5 Key Differences between Regular and Handicap Walk-In Showers

by Kevin Smith Author

If you have a walk-in shower in your home, you likely don't think of it as being a major obstacle for those with limited mobility. After all, the step into the shower is small, and the stall is large enough to stand in comfortably. However, there are many important differences between a standard walk-in shower and a handicap walk-in shower. Here are 5 of them.

Minimal Step Up

You might think the step up into your shower is small, but for someone with limited mobility, it could prove to be much more difficult. A handicap-accessible shower will have an extra low step for easy entry and exit; ideally, the difference in elevation should be no more than 3 inches.

Built-In Seating

For some people, standing for the amount of time it takes to shower is quite difficult. Add in the bending, reaching, and twisting that comes along with washing oneself, and it can become a serious hazard. Any handicap shower stall should have built-in seating to provide comfort and safety for anyone who needs a little extra stability as they shower.

Grab Handles

Many individuals have trouble standing or walking without assistance. This can make it difficult for them to move in and out of a shower stall--even one that has built-in seating. Grab handles and bars can relieve this problem, giving those with limited mobility some needed support as they stand up from that shower chair, or step in and out of the shower stall.

Anti-Slip Flooring

Even the most stable-footed individuals can accidentally slip and fall in a slick shower stall. But for those who are already a little unstable on their feet, it becomes even more important to reduce the risks of slipping. That's why handicap-accessible shower stalls should have anti-slip flooring throughout the stall to protect any person who steps inside.

Accessible Controls

Finally, a handicap shower should have controls that are easy to reach--especially from that built-in seating mentioned above. After all, having that seat does very little good if the person using it can't actually wash themselves while using it. Most handicap-accessible showers will have a shower wand that allows the person to spray water over themselves as they sit in the chair.

If you're in the market for a handicap walk-in shower, be sure to look for all of these important features in any model you consider installing.