Now our bathroom to wet room conversion is complete I thought I would let you how it has all gone.

In my last post I explained what I thought the wet room conversion could do for me. The most important thing was getting some dignity and independence back. As a wheelchair user, my regular bathroom was just not suitable and made life unnecessarily difficult. I am glad to say that the new wet-room has lived up to and exceeded my expectations.

While the work was being done, the house was a bit chaotic as quite a lot of building work needed to be done. For example the door to be made wider, the airing cupboard had to be removed and a wall was reinforced for fitting grab rails . Now I don’t have to do a really tricky manoeuvre to get into the room; there is plenty of space to just roll in.

So that a pedestal-free wash basin could be mounted on the wall, the existing stud partition wall had to be made stronger. This also meant that grab rails could be fixed firmly to the shower wall.

With no bath in the room, there is so much space. Before, if I went in forwards I had to go out backwards; now I can turn around 360 degrees!

I can now reach things on shelves without asking for things to be passed to me. I can even see myself in the new low-down mirror (some would say this is not a good thing!)

The sink has taps with easy grip handles that I can turn easily. The shower controls are low down and very easily to operate.

I have a new self propelled shower chair. All I do is transfer into this (it is like a wheelchair, but very lightweight and the seat is like a toilet seat) then roll straight under the shower. The first time I had a shower in the new wet-room it was quite emotional. I hadn’t been able to get a shower in over 3 years, so to have a proper shower was just amazing. I stayed there for quite a while – I think my wife thought I had taken root! I really can’t explain how good it is too feel running water again.

The shower chair is great as it means I can also use the toilet easily. I just roll over it, with no need for a transfer onto the toilet. This makes life MUCH easier!

I am very pleased with the new room as it not only helps me immensely, but it doesn’t look like a ‘disabled’ bathroom. I worked closely with the workmen and have exactly what I wanted and needed. I didn’t want something that looked like it belongs in an hospital in my home. Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I don’t have taste!

I am now in control of my own personal hygiene. That is priceless!

Author: Jason