We actually got there! I'm not entirely sure how useful it was looking at the various shower units for disabled people, but at least it did clarify some ideas. We now know we definitely want a flat entrance into the shower. Even a small step, which may be negotiable now, is likely to cease to be so before long.
The one thing that really got to us was that the demonstrator was determined that we needed a shower with glass waist down, shower curtain above. This is in order to make it easier for someone else to be on the dry side of the glass to wash the person in the shower. Clearly, to her mind, anyone in a wheelchair needs such a person.
I cannot see any reason why my disability should necessitate such a person. I may increasingly need help to get in & out of the shower. But my disability only affects my knees. It's unlikely to spread to the rest of my body, so there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to reach around to wash myself. Therefore I do not see why we need these rather ugly, hospitally styled, shower doors. We would much prefer a normal shower unit, preferably glassed up to the ceiling, something elegant, stylish & modern that has a seat & grab rails in it. In other words something that is an asset to our property, a pleasure to use, & not a deterrent for future purchasers if we should ever want to sell up.
No decisions have been made. A rep is due to ring this morning to arrange a day to come to measure up & draw up a design to fit our room. We'll see what he comes up with.
Meanwhile I think I will contact the other two companies the Occupational Therapist recommended to see if they would come & draw up some designs so we have something to compare with, both from the point of view of design & price. I even noticed in the local free magazine that came yesterday a local firm advertising which specialises in bathrooms for disabled people so we may even visit them & their showroom.
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