Case Study • Bathroom Modification
A Bathroom That Looked Accessible
A recently renovated condo bathroom still held four barriers for a wheelchair and rollator user with a progressive condition.
The Result
What Came Out of It
Four barriers were found in a bathroom that already had grab bars, a handheld shower, and a transfer bench. The client had a written plan with measurable specifications the next day, sized for where her mobility is heading.
- 4barriers found in an already renovated bathroom
- 0 inshower entry threshold specified
- Next daywritten report with specifications to build from
The Situation
Already Renovated, Still Not Working
A woman in her 60s with a progressive neurologic condition affecting strength, balance, coordination, and endurance uses a rollator indoors and a scooter or power wheelchair in the community. She had a recent fall, and her spouse is her primary caregiver.
The bathroom had already been renovated and looked accessible. We assessed how she actually uses the room and where her mobility is heading, within two constraints: finish before September, when caregiver availability would drop, and keep the room attractive and protect resale value within a sensible budget.
What We Found
Four Barriers in a Room That Already Had Grab Bars
Shower Curb
She could no longer safely lift her leg over the threshold. This was her primary concern.
Vanity
The cabinet blocked wheelchair roll-under, so grooming at the sink was not independent.
Circulation
An inward-swinging door, limited turning space, and a deck-mounted tub meant she had to back her wheelchair out.
Water Migration
Her spouse was concerned about water escaping the shower and flooding.
The Plan
Approvals First, Then the Remodel
- 1
First 30 days
Start condo board and building approvals early, confirm plumbing vendor rules, request expedited review based on disability-related need, and put temporary fall prevention in place.
- 2
Shower and door
Remove the tub for a zero-entry roll-in shower, at least 30 x 48 in and approaching 60 x 60 in. Slip-resistant tile (DCOF above 0.42), a partial glass partition for water control, a fold-down seat, reachable controls, and an anti-scald valve. Pocket door or outswing door.
- 3
Vanity and lighting
Custom roll-under vanity: 27 in minimum knee clearance, 32 to 34 in counter height, insulated plumbing, and outlets within wheelchair reach. Motion-activated warm lighting and high/low storage to keep the floor clear.
Retrofit only was reviewed and not recommended: with limited floor area and a progressive condition, partial fixes would likely need to be redone as her mobility changes. If you are weighing the same choice, schedule an assessment, or call (516) 810-0330.
What Happened
A Written Plan the Day After the Visit
The client received a written report the day after the visit, with measurable specifications she and her contractor could build from. She was referred to independent contractors experienced in curbless showers, waterproofing, and condominium renovation, and to in-home physical therapy for transfer and mobility training, with occupational therapy recommended as needed.
Opt2Restore does not perform construction, and the client keeps full choice of contractor.
Why It Matters
Plan for Where Mobility Is Heading
For Families
- Barriers found in a bathroom that already looked accessible.
- A plan sized for where mobility is heading, not only where it is today.
- Approvals started early to protect the timeline, with full choice of contractor.
For Contractors and Design Partners
- Measurable specifications to bid and build from.
- Waterproofing and water control specified up front.
- Retrofit reviewed and ruled out, with the reason documented, and a clear order: approvals, interim safety, then the remodel.
Published with client permission. Identifying details have been removed and content condensed. Recommendations are specific to this client and home and are not a substitute for an individual assessment. Construction, permitting, and code compliance remain the responsibility of the licensed contractor and design professionals. Download the full case study (PDF)
Living With a Progressive Condition?
Plan the Bathroom for Where Mobility Is Heading
Families can schedule an in-home assessment. Contractors, designers, and care managers can refer a client for a clinical bathroom assessment before the remodel.