Handicap Shower Stalls | Different Styles Of Handicap Showers

Different Styles Of Handicap Showers

Choosing the right model from all the available handicap showers can be easy, if you are a contractor.  However, for homeowners, it is not quite as simple as looking at the bathroom area and determining which style is perfect.  You have to think a bit deeper in terms of functionality and cost, compared to contractors who order in bulk and install the same enclosure over, and over again into new buildings.  When you deal with an existing home, you choices are substantially limited because you are dealing with other design aspects like the toilet, sink, vanity, and storage closets.  Hopefully this article will help you decide on which style is right for your home, so you can continue forward with the project.

Walk In Tub Enclosures – Walk-in tub enclosures are considered the top of the line in terms of handicap accessibility.  If your family member is able to support their own weight, and you can afford the costs, you may want to consider looking through catalogs for walk-in enclosures.  Some models include watertight doors that allow you to fill the tub entirely, and relax to enjoy the soothing massage provided by numerous water jets.  Walk-in tub enclosures are perfect for patients who are bound to the bed, and require regular massage in order to maintain proper blood flow.

Accessible Shower Stalls – If your family member requires a wheelchair inside of the shower, you may want to consider chair accessible handicap shower stalls.  Accessible showers are designed so that you can easily maneuver the chair around, without having to worry about any extra ledges getting in the way.  Some shower pan enclosures have a 3” to 4” ledge that prevents the water from escaping, however, when you need to get in with a wheelchair, this ledge can present dangerous situations for your family members.

Commercial Handicap Showers – When it comes to saving money, you will be hard pressed to find a better deal than commercially manufactured handicap showers.  Because of the widespread production of commercial shower enclosures, manufacturers are able to keep costs down.  These types of enclosures also come as practically bare bones models, designed for use in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities.  Being bare bones is a great way to customize the shower to fit your bathroom perfectly.  Some off-the-shelf enclosures may place grab bars, benches, handles, and faucets in odd positions in comparison to your bathroom, which could cause stress to your family members.

Basic Shower Pans – If you have a bit of contractor in your veins, or plan to call a contractor to complete the project, you could go with a basic shower pan, and install different options that suit your needs.  When you are going to tile the bathtub enclosure, but still need to provide your handicap family members with access, you can install a basic shower pan, then install grab bars, a fold down bench, and mobile showerhead.  In terms of customization, and low cost, basic shower pans are at the top of the list.

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