Bathing

When designing an accessible bathroom for a child with a disability, first and foremost we recommend an individual assessment with an occupational therapist as your child may be eligible to receive a disabled facilities grant (DFG, see the DFG section of this guide) to help towards the cost of the adaptation. The information contained below is not intended as a replacement for a thorough assessment in your home environment.

Information and advice on design issues is available from the Centre for Accessible Environments. The organisation is a leading authority on inclusive design and they provide consultancy, training, research and publications on building design and management to meet all user needs. This organisation keeps a database of architects, surveyors and similar professionals with experience of designing for disabled people and has a number of useful publications and design sheets.

The needs and preferences of the child and the parents/carers

• The age of the child – the facilities may need to reflect their changing needs as they grow and their emerging independence and need for privacy
• Other bathroom users
• Access and space
• Structural alterations, and whether a grant is available to help cover costs
• Type of floor, i.e. wooden or concrete
• Sanitary fittings – what is currently being used, assistive devices and the alternative, more specialised fittings e.g. push-button showers, lever taps or wash/dry toilets
• Children who are not able to move around easily may get cold very quickly when undressed. Additional safe heating in the bathroom may be required
• The possible therapeutic benefits of bathing in warm water, e.g. children with tight muscles may find it easier than usual to move in warm water
• If a bath is to be installed, or is to remain in a new bathroom design, consider the size. Can it accommodate supportive bathing equipment now, and as your child grows?
• The storage and cleaning of any equipment required.
• Information and advice on design issues is available from the Centre for Accessible Environments. The organisation is a leading authority on inclusive design, and they provide consultancy, training, research and publications on building design and management to meet all user needs. This organisation keeps a database of architects, surveyors and similar professionals with experience of designing for disabled people, and has a number of useful publications and design sheets.

Other factors to consider

• Any additional head support the child may require
• Safety for children with poor sitting balance or head control
• Safety for children with sensory loss
• Children with epilepsy and the risks to them whilst bathing. Children with epilepsy who use a bath chair or hammock may need quick release fastenings on the equipment
• The size of the bath and whether it can accommodate supportive bathing equipment
• Drying and dressing your child once they have bathed; do they need a safe space to sit or lie down during this process?
• Using simple methods of increasing independence such as automatic soap dispensers, lever taps and shower controls that are easy to reach and operate.

N.B. No child should be left unsupervised in the bath even if in a supportive bath chair. Similarly, young brothers and sisters should not be left in charge of a child in a bath seat.