After being severely
injured at work in 2000, one of the homeowners was confined to a
wheelchair. They needed a bathroom that allowed wheelchair access to the
shower, commode, and sink, while looking stylish and modern. To provide
barrier-free access to the shower, the floor was jack hammered so there
was no curb leading into the shower. The location of the toilet was
situated in such a way that a commode chair could be rolled over the
toilet, while still appearing aesthetically pleasing. The shower was
equipped with anti-scald protection, grab bars, built-in soap boxes and
enough room to accommodate both a wheelchair, but a care provider if
necessary. The counter tops are at two levels. The barrier free
countertop was installed so the custom wheelchair could still be wheeled
under without the homeowner bumping his hands since the controls for the
wheelchair are on top of the arm rests; also the plumbing was installed
with protective covering so his legs would not be burned from the hot
water. There were smiles and tears as the husband was able to take his
first shower in over two years.
