Transform Your Bathroom Into a Safe Haven: Essential Features That Make Aging in Place Both Comfortable and Stylish
As we age, our homes should evolve with us, and nowhere is this more important than in the bathroom. Each year, more than 10 percent of adults 65 and older have falls that result in injuries. Falls happen mostly at home and mainly in the bathroom, which can be a slippery space with hard surfaces. The good news is that with thoughtful planning and the right design features, you can create a bathroom that’s both safe and beautiful, allowing you to age comfortably in your own home.
Why Aging-in-Place Bathroom Design Matters
According to AARP, more than 75% of Americans over the age of 50 plan to continue living at home as they grow older. However, the bathroom actually tends to cause more injuries than the kitchen. More than two-thirds of home injury-related ER visits originate around the shower, bathtub, or toilet. For seniors aged 65 years or more, falls have proven to be the leading cause of injury, many of which occur in slippery bathroom spaces.
The key is planning ahead. “Anyone at any time can have something happen that prevents them from fully using their bathroom if it’s not designed accessibly,” says Jamie Gold, a certified aging in place specialist and a certified Mayo Clinic wellness coach based in San Diego. “You should do it regardless of your age or athleticism.”
Essential Safety Features for Senior-Friendly Bathrooms
Grab Bars: Your First Line of Defense
Installing grab bars throughout the bathroom can offer enhanced support for older adults with mobility issues. It’s recommended to place a grab bar around the toilet and in the shower/bathtub. You want to ensure that, regardless of where one is in the bathroom, seniors always have a support source if needed. Typically, grab bars need to support 250 – 300 pounds. For best results, grab bars should should have a texture to them for easy gripping.
Modern grab bars don’t have to look institutional. If chosen correctly, grab bars and rails can blend into the design, enhancing rather than detracting from the bathroom’s aesthetics.
Non-Slip Flooring Solutions
Wet, slippery floors are a natural byproduct of the bathroom and the activities that take place there, yet they are extremely hazardous, especially for individuals already struggling with mobility. About 81% of injuries sustained in the bathroom are the result of bad falls. You can help prevent potential injuries by installing non-slip floors during your universal design bathroom remodel.
The best flooring for an safe and functional bathroom is a tile with a high coefficient of friction (found on the spec sheet), with a slight texture. Smaller tiles with more grout lines are better than larger tiles. I think the wood and brick look tiles are perfect for an aging in place bathroom because many of them are textured, they are smaller, and there are more grout lines.
Curbless Showers and Walk-In Features
One of the most impactful modifications you can make is installing a curbless shower. “It’s something less to trip on for someone who might have balance, fatigue or issues,” says Gold. Regardless of age, “if your back is aching after 36 holes of golf on vacation and you’re not as flexible or agile as usual, having a shower designed for flexibility will help you.” A curbless shower will set you back $6,000 to $10,000.
Comfort and Accessibility Improvements
Proper Lighting Design
Senior eyes can certainly benefit from having more light in the bathroom, but it needs to be the right kind of light. Glare can be a problem for aging eyes, so it’s better to include a proper combination of ambient light and task-specific lighting. For example, placing side lighting on the mirrors is preferred compared to a bright overhead light. Make sure to include a night light for any late-night bathroom trips, as well.
Comfort Height Fixtures
Upgrading a standard 15-inch tall toilet to 17 to 19 inches offers more comfort and stability. A proper height makes it easier for someone with mobility issues, taller seniors, and on a homeowner’s back and knees.
Shower Seating and Handheld Options
An adjustable shower head (which moves to suit the height and position most comfortable for a user) is a great way to add accessibility to a bathroom. Combining it with a hand-held shower head creates an even more functional experience. Using these two in conjunction with a shower seat will make it much easier to bathe, while providing an increased level of safety.
Space Planning for Mobility
The floorplan of an age-in-place bathroom needs to maximize space for movement. For example, leaving 4 to 5 feet of space in front of the toilet makes it possible to turn a wheelchair 360 degrees. Similarly, navigation is easier with increased open space in front of vanities and larger shower enclosures.
Bathroom doors typically are 32 inches wide. Increasing width to 36 inches accommodates assistive devices, such as walkers and wheelchairs. These doors should open outward so that if anyone falls inside the bathroom, access isn’t blocked.
The Universal Design Approach
Universal design is a multi-generational design principle focused on making homes efficient, comfortable, and accessible for people of many ages and abilities. It takes into account the needs of everyone who shares your residence. “The great news is that aging in place and universal interior design has really come such a long way,” says Caroline Danielson, director of showrooms for Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. “We see a lot of manufacturers and homeowners really thinking about how to design for everybody. It doesn’t have to feel utilitarian.”
Working with Professionals
When planning your aging-in-place bathroom renovation, consider working with professionals who understand these specialized needs. A certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) is trained to understand the needs of older adults. They have completed specific training and certifications. A CAPS remodeler can modify the bathroom to meet an older person’s needs. They can also ensure that the design is suitable for everyone.
For homeowners in the North Texas area, A Plus Home Remodel offers comprehensive bathroom renovation services with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction. We pride our company on Reliability, Great Communication, Integrity, and Quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all of our projects, no matter how big or small. We are experts in our trade, and will always keep you educated on your particular task or project. Whether you’re considering a bathroom remodel bedford or anywhere in the Tarrant County area, their experienced team can help you create a space that meets both your current needs and future requirements.
Planning for the Future
If you are thinking about remodeling your bathroom, you might want to go ahead and install bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet even if you do not plan on installing grab bars now. This will get the walls prepared to support the grab bars when you are ready and keep you from additional remodeling later.
Most bathroom renovations that involve implementing a universal design into the space cost about $25,000 to $40,000. However, if you want a more luxurious space, you could be looking at closer to $75,000 to $125,000. While this represents a significant investment, the peace of mind and long-term benefits of staying in your own home make it worthwhile.
Conclusion
Creating an aging-in-place bathroom doesn’t mean sacrificing style for safety. With accessible design and universal design concepts, thoughtful planning, and the best safety features, age in place bathrooms can be functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. By incorporating these essential features now, you’re not just improving your current quality of life – you’re investing in your ability to remain independent and comfortable in your home for years to come. The key is to start planning early and work with experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements and design possibilities that make aging in place both safe and beautiful.