A bathroom remodel geared toward aging in place (or universal design) is different from one intended for aesthetics. When designing a bathroom for aging in place, your top considerations are safety, comfort and ease of use. Here are some suggestions for this type of renovation.
First-Floor Accessibility
Many older two-story houses have one bathroom and it’s located on the second floor. For your safety and convenience, it’s a good idea to build a bathroom on the ground floor. While not every home has that much space to give up, you should consider that the benefits of having a first-floor accessible bathroom outweigh other concerns. Convert a room or at least part of it into a bathroom.
Curbless Shower & Walk-In Tub
It’s important to avoid slip-and-fall accidents in the bathroom. For anyone with mobility challenges, a curbless shower remodel can help reduce such risks. Another option is to replace a traditional bathtub with a walk-in tub. This type of tub has a small door for easier and safer entry and exit. There are also models designed for hydrotherapy for relaxing muscles and joints.
Levers Instead of Knobs
You can make these adjustments for the door, window and bathroom fixtures. Round knobs are often painful for arthritic or weak hands to operate. Levers are easier and more comfortable. There are even levers designed for elbow, knee or foot operation.
Better Lighting
It’s safer and easier to navigate a bathroom if there are no shadowy areas. This is why windows are very important. Daylighting can make your bathroom brighter and also contribute to better mood and overall health. But since you also use a bathroom at any hour of the day or night, the placement and type of artificial lights also matter. Warm LED lights are better than harsh fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Work with your contractor to ensure the best placement of your lights. The switches should also be at a height that’s easy for you to reach, even if you are in a wheelchair. You can also equip some lights with motion sensors.
Non-Slip Floors
Another crucial addition to an aging-in-place bathroom is the right type of flooring. Non-slip floors all around should reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Your shower and tub should also have non-slip floors. You can also get adhesive anti-slip strips.
Seats, Benches & Stools
Seats and stools are useful for keeping your balance, dealing with fatigue and transferring into and out of a traditional tub. You can have built-in seats in your shower area. Your bathtub transferring stool is likely to be a removable piece with rubber (anti-slip) feet, but you can also discuss having one built-in by your bathroom contractors.
How Can We Help?
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Reno can help you achieve your dream of a universally accessible bathroom. Get in touch with us today at (775) 200-9232. You can also start a conversation here. We serve homeowners in Sparks, Incline Village, Spanish Springs, Verdi, Truckee, Lake Tahoe and Carson City.
