ARCHITECTS: TOP THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR MEDICAL BATHROOMS

Your expertise goes beyond blueprints – it’s about shaping spaces that provide a daily experience of comfort and safety.

We understand that to create paraplegic or medical-friendly bathrooms, you need the best products at the best prices – quickly and conveniently. That’s why, in this article, we’ll not only offer practical tips for your projects, but point you in the direction of bathroom products that’ll make everything easier for you and your frail or elderly clients.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

Designing a bathroom for someone with limited mobility is all about making sure they can move around easily and safely. These thoughtful details make a bathroom functional, comfortable, and empowering for those who need it.

So before you begin your bathroom project, consider the following:

• Space for Wheelchair Manoeuvrability: Bathrooms should be designed with enough room for a wheelchair to move freely, which includes wide doorways, spacious turning areas, and clear paths to the toilet, basin, and shower. After all, a clutter-free environment reduces the risk of accidents and facilitates a seamless user experience.
• Accessible Fixtures: Every element within the bathroom, from light switches to door handles, should be easily reachable from a seated position. Fixtures should be installed at a height that accommodates users with limited mobility, making sure they can operate them without hassle.

Lever handles and rocker switches are preferable, since they are easier to use compared to standard knobs and switches.

Product Spotlight: Care+ Range 

Lecico’s Care+ Range is specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring additional support. This range includes high-rise WCs that are both comfortable and easy to use. The height provides the necessary reduction in effort needed for sitting and standing.

Another bathroom set that puts safety first is the Atlas Raised Paraplegic Close-Couple and Two-Piece Grab Rails Combo. This set includes the Dog-Leg Grab Rail and Cistern Grab Rail in to give clients extra support.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern in designing bathrooms for medical purposes, where the risk of slips, falls, and other accidents must be minimised. Incorporating specific safety features can greatly improve the usability and security of these spaces, making them safer for individuals with limited mobility.

• Non-Slip Flooring: This type of flooring provides additional grip, reducing the likelihood of slipping, even when the floor is wet. Materials should be chosen carefully to ensure they meet the required safety standards and are easy to clean and maintain.
• Proper Lighting: Proper illumination helps users navigate the space more safely, reducing the risk of accidents. It is advisable to use bright, evenly distributed lighting that eliminates shadows and clearly highlights all areas of the bathroom. Motion sensor lights can also be beneficial, keeping the space well-lit whenever needed.

Hygiene and Maintenance

Bathrooms in medical environments must be designed with materials and fixtures that are easy to clean and resistant to the build-up of bacteria, mould, and other contaminants. This ensures a safe environment for patients, and reduces the time and effort required for maintenance.

Consider the following:

• Easy-to-Clean Surfaces. Surfaces should be smooth, non-porous, and resistant to stains and water absorption. These characteristics make them easier to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria.

Tiles, countertops, and other fixtures should be selected based on their ability to withstand frequent cleaning with strong disinfectants without degrading quality.

• Low-Maintenance Fixtures. Choosing fixtures that require minimal maintenance is essential in a medical environment where staff time is at a premium. Fixtures should be designed to resist wear and tear, with finishes that do not tarnish or corrode easily.

Ergonomic Design

Ergonomics ensures that a bathroom is not only functional, but also comfortable for users, particularly those with mobility issues. This involves careful consideration of the height of basins, the placement of taps, and overall user experience to keep the space accessible and easy to use for everyone.

Below are key considerations for an ergonomic bathroom design:

• Height of Basins. The height at which basins are installed matters – they must be accessible to all users, including those in wheelchairs. Basins should be mounted at a height that allows easy access without requiring users to stretch or bend uncomfortably.
• Placement of Taps: The placement of taps is equally important in a medical bathroom design. Taps should be within easy reach for all users, whether seated or standing. Lever or sensor taps are often preferred in these settings as they are easier to operate than traditional taps, requiring less effort and dexterity.

Durability and Materials

In medical environments, bathroom fixtures are constantly used and must be built to last. Durability is a critical factor in maintaining the integrity and appearance of the fixtures over time and increasing the likelihood that they continue to perform effectively under demanding conditions.

Consider the following:

• 304-Grade Stainless Steel. Lecico’s grab rails, such as the Dog-Leg for Wall Grab Rail, are made from 304-grade stainless steel. This material is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for medical environments where hygiene and longevity are paramount.

The 304-grade stainless steel also provides the necessary strength to support users and maintains its appearance despite frequent cleaning and exposure to moisture.