Our Guide to Bathroom Conversions

Are you interested in updating your bathroom or a loved one’s bathroom with the necessary equipment that provides safety, independence, and comfort? Mission Health + Home is here for you! As your local mobility and medical equipment company in Rochester, NY, we are dedicated to serving Central and Western New York with premier accessibility services.

Below is our Mission Health + Home guide for converting your bathroom into a more accessible and safe space in your home. From advanced layouts to appropriate equipment, we will cover all you need to consider before getting started and more. Allow us to transform your bathroom into a dream space within your home.

Reach out to our team to request a free home evaluation and get on the track to a safer, more accessible home today.

The Importance of Bathroom Conversions

Remodeling your bathroom goes beyond upgrading its appearance. It also allows those with reduced mobility independence in their home and peace of mind for their family members. At Mission Health + Home, we assist you in eliminating the barriers that hinder free accessibility within your bathroom. Fixing all issues and improving the bathroom’s functionality can make the bathroom a safe and enjoyable room in the home. Below are some of the key considerations and benefits of converting your bathroom.

Key Considerations for Converting Bathrooms

To create an accessible bathroom, a few things must be considered, including the best layout for your needs, what bathroom fixtures are necessary, such as bars or benches, and what your overall accessibility goals are. Addressing these key considerations will ensure your new bathroom is functional and safe. Here are our five essential elements you need to consider before converting your or a loved one’s bathroom.

1. Layout Optimization

When it comes to accessibility, ensuring ample space for maneuverability is crucial. Deciding on an ideal layout for your needs can make a significant difference in creating a safe environment with minimal obstacles. The Mission Health + Home team can evaluate your bathroom’s current layout and provide recommendations based on your needs and concerns. This may involve repositioning fixtures, creating open pathways or widening doors, and considering the placement of grab bars and other support features.

2. Bathroom Fixtures and Equipment

Installing the right fixtures and equipment is essential in creating an accessible bathroom. For example, strategically incorporating grab bars throughout the space can provide stability and support. A slip-resistant flooring that is easy to maintain, such as textured vinyl, can enhance safety, especially in shower areas. You may also consider installing a sturdy shower seat or bench for a comfortable bathing experience.

3. Accessible Showers

Walk-in showers are an excellent upgrade to make bathrooms more usable. They eliminate the need to balance on one leg and step over a high bathtub wall, often without handrails nearby. Walk-in showers can be designed with no threshold or a low-threshold entry, allowing for easy entry and exit. Additionally, installing lower, handheld showerheads, sturdy benches, and adjustable shower controls can improve the convenience of the shower.

4. Toilet Accessibility

Making the toilet area accessible is another crucial consideration. Installing a raised toilet seat can make it easier for individuals with reduced mobility to sit down and stand up. Grab bars strategically placed near the toilet can provide additional support and stability.

5. Lighting and Visual Contrast

Adequate lighting is essential for creating a safe and accessible bathroom. Light fixtures that are strategically placed and with ample brightness can improve visibility and reduce the risk of slips, falls, and bumps. Additionally, incorporating features for individuals with visual impairments, such as contrasting color schemes or textures, can help them safely navigate the bathroom with ease.

The Benefits of Bathroom Conversions

1. Improved Safety

The primary benefit of converting your bathroom into an accessible space is to improve safety. You can significantly reduce the risk of accidents by eliminating hazardous obstacles such as high bathtub walls, slippery floors, and narrow doorways. Installing grab bars and stabilizing equipment such as benches in the shower, easy-to-reach handheld showerheads, and toilet rails can also provide individuals with reduced mobility the necessary support to maintain balance and reduce the risk of accidents.

2. Facilitate Independence

Bathroom conversions increase autonomy for individuals with reduced mobility by minimizing the need for external assistance. By making minor adjustments, such as widening doorways and enabling easy transfer from a wheelchair to a chair in the shower, people with disabilities can live independently and with dignity. Bathroom conversions also promote confidence and self-esteem, which positively impacts the mental and emotional health of the individual.

3. Increased Accessibility

Accessibility is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a human right. By removing barriers to accessibility, individuals with disabilities can participate in more regular daily activities and live independently. The bathroom is often a forgotten room to renovate, but it is one of the most important rooms that everyone should be able to access with ease.

Contact Us

At Mission Health + Home, we believe converting your bathroom into an accessible and safe space is essential to improve your or your loved one’s home and quality of life. By considering the layout, necessary fixtures, spacing, and lighting so that it caters to your needs, you can create a comfortable and functional bathroom. Not only will it be accessible, but an upgraded bathroom will promote confidence and independence. The Mission Health + Home team offers free home evaluations to ensure your conversion works perfectly for your needs. Contact us today to schedule your home evaluation.