Mobility Level Access Shower Guide | More Ability
Published: 19 March 2015
What Is A Mobility Level Access Shower?
A mobility level access shower is built up on a level tray which is built into the floor, meaning there is no step or lip when entering the shower, making it the perfect solution for either zimmering or wheeling in.
Often enclosed by a half height partition, either free standing or fixed screen, the level access shower is ideal where assisted bathing is required. The half-height screen allows for the carer to protect themselves and the surrounding areas from any runaway water or splashback, ensuring all water remains in the shower area.
Installed with a shower seat, additional grab rails and thermostatic shower controls, the finishing touches contribute to the level access shower keeping its reputation of the complete mobility showering solution.
Can A Level Access Shower Still Be Aspirational?
The level access shower gained its reputation as the complete mobility shower solution due to its widespread use in healthcare settings – typically hospitals and residential homes.
In recent years however we’ve seen a real shift towards promoting independent living and domiciliary care whereby people are encouraged to remain living safely within their own home for as long as possible.
Due to the origin of the level access shower, it has been criticised for appearing too clinical when installed into a domestic home setting. To combat this, bathroom solution companies, like ourselves, have concentrated their efforts on not only ensuring solutions are safe and practical but also stylish and aspirational in appearance.
Style Ideas For Level Access Showers
Leading More Ability Senior Designer, Garry, suggests either part or fully tiling the shower area – “tiles come in a variety of styles, sizes, colours and textures – there's something for everyone and whatever look you’re wanting to achieve the right tile selection will be a step in the right direction.” Whereby “glass partitions with chrome trims and handrails will also contribute to achieving the safe and aesthetically pleasing design you desire.”
Finally, “there's also so much more choice when it comes to shower seats. My personal favourite is either the wall mounted slim fold seat, which comes in a variety of colours, or a bespoke built corian bench if you really want to push the boat out.”
Concluding, Garry adds “all that said it is possible that a mobility level access shower will still be aspirational. However the design recommendations must not compromise the safety of the end user. At the end of the day their care and wellbeing is paramount and the suggested adaptations should aid this. Yes it can be stylish but it also needs firstly to fulfil its original purpose.”
Do Level Access Showers Flood Easily?
There is no reason why your level access shower should flood your bathroom as long as your installation is carried out by professionals who are experienced in what they are doing.
The level access tray should be designed with a slight gradient so that all water naturally flows down to the drain. The tray is then either enclosed by a partition or half-height doors and the rest of the room tanked with waterproofed anti-slip vinyl for increased safety.
If you’re looking to incorporate a mobility level access shower within your own home then why not give a friendly member of our team a call on 0113 201 5030 to discuss your requirements in more detail. Similarly you can book a design appointment online whereby an experienced designer will visit you at home to more about your bathing requirements, offer help and advice with regards to a design and in most cases provide you with an idea of cost.
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