Level Access vs Walk-in Shower Trays

With several possible reasons as to why to carry out an adaption of the home, ill health, lack of mobility, age-related issues, etc., there can be as many solutions to how best carry out these adaptions, all of which will be bespoke to the requirements of the user and their home.

Bathroom adaptions are no exception to this rule.

The Importance Of Bathroom Modifications

There are several reasons why a bathroom would require an adaption with the lack of or reduced mobility coming out on top. The bath itself can prove to be the most limiting, for regular everyday use and can often see the user relying on the help of a family member or carer.

Typical conditions include.

• Safely accessing the bath with difficultly getting legs in and out,
• Being unsteady when stood in the bath area with a slippery base
• Difficulty with operating the taps from having less grip
• The limited room when using a walking frame or wheelchair

There are several products on the market to aid with safe, independent, regular use of a bath -bath lifts, bath pillows, hoist and rails, etc.- but many people choose the more straightforward, stylish, and modern looking Walk-in Shower adaption.

Modern, Walk-in Shower rooms are safe, look good in any home, and are suitable for the whole family.

Level Accessed Vs Walk In Shower Rooms

Walk-In Showers

There are numerous options and layouts when deciding on adapting the bathroom to a walk-in shower room, two types of shower tray installation form the basis of the new adaption.

The first is the low-level walk-in shower. Similar to a regular shower cubicle, the tray is visible and will require the user to step into and onto the showering area. The shower tray tends to take more of the floor area and is much lower than a regular shower cubicle. Measurements are typically a shower tray that covers the floor area to a similar size where the old bath occupied and a step that is usually lower than 100mm or 4 inches.

Level Access Showers

The alternative to the low-level shower is the level accessed, walk-in shower room. This type of adaption incorporates the shower tray and floor as one, with no height difference between the floor levels. The end-user has an ultra-modern looking, step-free, and safe bathing experience that offers independent showering that can be also be used by the rest of the family.

As with the low-level, the level accessed shower tray can be installed in bathrooms on every storey and is suitable for timber and concrete floors. Because the shower tray is installed flush with the existing flooring, there may be extra labour involved to gain the extra depth, but this is not always the case. Additional works may also be required to achieve the gradient to have an adequate fall for a gravity wastewater pipe.

Your Choice For Your Needs

The low-level and level access shower room adaptions both offer great benefits on having just a regular bath and will give the end-users these advantages:

• Independent showering. A carer or family member for assistance showering is not required.
• It reduces the risk of slips and falls with the flush or low threshold step into the showering area.
• If required additionally, both types of shower rooms can be installed with various shower seating and grab rails.
• No stiff or leaking taps.
• Easier to clean and maintain.
• It maximises the use of the full bathroom space.
• Some installations can have an ultra-modern and attractive look.

To learn more about walk in showers for the elderly and disabled, level access shower rooms or other disabled shower functionalities, contact Agecare. We are UK’s leading specialists in mobility bathrooms. Our team will talk you through the differences of each service and how they may serve and aid with your needs.