As we and our loved ones age, it becomes increasingly important to have access to living spaces that promote independence, safety, and accessibility without sacrificing appeal. There are many ways to embrace aging in your own space (also known as “aging in place”) and make your home more accessible as your needs evolve. Bathrooms, in particular, often pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility and increased risk of accidents.
The DR Design & Remodel team is here to show you that with thoughtful remodeling and design choices, it’s possible to transform bathrooms into functional and stylish spaces that cater to your evolving or future mobility needs.
Space, Space, and More Space!
When remodeling a bathroom for aging in place, one of the key considerations is to ensure ample space for maneuverability. You should consider planning for the use of assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, or walkers. Clear space is required to accommodate these devices around essential bathroom fixtures. If your home lacks a bathroom on the main level, you may want to consider adding one through remodeling. Additionally, while many people will make the most dramatic updates to their primary bathroom, it is advisable to consider simple accessibility updates to all bathrooms used regularly.
- Consider planning for the use of assistive devices, which need clear space
- Does the main floor of your home have a full bath?
- Accessibility updates for frequently used bathrooms
Grab On! The Helping Hand of Grab Bars for Enhanced Safety
Gone are the days of cold, metallic eyesore bars, and welcome into today’s world where grab bars come in various styles and colors, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the bathroom décor. Installing grab bars in a home is relatively simple and can greatly enhance safety and assist individuals with standing, sitting, and maintaining balance. In the bathroom, grab bars can be placed near the toilet to aid with sitting and standing, as well as in the tub or shower to facilitate safe entry and exit. These bars are not limited to bathrooms alone but can also be beneficial in bedrooms, hallways, and other areas requiring standing or walking assistance.
While you may not need a grab bar today, future you or a loved one may! To future-proof the bathroom during a remodel, you should consider installing bracing in the walls surrounding the tub, shower, and toilet. This preparation will ensure that the walls can support grab bars when needed, eliminating the need for additional remodeling down the line. Also, it’s important to choose grab bars that have a textured surface for easy gripping and can support ample weight.
- Grab bars are meant to enhance safety and ease of maneuverability
- New models seamlessly fit into your décor
- Adding wall bracing can be a future benefit if grab bars aren’t needed right now
- Grab bars can be useful in any room in the home
Walk-in Bathtubs (Rubber Duckies Sold Separately!)
Water + soap + tub walls the size of Olympic hurdles are an intimidating combination for the reward of a warm bath. Installing a walk-in tub can help improve safety and reduce one of the major obstacles for seniors in the bathroom. These tubs have low thresholds, making them easy to access for individuals with limited mobility. We partner with leading manufacturers of walk-in tubs and offer a wide selection to fit your needs and budget.
Bonus Tip: Incorporating a hand-held showerhead makes bathing more manageable, especially for those with arthritis.
Curbless Shower & Wheelchair Accessible Doors
Curbless showers eliminate the need for a threshold and this highly accessible design allows easy entry for individuals, including those using wheelchairs. Transparent shower walls improve visibility and create an aesthetically pleasing look, as well. Keep in mind that modifying the floor with a slope to prevent water from flowing outside the shower area may be necessary. We also offer effective, soft-sided inserts that help keep the water inside of the shower.
Bonus Tip: Installing an adjustable shower head allows users to customize the height and position, catering to their individual needs and comfort. Combining it with a hand-held shower head and a shower seat offers added functionality and safety, making bathing more convenient.
Another tip is to ensure your bathroom door is wheelchair accessible by widening it to accommodate mobility devices. ADA standards propose a minimum width of 32 inches. Choosing lever handles on the door should make them easier to operate with just one hand as well. Ensure there is sufficient space for turning, regardless of the direction the door swings.
Non-Slip Bathroom Floors and Lowering Fixtures
Slippery floors pose a significant risk in the bathroom, particularly for seniors. Slip-resistant floor tiles with a textured surface are a useful way to enhance safety. Additionally, consider using non-slip mats and rugs to prevent falls and accidents. Non-slip rugs with rubber padding can be an effective way to keep the rug in place.
If you anticipate the need for wheelchair accessibility, it is worthwhile to consider adjusting the height of bathroom fixtures such as sinks, mirrors, and cabinets to ensure they are easily accessible. Lower cabinets and open shelves are preferable for storing toiletries, while wall-mounted sinks allow wheelchair users to approach the basin comfortably.
Toilet, the Age-Old Question – What is the Right Height?
Our team thinks about toilets more than you’d expect (stop by our showroom and you’ll see the top-of-the-line, self-sanitizing toilet in all its glory). While you may have never considered the “optimal” height for this centerpiece bathroom fixture, it is certainly something worth thinking about. The height of the toilet can significantly impact the comfort and safety in any bathroom.
Two common options for achieving the ideal height are replacing the toilet with an appropriate model or using a seat extender. The latter is the more cost-effective solution that can be easily purchased at a local home healthcare store or big box retailer. During a bathroom remodel, it’s important to choose the right toilet based on the users’ needs and adjust its height accordingly. However, it’s worth noting that a handicap-accessible toilet may not be suitable for everyone, as it can introduce new challenges based on a person’s height and abilities.
Additional considerations for toilets include installing a one-handed changing toilet paper holder and ensuring its accessibility from various positions. Moreover, a toilet/bidet combination can significantly enhance hygiene and may be worth considering as an alternative during toilet replacements. Yes, we told you, we think a lot about toilets!
Curious About ADA Compliance?
If you’re looking for specific guidelines on ADA compliance, we encourage you to visit the government website www.ada.gov for up-to-date resources, regulations, specifications, and more. Our team is experienced with ADA-compliant spaces, be it for a bathroom or otherwise, and we would be thrilled to help you create an ADA-compliant living space.
Being able to enjoy your home as you age is something people focus on more and more these days. For most people being able to comfortably age in their home can make a tremendous difference in their quality of life. Creating an aging-in-place bathroom requires careful consideration of accessibility and safety. By incorporating these essential remodeling ideas, you can transform your bathroom into a functional space that supports independence and well-being. Whether it’s installing a walk-in tub or adding grab bars, each element plays a crucial role in enhancing the usability and safety of the bathroom. Prioritizing accessibility and safety allows individuals to age in place with confidence, maintaining their independence and enjoying their daily routines.