroom can be given for each of its zones..
Sinks and wash basins.
Specialized models of washbasins are designed taking into account the basic requirements for them, such as full availability for offline use and having everything you need close at hand. Important, so that these products are necessarily hinged, and exposed metal pipes are well protected, to prevent burning feet. Today on the market you can find a number of modifications of washbasins for people with disabilities., as well as the elderly.
for example, sink, originally designed to accommodate a washing machine under it. Siphon, up against the wall, allows you to drive up to the washbasin in a wheelchair literally close. Another option – shell with a notch in the leading edge and wide wings. Using this model, you can drive into the recess on the stroller or just lean on the sides of the sink. There is also a sink, having a bracket with a manual or pneumatic tilt mechanism, thanks to which the bowl itself can be moved at a convenient angle or height.
The wide sides of the specialized sink not only serve as an additional point of support for people with limited mobility, but can also be used as a shelf for cosmetics and accessories. It is also necessary to take care of the location at an accessible height of the mirror., holders for towels and other accessories.
The mixer should be easy to handle and not require much effort when turning it on and off (eg, faucets with extended lever or elbow control). You can also choose a faucet with a dark handle., contrasting with the light surface of the sink or bath. It will be useful for visually impaired people..
wash area, which people use, wheelchair bound, needs to be planned, so that they feel quite confident in her space, so that they can freely drive up to the bowl, and the contents of the shelves and drawers of lockers and bedside tables were available; Elbows rest comfortably on the front edge; the mirror is slightly tilted forward; legs bent at the knees should not touch the side of the sink, and hands free to reach the mixer.
Baths.
For people with disabilities and those, who has reached old age, it can be a big problem to be able to take a bath, although many of them do not want to give up this pleasure, especially, that for many diseases, doctors even recommend this procedure. Especially useful hydromassage, because it is known, that members of the Jacuzzi family invented it to alleviate the condition of their brother, due to a car accident having problems with the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, a hot tub can be a wonderful addition to any rehabilitation program..
Minimum installation space require sitz baths. Their main advantage is ease of use., comfortable seat height, low lift height and panel-door, which opens to the side and up. Such baths may also have a built-in shower., bottom with anti-slip coating or equipped with a quick drain.
If you plan to use a standard bath, it is worth paying special attention to the following distinctive features: lower sides, anti-slip bottom, reliable handrails like on the wall, so on the sides, as well as a comfortable overlay seat and steps.
Elderly, as well as people, sometimes it is almost impossible for those suffering from arthrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system to overcome the high side of a standard bath. In this case, you can use special lift seats, acting by analogy with an elevator and making it possible not to completely re-equip the bathroom.. A person needs to sit on the seat alone or with someone's help and lower their legs into the bath, then press the remote button, and the device will gently immerse a person in water to the desired depth, and then, after the end of the procedures, get out of the bath.
If the house has a small bathroom, then you can purchase a shortened bathtub with a comfortable embossed seat, support handles and anti-slip bottom, which also provides a place for a shower.
Shower cabins
Despite all the advantages of a bath, a shower can most often be used independently even by those, who is wheelchair bound. But even here, a number of important requirements must be met.. Shower cabins must be large format, with extra-flat flush-to-floor tray or no tray at all, what is possible in construction. Very important wide doorway, integrated seats and safe anti-slip surface.
In order for a person, wheelchair bound, could take a shower, it is necessary to equip a shower compartment or choose a spacious cabin, allowing not only free entry, but also move in it. The seat should be selected with armrests-supports, bearing the weight of the moving body.
Toilet bowls
Some types of toilets, intended for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, complemented by folding armrests-handrails, which are attached under the seat and are highly durable, as they are made of anodized aluminum. The armrests are often anti-slip and can be equipped with a toilet paper holder.
Specialized toilet bowls differ from ordinary ones in height and width in the projection. They are elongated and more voluminous compared to standard models., which ensures a secure fit and makes it much easier to take care of hygiene. Thanks to, that such a toilet is several centimeters higher than the standard, when lifting from it, the load on the knee joints is reduced and it is more convenient for the patient to change from it to a wheelchair. Also, with the help of hidden installation systems, you can vary the height of the hanging models..
In addition to specialized toilet bowls, you can use a special device, allowing you to change the height of the seat, which is put on any ordinary toilet bowl. It is customizable, can like to have, never have handrails. Much attention is also paid to the shape and comfort of the seat and ease of draining.. The seat is easily removable, and sometimes made of soft acrylic, for extra comfort. The flush can be operated by foot or with an oversized flush plate. And you can also use the most modern solution – contactless touch flush button, when it's enough just to hold your hand over it. Such buttons are quite widely used in public toilets..
For maneuvers of the stroller, it is necessary to leave enough space near the toilet, and on the wall, fix a reliable handrail with an anti-slip coating in order to independently change from the stroller to the toilet.
Bathroom redevelopment
Very often, bathrooms and bathrooms have standard sizes and are not adapted for people., who are able to move only on a wheelchair or with the help of other assistive devices. In such cases it is worth (if possible) make redevelopment, enlarging the bathroom or combining it with a toilet, which will help to best implement special plumbing programs.
Widen the standard doorway and, if possible, remove the threshold, if present (at the same time, one should not forget about the safety and protection of residential premises in case of emergency or accidental flooding). The door is best made sliding or opening outwards.
Planning a bathroom, wheelchair model should also be taken into account, and the person's ability to move to the toilet or bath. It is advisable to leave space for walkers or strollers on both sides of the toilet.
