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Architectural Suggestions -- Bathrooms

Creator: Henry J. Toombs (author)
Date: September 1931
Publication: The Polio Chronicle
Source: Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Archives
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 2


Page 1:

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The relative locations of the fixtures in a bathroom can materially add to a Polio patient's comfort. Bathroom A. (See diagram) is an acceptable arrangement. Its important points are:

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The tub is placed away from the wall, that the patient's hands have space to grasp the rim on either side in entering or leaving. The foot of the tub is at least two feet from the adjacent wall, that a patient in chair may be backed into this space and more easily helped into the tub. (Should the bathroom be arranged for a patient whose left arm is stronger, the tub should be placed on the opposite side of the room.)

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The water-closet is placed between tub and lavatory that the patient may assist himself by grasping the rim of either.

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The lavatory should be placed that the patient can approach it from directly in front or at a slight angle.

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Also, the bathroom should be sufficiently large that a wheel chair may be easily turned around.

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Bathroom B (see diagram) has proved to be an excellent arrangement for a Polio who prefers a shower. The floor has a drain. For a shower, the patient sits on the water-closet seat and has a needle shower attached to a rubber hose, with its mixing valve conveniently located at hand.

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The toilet seat is preferred to a stool or chair in that it prevents the dangerous possibility of slipping.

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The corner lavatory in this instance is quite convenient.

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