Posted By swampgator on 02-04-2012 03:37 PM
Thanks, Gents.  Was showing this article to the MS support group this morning and one lady said they put her handheld shower up high, so her husband has to get it down and put it back for her.  Then she has no place to put her toiletries while showering.  So, it was a good discussion. 

Craig and Dewey, I really appreciate your support.

Gator:
Do you remember a short time back we disscused this issue of remodeling a bathroom to fit a handicapped person? Well here is a site that shows the "Sliding Shower Head" with a grab bar as part of it. It's mounted vertically and the shower head slides up and down for each bathers preference. The mounting bar the shower head slides on is also useful as a grab bar. There is a variety of styles shown here and I do believe this type of equipment is available at most Big Box stores. 

If you scroll down toward the bottom of the page they show an adjustable bathing chair also.
  
http://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-He...B002L0CPK0

Scooter, thanks for the vote of confidence.  I don't know if anyone would want to read such a boring book.  But, I suppose I could help it by pictures. 

Thomas, will be very happy to offer thoughts and suggestions.  You are one of those that I think of when I look through these issues.

Ron, thanks for the link.  That's a great shower.  Some thoughts about it.

First, the controls are near the seat.  Excellent.  Shower head is located within reach of person sitting on seat. 

Secondly, the shower is wheelchair accessible and looks nice.  The drain is located in a excellent place without much serious modification. 

Thirdly, the seat is only good for those who don't have any incontinence issues.  For those who have incontinence issues, a seat with a bucket underneath would be better.  Like this one:  http://www.activelivingnow.com/Show...2-1900.htm

Also, if the chair is portable, it may help to move the person into and out of the shower stall.  The size and layout of the bathroom may have some dictation.  As Craig so eloquently stated, build it and equip it for the intended person.  Ask questions about what the person needs and make it accomodate their needs.  There are many more thoughts that should go into this.  I don't have the building experience, but the plastic seems very expensive as compared to some Krete(sp?) board and tiling.  Also, if you do tile, same a few back just in case the valve should ever need to be accessed or replaced.  Often, when tiles are made, they make only a certain number and then change the molds.  So keeping some back to replace chipped, broken or removed tiles is a wise investment. 

Again, if I can be of assistance, please PM me. 

Barry, the sliding shower head is my preference as you so well said that it can be adjusted for all users.  Also, it's not expensive.  This is what we have and when company comes, they can slide it back up so they can have a normal shower.  When wife needs her, it is then adjusted for her and she is independent in this process.  Thanks for posting this and yes, I remember our earlier discussion.  I'm glad the magazine had this article.  I hope this discussion is helpful to others who may need to think about this stuff.  It's not what we prefer, but we can make it work for changes as they occur.  If we as consumers push the builder and realtors for these features, it will be an option in new houses.  We have the power.  Let's use it.