ADA vs. BARRIER FREE SHOWERS 21 Feb 2019, 8:45 pm

In all of the years I have been in the home modification industry, the terms used for describing an accessible shower or shower pan have often been misused or misunderstood by the customers we talk to.  I have come across words like ADA, Barrier Free, Accessible, Handicap, Disability, Low Entry, Walk In, Wheelchair, Senior, Roll-In, and Hospital used before the word Shower in an effort to describe a shower that is accessible.  We get the idea of what people are talking about when they use these terms so in most cases me and my staff know how to assist customers.  The one case that we have to clearly understand what they need is when we are asked for ADA showers.  ADA is an acronym for The Americans with Disabilities Act which was created by the US government as a construction standard to address equal access into and navigate through buildings, for people of all abilities.  However, ADA ONLY applies to commercial facilities where people with disabilities need equal access into the building, or elevators, or in my case bathrooms and showers.  Buildings not being used by the general public are not required to follow ADA Standards.  So private residences whether they are condominiums or single family dwellings do not need to use ADA compliant designs.  Choices for ADA compliant products (like the one below) are extremely limited by the very nature of the guidelines and may not be the best fit for your personal residence.

Non ADA designs are only limited by designers and end users imaginations.  There are no accessibility restrictions and can be designed using your personal abilities as a guideline.  There are no shower size requirements, for example, so you can design the shower for your home to fit your needs and not a generic one size fits all that ADA tries to address.  Making accessibility design decisions for your home can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make them.  Are you creating an accessible home or space because you or someone else living there may have a moderate or severe disability?  If so, designing your homes accessibility needs may only need to address what you need today.  If you are like thousands if not millions of Baby Boomers that are designing their last home, then consideration for your abilities 10 years from now may drive your decisions.  Whatever the case, there is tons of information and people that are experts in this industry that can guide you through this process. And it’s a growing industry that will continue to innovate and create new accessible products and designs.  But the next time you ask someone for an accessible shower are you using the correct terminology?

Jeff Mooney is Owner of Barrier Free Architecturals and is – a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS)

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ADA Shower Seat Requirements 29 Nov 2014, 4:47 pm

The Americans with Disabilities Act was implemented to regulate and enforce accessibility standards for newly designed and constructed public facilities. It is a set of standards which by-law must be upheld and is directed towards making the country more accessible to those with disabilities. These are the ADA requirements for shower seats.

Structural strength

In order to meet ADA qualification, the seat and its components must be able to withstand 250 pounds of force.

Sizing

For both ADA transfer showers and ADA roll-in showers, either a rectangular or L-shaped seat may be used. The seat must be folding, installed on the side wall, adjacent to the controls and shall extend from the back wall to a point within 3” of the shower entry.

When rectangular folding bench seats are used, the rear edge of the seat should be 2.5 inches maximum off the sidewall, 1.5 inches maximum off the rear wall and an overall depth between 15-16 inches.

Figure (a) is a plan view of a rectangular seat and figure (b) is a plan view of an L-shaped seat. The front edge of each is 3 inches (75 mm) maximum from the compartment entry.

Extent of the seat

L-Shaped Seats: The rear edge of an ADA L-shaped seat shall be 2 1/2 inches maximum and the front edge between 15-16 inches from the front wall. The rear edge of the “L” portion of the seat shall be 1 1/2 inches maximum from the wall and the front edge shall be between 14-15 inches from the wall. The end of the “L” shall be between 22-23 inches from the main seat wall.

Figures (a) shows the “L” is oriented with the narrower portion toward the compartment opening and the base toward the back. The front edge of the narrow portion of the “L” is 15 to 16 inches (380 to 405 mm) from the seat wall and the base end is 22 to 23 inches (560 to 585 mm) from the seat wall. The base of the “L” is 14 to 15 inches (355 to 380 mm) from the adjacent wall. Figure (b) shows that the seat is 2 1/2 inches (64 mm) maximum from the seat wall and the rear edge of the L portion is 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) maximum from the adjacent wall.

Rectangular seats: The rear edge of a rectangular bench seat shall be 2 1/2 inches maximum and the front edge between 15-16 inches from the seat wall. The side edge of the seat shall be 1 1/2 inches maximum from the adjacent wall.

Please respond with any comments or concerns. For the entire set of ADA guidelines visit the ADA regulations.

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Programs to help you renovate your home for senior accessibility 4 Apr 2014, 11:48 pm

As Canada’s population ages, a majority of seniors are remaining independent and continue to live in their homes. Out of Canada’s almost five million senior population, 92.1 per cent of Canada’s elderly live in private households, whether it’s alone, with a partner or with others, according to the 2011 Census.

It’s important to discuss with your family their future living arrangements. Depending on your or your loved one’s health, the space may need to undergo some home renovations to allow you to live independently. Grab bars, shower seats or changing your bathroom’s shower or tub are important steps to ensuring that you or someone you care about can safely move about their home.

The necessary home renovations can vary in cost and depending on the amount of work that needs to be done, there is financial assistance available to families.

Provincial tax credits

Depending on what province you reside, provincial governments are offering various cost savings to allow seniors to stay at home longer.

In Ontario, residents can take advantage of the Healthy Homes Renovation tax credit that is available to homeowners. You can claim 15 per cent of the money spent to improve safety and accessibility on your property. This tax credit applies to a maximum of up to $10,000 of work and it can be claimed by residents above 65 or older or families living with an elderly relative.

In British Columbia, you can claim 10 per cent for similar renovations up to $10,000 under the Seniors’ Home Renovation tax credit. While Prince Edward Island offers a Seniors’ Home Repair program that assists low-income and moderate-income seniors to make any necessary repairs to their homes. If a senior and their partner earns a household income less than $35,000, the program will cover 50 per cent of the renovations costs up to a maximum of $1,500.

Visit the province’s websites for more details. Programs across the country vary on whether they take into account a resident’s income.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)

The federal governments offers the RRAP program for low-income seniors to make necessary repairs to their home. Homeowners can qualify for assistance if their income is below the CMHC income threshold, if the property is at least five years old and if it needs major repairs such as heating, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire safety.

March of Dimes

This non-profit’s mission is to improve independent living and support those with physical disabilities. The charity offers a unique DesignAbility program which harnesses the creativity and know how of volunteers to build custom solutions for various circumstances. Residents who participate in the program are only responsible for the cost of building materials. The charity also offers an Assistance Devices program that helps residents in need buy, repair or maintain a variety of devices ranging from wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps, home and bath aids and more.

In Ontario, March of Dimes manages a Home and Vehicle Modification program that assists residents with substantial impairment which is expected to affect them for one year or more. Applicants that qualify are eligible for up to $15,000 for home modifications during their lifetime and up to $15,000 in vehicle modifications every ten years. Other provinces offer similar programs through different avenues.

Retrofitting your home for senior accessibility can be a daunting and costly, but Barrier Free Living can help. For over 15 years, Barrier Free Living has provided accessible products which are tailored to your unique requirements, ensuring your safety while maintaining your level of personal independence, dignity and satisfaction. As North America’s leading distributor of barrier free products for seniors and people with disabilities, Barrier Free Living continues to deliver excellent service and expert advice. Contact us at 1-877-717 7027.

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Moving in with grandma and grandpa: What you need to know about renovating 2 Apr 2014, 11:45 pm

If you’ve had a discussion with your parents on their future living accommodations and everyone has agreed that you will all share one house together that’s a great first step. But there’s much more work that needs to be done before mom and dad can pack their bags and move into their new home.

What work do you need done?

Depending on your parents’ health, the amount of work you need done can vary. Home renovations can range from small cosmetic changes, such as a fresh coat of paint, or you may need to undertake a larger home renovation, such as reworking a bathroom to fit a barrier free (ADA-compliant) showercomplete with a shower seat. This will likely depend on the health of mom and dad and any personal preferences they have for their living space.

Once you’ve discussed what changes will be made, it’s important to avoid cutting any corners in the process. Whether you plan to make the changes yourself or hire someone else to do them, have proper plans drawn up for what you want done. This way you have a blueprint to follow and you know what you can expect.

Certain products such as accessible kitchen counters, roll-in showers and other shower accessories may be ADA-compliant, which means that it complies with standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act on its design and construction.

For most new construction, you need a develop permit and it’s always important to call your city’s licensing department before you make any changes. If you’re hiring a contractor, they can help you with this process, but it’s also important that you vet whoever you hire, including talking with some their past references and taking a look at some of the work they’ve done.

How will you pay for renovations?

It’s always important to have a budget in place to determine how you plan to complete the work that needs to be done. Whether mom and dad chip in to the cost of renovations or your family handles the costs is up to you to decide. There are provincial and federal tax credits available for accessibility renovations and renovations for low-income seniors, along with grants provided by non-profits. Make sure to crunch the numbers carefully and it’s also good to leave yourself some cushion room before starting any work.

How will renovations affect your family?

You’ll need to consider whether you’re able to stay in your home during the renovations or if your family will need to relocate for a short period of time. Always get an estimate from your contractor as to how long the job will take so you can plan accordingly. Your family should be informed every step of the way since your parents moving in has an impact on their day-to-day.

If you need to retrofit your home, Barrier Free Living can help. For over 15 years, Barrier Free Living has provided accessible products which are tailored to your unique requirements, ensuring your safety while maintaining your level of personal independence, dignity and satisfaction. As North America’s leading distributor of barrier free products for seniors and people with disabilities, Barrier Free Living continues  to deliver excellent service and expert advice. Contact us at 1-877-717 7027.

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Moving in with grandma and grandpa: How to discuss the situation with your family 28 Mar 2014, 11:41 pm

As your parents get older, it’s a good idea to discuss their future plans with them. While this conversation may be uncomfortable, it’s important this is talked about before any life changing event occurs.

Depending on your parents’ health, there are many options of where they can stay: whether it’s in their own home, they move in with you and your family or they move into a retirement home, nursing home or long-term care facility.

Your parents

It’s never too early to discuss your parents’ future plans with them. How you start the conversation depends on your relationship with them. One idea could be to discuss a story about someone else and ask them what their thoughts are on the situation. If you hold a close relationship with them, you can start the conversation off by asking them where they might want to live in the future, whether they plan retire in the same city or move somewhere else.

If they say they haven’t thought about it yet, discuss the importance of the issue and mention that you want to make sure they feel comfortable with the choice they make and that you’re concerned about their well-being and health. If they’re unsure at the moment, at least they may think about it more now. Your parents likely want to maintain their independence and it’s important that you acknowledge this and consider their opinions on where they plan to live.

If their decision is to move in with you, it’s important that you’ve discussed this with your spouse and children, before saying yes. Having your parents move in will affect your family’s lifestyle and it’s important that you evaluate whether this is feasible before agreeing. You will also need to discuss what your parents will do with their current property, if there is a cost of rent you will charge them and any concerns you have.

Your partner and your children

If grandma and grandpa move in, it’s important to have a discussion with your partner before deciding. You will need to discuss what rooms will be designated for your parents, what renovations may need to be done to accommodate them, how this may affect your day-to-day and how this will affect your family financially. Both of you should feel comfortable with the decision before going forward.

More Canadians are living in multigenerational households with 362,600 families in this scenario, according to Statistics Canada. In 2011, 4.8 per cent of children 14 and under lived with their grandparents, which is an increase from 3.3 per cent in 2001. This is about a 50 per cent increase and it is expected that the percentage will grow even more.  Families benefit from extra help around the house, depending on their grandparents’ health, and grandparents benefit by having someone always in the house if they go on vacation.

Before the move, sit down with your children early on and inform them about the decision and how this might affect them, such as whether you’re retrofitting the kitchen with adjustable counters or adding a walk-in bathtub to the bathroom. Ground rules may need to be set, such as keeping quiet in the evening, and if your parents have a health condition, it’s important to let your children know what to do if there is a situation.

Help your children feel comfortable about the move before it happens. Communication is key to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.

If you need to retrofit your home, Barrier Free Living can help. For over 15 years, Barrier Free Living has provided accessible products which are tailored to your unique requirements, ensuring your safety while maintaining your level of personal independence, dignity and satisfaction. As North America’s leading distributor of barrier free products for seniors and people with disabilities, Barrier Free Living continues  to deliver excellent service and expert advice. Contact us at 1-877-717 7027.

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Moving in with grandma and grandpa: What to expect 26 Mar 2014, 11:40 pm

As baby boomers grow older, many families are making decisions on where they parents will live. Some living options include parents staying at home, intergenerational housing where parents move in with their children and grandchildren, or parents moving into a retirement home, supportive housing or a long-term care home.

According to the 2011 census, 92.1 per cent of seniors (above the age of 65) of about five million seniors lived in private households, whether it was with a partner, alone or with others. The census also reveals that there’s an uptick in the number of multigenerational households with 362,600 families in this situation out of 13 million private households.

Having your parents move in with your family is a big decision and it will lead to many changes in your household.

Renovations

Depending on your parent’s health and your current property, you may need to renovate or remodel your space so its accessible. This may include a walk-in tub or a roll-in shower, shower seat or grab bars in the bathroom or living space. As your parents age, it’s important to discuss any potential plans with your parents sooner rather than later so you have time to save up for any home renovations that need to be done. While money may be a taboo topic for some families and your parents may have an idea of their future living plans, it’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Less space

In deciding your renovations plans, you may need to cordon off some space for mom and dad. You and your parents may be alright with having a room among the rest of the family and sharing the living area or your family may decide that there should be a separate entrance for privacy. Whichever choice you make, you may need to clear out space for your parents to move in. Figure out how much space you can offer in your home and find out whether it’s sufficient for your parents needs. In some cases, you may need to rent a storage unit to store some of your family’s or your parents’ items.

Additional care

It’s important that you’re aware of any current health conditions your parents may have, this way, you know what to do if an emergency arises. Keep everyone in the household informed to ensure your grandparent’s safety. How much care your grandparents need depends on how independent they are. If they face certain dietary restrictions, you’ll need to account for if you’re cooking for the entire family or if they have regular check ups and need help getting there, either you or your spouse may need to accommodate that.

Increased costs

Families need to budget for any renovations that need to be done to make the home safe for your parents or grandparents, along with any additional costs such as food, hydro, electricity, water and the cost of renting a storage unit, if applicable. More people typically means additional household costs and it’s up to you, your partner and your parents to discuss how these costs are handled – whether it involves selling their previous home, tapping into their retirement funds or tapping into government assistance programs.

For all these changes, communication is key to ensuring that everyone is happy with the situation. Read our next blog post about how to discuss your parent’s living situation with your spouse, children and parents.

For over 15 years, Barrier Free Living has provided accessible products which are tailored to your unique requirements, ensuring your safety while maintaining your level of personal independence, dignity and satisfaction. As North America’s leading distributor of barrier free products for seniors and people with disabilities, Barrier Free Living continues to deliver excellent service and expert advice. Contact us at 1-877-717 7027 or visit www.barrierfree.org.

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The emergence of senior villages 22 Feb 2014, 11:34 pm

Mary-Carrol Potter, a 78 year old Washington resident, is opting to remain in her home rather than accept her children’s offers to put her up. The issue was that her children were spread all across the globe, and she had no interest in uprooting from the village in which she had lived for half a century. In the past, the difficulties inherent in living on your own at such an age would likely leave Potter with no option but to move in with her kin. However, thanks to what the Washington Post has called “a phenomenon that has swept through the Washington [among many cities] at an astonishing rate”, Potter has been able to remain in her hometown.

This phenomenon of which I speak is the emergence of “senior villages” which organize volunteers available to assist seniors in difficult tasks, allowing them to live otherwise independent lives. The volunteers offer to mow the lawn, provide transportation, deliver groceries and generally offer “anything the seniors want and need”. Potter cites volunteers coming in to change the ceiling lights or do the caulking, claiming that they make up for most of the utility provided by a child living nearby.

Potter’s desire to remain in her home is both common and relatable; according to a study conducted by the AARP, 88 per cent of seniors would choose to live at home as long as possible.

These senior villages exist in multiple metropolises across the USA, Canada, Australia and Netherlands, with over 120 villages in existence and another 100 in development. These villages are run by volunteers and paid staff, allowing for very affordable membership.

In reading about these villages, what I have found most interesting is the sense of community which these villages provide. These communities allow members to not only foster relationships with helpful volunteers but also other participants. One village is even noted to have a weekly happy hour.

I believe that organizations such as these are the second half of the puzzle. In addition to the architectural products that we sell, these villages offer the human services which, together make for a safe and efficient independent living situation. My hope is for as many elderly to stay at home as long as possible, and as residents such as Mary-Carrol Potter are discovering, it is getting easier by the day.

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Recognizing UK’s Disability History Month 13 Dec 2013, 11:31 pm

Three days from now marks the end of another UK Disability History Month(UKDHM). UKDHM is an annual event organized to increase awareness regarding how disabled people are viewed and how they have been effected through a historical context. The organization behind Disability History Month informs people how to get involved. Provided are various resources intended to inspire people to – if not take action against the inequalities faced by disabled people in the UK – at least take notice.

The event runs a month from November 22 to December 22 every year beginning in 2010. The dates where strategically chosen for various reasons. “This covers HIV/AIDS Day (December 1), International Day of People with Disabilities (December 3) and International Human Rights Day (December 10). It also follows directly from Anti-Bullying Week (November 19 to 23), which is important as 2.5 times as much bullying is recorded towards disabled as compared to non-disabled young people (70 to 80 per cent of young disabled people claim to have been bullied in school and college). [It is] split across the two months to allow for the Christmas shut down and to allow for four weeks in school term time.

The logo used to represent DHM is based on a black triangle that disabled people were forced to wear during the Nazi regime in order to “designate them as unsociable”. This triangle is placed over a yellow circular background. The purpose of this logo is to reclaim the symbol from such a traumatic time for the disabled and turn it into a symbol of prosperity and freedom. This goes to show that DHM is willing to showcase even the most painful of moments in order to present an accurate and sobering perspective on the historical plight of the disabled.

The thing that I found particularly interesting and relevant to this blog is this years theme: celebrating our struggle for independent living. Event co-ordinator Richard Reiser explains that he “felt that with all the cutbacks taking place, both in local authority and central government funding, the struggle for independent living needed to be better understood by a wider number of people. They need to know what’s at stake for disabled people if their support gets taken away”.

This is what I feel is so important about DHM. Not only does it offer the resources for an extensive history of issues faced by people living with disability, it goes beyond the struggles faced in the past. By discussing everything from social structure in the medieval times to modern austerity measures, this month’s theme blends an historical context with a plea for change today. It discusses definite practical problems that are still effecting the disabled.

While this movement is based in the UK and has yet to expand into other areas of the world, the event has enjoyed steady growth over it’s 4 year history and will hopefully become an internationally recognized movement.

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Walk-in tub vs. roll-in shower 6 Dec 2013, 2:15 am

Almost everybody can appreciate the value of a good bath. The thought alone of a hot bath conjures up notions of comfort and relaxation. However, for many elderly people with decreasing mobility, the bathtub becomes a liability. To seniors and people with mobility issues, falling is the number one cause of injury, and the bathroom is the highest risk area. Many of the falls that occur in the bathroom are related to getting in and out of the bathtub.

One recently popularized solution is the advent of the walk-in bathtub. These specially designed tubs have a door for easy access, eliminating the need to step over the high thresholds of regular bathtubs. Walk-in tubs have the option to include extra comfort amenities such as bubble jets and heated seats, along with safety features such as deck extensions which allow helpers to sit by the tub and assist the bather.

While walk-in bathtubs remain a viable option it is important to consider all alternatives in order to maximize comfort, safety and value. After considering the advantages and disadvantages of the walk-in bathtub I will introduce the concept of a roll-in shower, which could prove to be a preferable method of safe bathing.

Advantages of a walk-in tub

The walk-in tub allows for a similar soaking experience to a regular bathtub. They come equipped with safety features such as anti-slip flooring, grab bars and bench seats. Additionally, luxury models are available which include water jets, digital temperature display, thermostatic temperature control valves, extending handheld flex hose and heated seats. Thus, changing to a walk-in tub can be both a safe and luxurious upgrade to your current bathtub.

Disadvantages of a walk-in tub

The first disadvantage of the walk-in tub is that it can be an expensive endeavour. Installation fees can be high and it is not uncommon to require a new water heater and water service, as the tubs are often quite large. The size of the tubs may also contribute to larger utility bills. The average bath is reported to use twice as much water as the average shower, making it both lest cost efficient and eco-friendly.

The second disadvantage regards the operation of the bathtub. Walk-in bathtubs require you to be in the tub before it starts to fill up and until it is finished draining. This results in you having to wait, cold and impatient, as the tub fills and drains. Even with heated seats this can prove chilly and uncomfortable.

Another disadvantage inherent to the walk-in tub is the height of the threshold at the entrance. While the 6”-8” threshold found on walk-in tubs is highly preferable to regular bathtubs, it can still prove to be a safety hazard to those with severe mobility issues. For the seriously infirm it could prove too difficult to get in and out of a walk-in tub.

An alternative solution: Walk-in or roll-in showers

When remodeling your bathroom to make it more accessible, it is important to be aware of all options. In addition to walk-in bathtubs, it can be fast and easy to replace your old bathtub with an accessible walk-in shower. Barrier free showers are low-threshold showers available with a rubber T-Water Stopper to keep water in the pan as it drains. These flexible thresholds allow for shower seats to roll right into the shower, effectively eliminating the danger of falling when entering.

Further, having a shower eliminates the uncomfortable waiting time of filling and draining the bathtub. You can wait outside the shower until it reaches optimal temperature.

There are also definite cost benefits to opting for an accessible shower. In addition to the money saved on utility bills, the product itself is generally less costly than a bathtub and installation costs are greatly reduced.

Lastly, a roll-in shower is a lifetime solution to safe accessible bathing. Showers which have plywood backing permit the construction of additional grab bars and seats as your mobility changes.

In conclusion, if you are looking to remodel your bathroom to make it more barrier free, it is important to make an informed decision based on what is best for you. Know what your options are and take into account the safety, comfort and financial advantages and disadvantages of your options.

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What you need to know about shower seats 6 Nov 2013, 4:50 pm

Buying a seat for your shower has both practical and safety benefits. The purpose of this blog post is to help you better understand the value of shower seats, while determining the advantages and disadvantages of your many different options. There exists rectangular bench shower seats, ADA seats which comply with ADA codes, barrier free shower seats with retractable arms, designer nylon seats imported from Italy or custom seats made personally for you.

In this particular post I will answer frequently asked questions regarding out bench shower seats in an attempt to provide a definitive guide for users. Stay tuned for future posts about other types of shower seats.

Why do I need a shower seat. What is the purpose of having a shower bench?

The purpose of having a shower seat bench is to provide a safer shower experience to those who have limited mobility or are not able to stand for long periods of time. In addition, shower seats have practical benefits for those who don’t physically need to be seated. Customers have reported that they often use the bench when they are tired and women use it when shaving their legs.

Why are the seats attached to the wall?

The primary reason for having our shower seats mounted to the wall is safety. Free standing shower seats are liable to slide and topple over. This possibility is eliminated by mounting the seat bench directly into the wall of the shower.

What if I don’t need a seat bench but share the shower with somebody who does?

The bench shower seats easily fold up towards the wall in order to provide more space for those who do not intend them.

What are the seats made of?

Most shower seats are made of stainless steel

Which model is more suited to my needs: padded or phenolic or teak?

The options include a padded, phenolic or a teakwood top. Phenolic is a solid material, much like a kitchen counter top. Our phenolic seats are popular for commercial applications used by the public. Padded seats are made of a marine-grade naugahyde over a foam cushion. This seat is considered more comfortable and is optimal for residential homes. Additionally, we offer natural teakwood seats which some people prefer for aesthetic purposes.

How much weight can a seat support?

The fold up seats with a wall bracket can support a maximum of 250 lbs. For people who require additional weight capacity, shower seats are available with legs. The seat with legs also fold up and are rated to 600 lb. When installing any shower seat it is important that there is sufficient support in the shower wall.

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