Designing an Accessible Shower for All Abilities

An accessible shower isn't just for people with disabilities. It's a thoughtful design approach that makes bathing safer and more comfortable for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Whether you're planning for aging in place, accommodating a family member with mobility challenges, or simply creating a bathroom that works for all life stages, understanding accessible design principles is valuable knowledge.

This comprehensive guide covers the key elements of accessible shower design, from major structural considerations to simple modifications that can make a significant difference in safety and usability.

The Case for Universal Design

Universal design creates spaces that are accessible to all people, regardless of age, size, or ability, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. In bathrooms, this philosophy produces spaces that are safer for children, more comfortable for aging adults, and essential for those with disabilities, while remaining attractive and functional for everyone else.

Consider the statistics: bathroom falls are among the most common household injuries, particularly affecting older Australians. By incorporating accessible design features, you reduce injury risk for all household members while potentially increasing your home's resale value. Many buyers, particularly in Australia's aging population, actively seek homes with accessible bathroom features.

Curbless and Walk-In Showers

The most significant accessibility improvement is eliminating the step into the shower. Traditional shower recesses with raised curbs present a tripping hazard and are impossible to navigate with a wheelchair or walking frame.

Zero-Threshold Design

A curbless or zero-threshold shower sits flush with the bathroom floor. Water containment is achieved through a slight slope toward the drain rather than a raised edge. This design allows wheelchair users to roll directly in, eliminates tripping hazards, and makes the shower accessible to those using walking frames, canes, or simply anyone with unsteady balance.

Installation Considerations

Creating a curbless shower requires proper floor construction to accommodate drainage slope without affecting the rest of the bathroom floor. Linear drains positioned along one edge can simplify the floor slope requirements. If renovating an existing bathroom, a good tiler and waterproofer experienced in accessible construction is essential.

Grab Bars and Support Rails

Strategically placed grab bars provide crucial support for maintaining balance and assisting with movement within the shower. While often associated with disability, grab bars benefit anyone who has ever slipped on a wet floor or lost balance while reaching for something.

Recommended Positions

• Entry/exit: A vertical bar on the wall near where you enter the shower provides support when stepping in and out.
• Seated showering: Horizontal bars at seated elbow height assist with sitting down and standing up from a shower seat.
• Standing support: An L-shaped bar or horizontal bar at standing height provides something to hold while showering.

Installation Requirements

Grab bars must be securely anchored to wall studs or solid blocking, not just drywall. They need to support a person's full body weight without failing. During construction, installing blocking between studs in likely grab bar locations allows future installation without major wall work. For retrofits, various solutions exist including toggle bolts for drywall, though stud mounting remains the gold standard.

Shower Seating

A shower seat allows seated bathing, which is safer and more comfortable for many people. Options range from simple fold-down seats to built-in benches.

Fold-Down Seats

Wall-mounted fold-down seats are practical for showers that need to accommodate both seated and standing users. When folded up, they don't obstruct shower space. Quality fold-down seats support 150kg or more and include padding for comfort. They must be mounted to studs or proper blocking.

Built-In Benches

Tiled built-in benches create a seamless look and provide a permanent seating option. They're ideal for larger showers and can double as a shelf for toiletries. Proper waterproofing and slope to prevent water pooling on the seat surface is essential.

Portable Shower Chairs

For those who don't want permanent seating or are renting, freestanding shower chairs offer flexibility. Look for chairs with rubber-tipped legs for stability on wet surfaces and choose corrosion-resistant materials.

Handheld Shower Heads

A handheld shower head mounted on an adjustable slide bar is perhaps the most essential accessibility feature for the shower head itself. This configuration allows the shower head to be used at any height, from high for standing users to low for seated bathing or for washing children.

Slide Bar Benefits

An adjustable slide bar allows the holder position to be changed without tools. This accommodates users of different heights, seated and standing positions, and can even be adjusted for specific washing tasks. Look for slide bars with smooth operation and secure locking.

Hose Length

A longer hose, typically 1.8 to 2 metres, provides greater reach and flexibility for seated bathing. The hose should be long enough to reach all parts of the body comfortably when seated on a shower seat.

Controls and Hardware

Lever-Style Handles

Traditional round tap handles can be difficult to grip and turn, particularly for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Lever-style handles require only light pressure from an arm, elbow, or open palm to operate.

Single-Lever Mixers

A single-lever mixer tap controls both flow and temperature with one hand, making shower adjustment simpler. Models with clear temperature indicators help users find their preferred setting quickly.

Thermostatic Controls

Thermostatic mixing valves maintain a constant water temperature and often include safety stops that prevent the water from reaching scalding temperatures. This is particularly important for those with reduced sensation or reaction time.

Control Height

Shower controls should be reachable from both standing and seated positions. A height of approximately 900mm to 1200mm from the floor typically works for both. Controls positioned toward the shower entry allow temperature adjustment before stepping under the water.

Flooring and Surfaces

Non-Slip Tiles

Shower flooring should provide adequate grip when wet. Look for tiles with a slip resistance rating of P4 or higher for wet barefoot areas. Smaller tiles with more grout lines often provide better grip than large format tiles.

Additional Non-Slip Measures

Even with slip-resistant tiles, additional measures can improve safety. Non-slip strips or mats provide extra grip in high-traffic areas. Ensure any mats have suction cups or adhesive backing to stay firmly in place.

Space Considerations

Accessible showers require more space than standard showers to accommodate wheelchairs, walking frames, and caregiver assistance if needed.

Minimum Dimensions

For wheelchair accessibility, a shower should measure at least 1500mm x 1500mm to allow for wheelchair manoeuvring. A 1800mm x 1000mm configuration can also work well, providing space for a seat and carer access along the long side.

Door Width

If using a shower door, it should be wide enough for wheelchair access, typically at least 850mm clear opening. Sliding doors or curtains are often more practical than hinged doors in accessible designs.

Funding and Support

In Australia, various funding options may help cover the cost of accessibility modifications. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may fund bathroom modifications for eligible participants. The My Aged Care program provides support for older Australians. Some states offer additional grants or subsidised services for home modifications.

Occupational therapists can assess individual needs and recommend appropriate modifications. Their involvement often helps when applying for funding and ensures modifications truly meet the user's requirements.