Furniture Design Ideas

Entering and exiting a bathtub can be physically challenging to the best of us, and the design and specification of the tub area deserves careful consideration (for transfer examples, see Figures 8.37 and 8.38). For those of us who wish to bathe in a tub, the size and features of the tub, its fittings and […]

Grab bars benefit every client in this wet and slippery area and they become more critical when a client has issues with balance or strength. They are an aid to anyone who is transferring into the tub or shower, particularly the child or elder and the parent or caregiver assisting in the process. Plan grab […]

Again, the controls should be offset to reduce reaching and bending and to allow the user to turn on the water before entering the shower. When a larger shower has a seat, care must be given to the placement of controls within the seated person’s reach. One concept is to have one control for the […]

It’s a natural consequence of aging that our tactile sensitivity decreases and thermoregulation becomes less efficient, and for those of us with cognitive impairments, the bathing experience can be intimidating. For clients with sensory and perceptual/cognitive issues, there is significant risk of injury from water that is too hot. In response, the bathing and shower […]

The ease of entry and exit and the flexibility to sit or stand that can be designed into the shower probably contribute to the current preference for showering as our main method of personal hy­giene. Based on size and design, there are two categories of showers relating to access, the trans­fer shower and the roll-in […]

In chapter 6, “Bathroom Planning," the design of the bathing and shower center is discussed in detail, including many references to design for the differences in people. The intent here is to sup­plement that chapter’s discussion with only the information that is specific or unique to a client with exceptional needs. For a complete review […]

Consider the use of GFCI plug molding or other power sources both inside and outside cabinetry to accommodate appliances, with safety shut-offs planned into them. Be generous in the number of outlets provided and plan specific to your client’s practices and needs. Plan assistive devices with dual cueing that makes a sound and flashes a […]

In the grooming center, attention to lighting must be considered in relation to a client’s sensory, cognitive, and physical characteristics. Natural light sources are best and should be generous, but attention must be paid to privacy and control of ambient light with the use of shades, blinds, or opaque surface treatments. Reducing glare and shadowing […]

Because much of what we store in the grooming center is small, thoughtful design can often result in storage right where it is needed. Storage should be placed at the point of use and within easy reach with as much as possible. When information specific to a client’s reach range is not available, or in […]

In chapter 6, "Bathroom Planning," the design of the grooming center is discussed in detail, including many references to design for the differences in people. The intent here is to supplement that chap­ter’s discussion with only that information that is specific or unique to a client with exceptional needs. For a complete review of bath […]