Choosing Between an Accessible Bathroom or a Wetroom
- kirstiekalonji
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
What housing professionals and OTs need to consider
When you're responsible for planning a home adaptation, one of the first questions is whether a wetroom or an accessible bathroom is the right call. The answer often depends on the resident’s mobility, the existing property layout, and how the space will be used now and in the future.
At PROCare, we work with housing officers, local authorities and occupational therapists every day to find the right fit - from full wetroom refits to adapted bathrooms or modular options like the TRU Cubicle.
What is an accessible bathroom?
An accessible bathroom is a traditional setup with some adapted features. It keeps the bath or standard layout, but includes things like:
Grab rails
Shower chairs
Fold-down seats
Raised toilets
Low step showers or bath lifts
It’s a solid choice when the space is limited or when the resident’s mobility is moderate but changing. It suits general needs without full structural work.
Common in:
Upper floor flats with no lift
Older properties with limited scope for drainage changes
Temporary or mid-stage mobility concerns
What is a wetroom?
A wetroom is a fully waterproof space, with a level access shower area and open layout. It’s designed for wheelchair users or those with progressive conditions, and makes daily routines much safer.
Features often include:
Non-slip flooring and built-in drainage
Full or half-height screens
Wall-mounted or wheeled shower chairs
Wider turning space
Best suited for:
Wheelchair users
Long-term health conditions
Ground floor living with space to reconfigure
Homes being future proofed for ageing in place
What about hard-to-adapt homes?
Not every property is ideal for a full wetroom or bathroom refurb. That’s where the TRU Cubicle comes in - a self-contained accessible shower and WC pod that can be installed in a downstairs room with minimal disruption.
No structural work required
Installed in around 2 days
Ideal for hospital discharge or urgent DFG-funded adaptations
Reusable and relocatable
“The TRU Cubicle gives us a way to deliver independence quickly and respectfully when a traditional adaptation just isn’t practical.”
– Stephen Lee, Trusted Assessor & Surveyor at PROCare
Key decision points for professionals
When assessing which route to take, consider:
Long-term use – Is this short-term rehab or a permanent need?
Carer involvement – Will support be needed?
Space and structure – Can the home accommodate a wetroom?
Resident preference – What makes the person feel safe and comfortable?
Project speed – Is this a planned adaptation or a fast-track hospital discharge?
Working with a supplier like PROCare means you can talk through all of this with a team that’s used to navigating real-life constraints - and finding practical, cost-effective answers.
Full support, from start to finish
At PROCare, we support housing professionals with:
In-house occupational therapists and Trusted Assessors
Survey and specification team
Supply and next day delivery
Ongoing support
We help get adaptations right from day one – whether you're working on a single bathroom or managing a full programme of works.
Need advice on your next housing adaptation project?
01942 206004