Best Practices in the Design of Toileting and Bathing Facilities for Assisted Transfers

Water closet

• Increased sidewall space adjacent to toilet. Additional space between the sidewall and the water closet was intended to provide space on both sides of the fixture for a caregiver to stand alongside. This would enable caregivers to stand on either or both sides, as necessary, to provide support and assistance with transfer as well as to help with the partial removal and replacement of clothing.

• Grab bar type and positioning. With grab bars in the vertical or up position, sufficient space was provided for caregivers to stand next to the toilet on either (or both) side(s) to provide support getting on and off the toilet. In the horizontal or down position, grab bars on both sides of the toilet would permit individuals requiring assistance to maintain balance while clothing was removed or replaced. Alternatively, for individuals capable of independent transfer, grab bars on both sides would enable them to pull up to a standing position and lower down to a sitting position (Sanford and Megrew, 1996; Sanford, Echt, and Malassigné, 1999).