The Benefits of Installing a Wet Room

While wet rooms may seem like an unnecessary extravagance and only suitable for people with large houses or mansions, they are also essential for many people who have mobility issues.

Personal hygiene is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. However, bathing is also much more than a necessary function. For many people, it is a way to relax and be with their own thoughts for a while.

Regardless of how you think of bathing and whether it is something you enjoy or not, it should not be a struggle. Unfortunately, it is for many people with mobility issues or long-term conditions.

Fortunately, many options help with bathing, from walk-in baths to walk-in showers and wet rooms. In this article, we will look at why people install a wet room and their benefits.

A wet room will enable you to live independently in your own home for longer.

Walk-in baths and walk-in showers can help elderly or disabled people to bathe safely and live independently in their own homes. However, wet-rooms can provide further ease of access with more space and comfort for people with mobility issues.

Wet rooms have fewer obstructions in the way of bathtubs or shower enclosures. They are often the perfect solution for people who need help bathing or use a wheelchair and need more room. Also, many people with mobility issues that are likely to get worse are a great way of ‘future proofing’ their bathroom enabling them to live independently in their own home for longer.

The key benefits of wet rooms and level-access bathrooms.

Simply put, wet rooms have been waterproofed and treated to reduce the potential for leaks and damp issues. A wet room also provides ‘level access’, which is perfect for people who have trouble stepping into a shower enclosure or climbing in and out of a bathtub. Even a walk-in bath will require some stepping into.

They are generally, although not always, larger than other bathrooms. However, smaller or ensuite bathrooms can also often be converted into a wet room. Repositioning toilets and cupboards can often free up a lot more usable space. As a general rule, if your bathroom can accommodate a walk-in shower it should be able to be adapted to a wet room

Ideal bathing solution for wheelchair users.

Wet rooms are ideal for wheelchair users as there is no need to struggle to get in and out of a shower enclosure. Instead, simply wheel into the wet room and enjoy your shower.

Wet rooms feel much more spacious.

Converting your bathroom into a wet room will make it feel much more spacious. This is because there are no obstacles such as bathtubs or shower enclosures, to navigate around. Repositioning your toilet, sink, and cupboards can also make much better use of space.

Wet Rooms are safer for everyone.

Many people are concerned that a wet room may increase the potential for a slip or trip in the bathroom.   The reality is that the opposite is true and wet rooms are generally the safest option for an accessible bathroom.

There are many additional safety features that can be integrated into your wet room. For example, handrails can be installed to provide the user with additional support and there are many options for nonslip flooring.  Seating can also be easily installed in your wet room for further comfort and safety.

Accommodate future mobility issues

While a walk-in shower may often seem like the most appropriate option for many, it is worth considering how long you intend to remain in your home and how your condition is likely to evolve over that time. For example, some illnesses, conditions and disabilities will deteriorate over time and a wet room will accommodate more mobility issues than a walk-in shower. It may enable you to live independently in your home for longer.

Wet Rooms can be a beautiful addition to your home.

One concern many people have when adapting their bathroom to accommodate their mobility issues is that it will look clinical, like a ‘hospital bathroom’. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. There are many beautiful design features and options which will ensure your wet room will be a beautiful addition to your home and a pleasant place to spend time and relax.

Often it will add value to your home as many people prefer the ease of use of a wet room. Many people also seek properties with accessible bathing solutions such as a walk-in shower or a wet room.

Should you install a wet room?

Installing an accessible bathroom is a big decision. It needs to accommodate your condition and allow you to bathe easily and safely. There are many options for an accessible bathroom, from walk-in bathtubs and walk-in showers to wet rooms. 

Is a walk-in shower, a walk-in bath or a wet room the best option for you?

There are many factors to be taken into consideration when you are trying to answer this question, below are just a few:

• If your condition or mobility is likely to deteriorate, will it be suitable in a few years?
• How much will your accessible bathroom cost?
• Is your bathroom able to be adapted to a wet room?

You can find the answers to these and many more questions on our Frequently Asked Question page on our website.  Alternatively, we offer a free consultation with one of our project managers.   They will be able to discuss your specific needs and requirements and design a solution specifically for you.

You can get in touch with us to book a free consultation by clicking on the button below