| Glenda Rosenblatt's Stylishly Safe New Bathroom |
From "Enable Your Home"
episode DEYH-102 |
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Nearly 300,000 accidents occur in the bathroom each year. For this reason, modifying an existing bathroom to increase safety is important for all homeowners -- not just those with a physical limitation. For Glenda Rosenblatt, a bathroom redesign can make coping with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis much easier.Glenda, who is in remission, is forward-thinking to match the advancing reality of her condition. She is preparing for future flare-ups and increasingly limited mobility in her hands. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder which, over time, can attack different systems in the body. For this reason, a bathroom featuring many safety modifications is in order. Glenda and her husband -- who plan on staying in their current home -- feel that the costs incurred are worth it. Changes to Glenda's bath include: - Replacement of the single-handled faucet and sink to one that is double-handled. This will allow Glenda to easily turn the handles.
- Installation of a new toilet with a higher seat. The new toilet will stand 2" taller than a standard toilet and will provide more comfort for those who are taller or have trouble bending.
- The addition of an ADA-approved bathtub, which is deeper, wider and features a non-slip textured surface. Glenda will also have a new easy-to-turn shower handle installed to match the ones on her new sink.
Before: Glenda's old bathroom wasn't safe or accessible. Glenda was afraid of falling in the bathtub, the toilet was too low for comfort, and the faucet handles were difficult to turn.
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A double-handled faucet will allow Glenda to use the sink with minimized pain and effort.
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At 2" higher than standard, the new toilet basically "meets" Glenda.
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- Grab bars that will enable Glenda to enjoy baths again. According to Glenda, one of the greatest fears of RA patients is falling. Because of this, Glenda has limited herself to showers. The new grab bars will not only provide that luxury, but the brushed nickel surface will blend stylishly with Glenda's new bathroom décor.
Glenda works with a contractor to ensure the safest, mose useful position of the new grab bar installation.
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After: Glenda's bathroom is a warm, contemporary space in which to relax. The new safety features blend seamlessly with the stylish new decor.
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Taller, thinner cabinets maximize space; a hidden feature (slide-out laundry basket) is easy for Glenda to use.
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- The installation of non-slip flooring. In this case, 12" x 12" tile.
- A widened door in case wheelchair access is needed in the future. Widening the door from its 32" standard width to 36" will not only allow wheelchair access, but will also accommodate someone on crutches. As the door is replaced, so is the hardware. Glenda will also have a new lever lock handle instead of a turn knob.
- And finally, Glenda will have taller, thinner cabinets installed to increase space and mobility in the bathroom. One added feature: a pull out laundry basket hidden away in one of the cabinets.
By working with environmental designer Anita Green, Glenda has faced the challenge of maintaining style in a bathroom designed for safety. "People think that making a bathroom handicap accessible will cause them to lose the style — and that's not necessary. In fact, my bathroom will be prettier — but it's also going to be safer," Glenda states. Next: Constructing Shower Storage Boxes
RESOURCES :
Kohler Product Information
Kohler Co.
Website: www.us.kohler.com
GUESTS :
Anita Green
Environmental Designer
E-mail: greengardner@earthlink.net
Website: Meadow Designs
Benjamin Clavan
Architect, AIA
E-mail: benjamic@earthink.net
Robert Rogers, Handyman
The Handyman Connection
4561 Mission Gorge Place, Suite J
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: 619-584-5555
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