Which Is The Most Appropiate Shower Enclosure For Your Disabled Child?

If you are the parent of a special-needs or mobility-impaired child, planning for their safety and health as they mature can be quite challenging. One example to plan for can be seen in the bathroom, as the method you use to enclosure your shower can have a significant impact on the usability of the shower itself by a disabled person as he or she grows up. Therefore, before making any changes to the shower, bathtub or their enclosure, it is best to be aware of the information provided below about framed versus frameless shower enclosures.

Understanding The Benefits Of A Frameless Shower Door

The frameless shower door is often a good choice for many individuals who use a wheelchair, walker, or similar adaptive device to move around. That is because it is frequently possible to find a unit that does not have any bars, edges or attachments on the floor, thus making it easier to maneuver into and out of the shower. The construction of a frameless shower door or enclosure can make a small bathroom seem bigger. Its modern appeal can make a dated bathroom seem newer.

In addition, the glass that is featured in a frameless shower enclosure is typically heavier and bulkier than the same item would be on a standard shower door. That extra size means that it is sturdier and may be more resistant to damage from the accidental movements of a wet wheelchair or walker. However, one drawback to frameless shower doors has often been that that the extra weight and dimensions of the frameless shower door can limit your options for the glass within it. They also tend to be more expensive than a framed option

Planning For The Framed Enclosure

A framed shower enclosure is an affordable and safe choice, but can be more challenging for a disabled person to navigate. However, if your bathroom currently features a shower lift or if its purchase is part of your plan for the bathroom, a framed shower door is a viable choice. As mentioned above, the framed door offers a good selection of glass choices, but you also need to know that the style options for the frame itself are more limited.

When planning for a framed enclosure, you should also be aware that its construction requires that the door either folds outward into the room or within itself. That means that there needs to be enough space within the bathroom for the door to open into.

In conclusion, a custom shower enclosure is often the best and most appropriate choice for persons with special needs and/or mobility issues. If you are the parent of a disabled child who needs assistance with bathing, especially if the underlying cause of that disability is permanent, the facts shared above are likely to be quite helpful. For more information, visit sites like http://www.ridgeglass.com.