Walk in showers - Level access

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This section includes level access shower trays (walk-in showers) and shower cubicles. Level access trays or grilles can be set into a wooden or solid floor. There is no step or ramp so level access trays provide the easiest access for walking users, or those using shower chairs.

Specialist flooring and portable shower screens have also been included in this section. These screens are particularly useful when carers are assisting a person in their shower.

Help and advice

Walk-in showers or level access showers can be used as a term interchangeably.This means they provide easy access for a mobile person or with the use of a mobile shower chair. However manufacturers and suppliers often include stepped access showers within this description. In this case a person has to be able to negotiate a step.

Shower enclosures, screens and doors are designed to minimise the risk of water falling outside the tray. Ensure that the water drains as fast as it leaves the shower spray unit. With power showers, an additional pump may be required to remove the water. Shower grilles prevent pooling of water on the floor.

When considering changing your bathroom an individual assessment with an occupational therapist may be appropriate, your safety in your bathroom is very important. There may be individual factors which determine which shower and showering equipment best suits your needs, the information on this site is not a substitute for individual assessment.

Once you have determined the essential features required you will probably need advice from a surveyor and/or builder or a specialist from a supplier to determine the feasibility of your bathroom. If it is essential to have a level access shower ensure this is communicated to the builders as sometimes instead of putting a recess in the floor they may surface mount the tray on the floor which results in a step.

See advice on funding adaptations for your bathroom