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6 Aging-In-Place Bathroom Remodeling Tips

by Andrew Saladino
April 11, 2021

 Vanity with a bathroom sink and gold faucet.

You’ve made countless memories in your home, which is why it can be a difficult decision to leave when it no longer serves your needs. Luckily, aging-in-place remodeling allows you to enjoy your home for many years to come ? no matter the age or mobility restrictions. Redesigning your bathroom for aging-in-place allows you to customize your space in a way that caters to all your changing needs.

With the right aging-in-place bathroom design, you’ll not only be able to create more lasting memories in your home, but you’ll increase your safety, comfort, and convenience. Here are our top six aging-in-place bathroom remodeling tips.

1) Configure a Spacious Bathroom Layout

Configuring a spacious bathroom layout.

Before choosing the ideal shower and flooring for your new bathroom, you must design a spacious layout with ample room for you to move about freely. It’s always best to give yourself more room than you currently need. For instance, you’ll want to consider any space constraints that may impede the movement of a wheelchair. With a wheelchair, do you have enough room to rotate a full 360 degrees by the shower, toilet, or sink? Understand the desired flow of the space and create a bathroom layout that accommodates your aging-in-place needs.

2) Install a Safe and Accessible Shower

Accessible low threshold shower with tile flooring and shower seat.

As you age, it becomes more difficult (and dangerous!) to get in and out of the shower. Consider installing a low threshold shower, also known as a walk-in shower. With a walk-in shower, you won’t need to worry about slipping on the damp floors as you lift your leg over the side of the tub to get in or out of the shower. In some instances, you may need a shower that is accessible for someone in a wheelchair. Another option is to install a curbless shower, which doesn’t have a lip around the shower at all ? allowing the wheelchair to roll straight into the shower before getting situated on a shower seat.

Another popular design element of an aging-in-place bathroom design is built-in shower seating. Whether you or our partner need to sit in the shower or choose to do so for added safety, a shower seat makes it easy for you to bathe and reduce the chance of slipping or hurting yourself.

3) Consider Extras like Grab Bars & Handheld Showerheads

Adjustable handheld showerhead, shower seat, and grab bars.

Water is extremely slippery, which is why slips and falls are extremely common in bathrooms! When designing your updated bathroom, it’s important to consider installing grab bars in the shower and throughout the room to offer extra leverage as you enter and exit the shower, use the toilet, or navigate a damp bathroom. Grab bars provide an added layer of safety in your aging-in-place bathroom design.

While grab bars work wonders to make your shower safer, a handheld showerhead is a convenient aging-in-place amenity that makes it more comfortable for those with limited mobility to bathe. Whether you want to adjust the height of your showerhead for better access to the water or you’re washing while sitting on your shower seat, a handheld showerhead enables you to move the water around your body comfortably.

4) Improve Mobility with Textured Flooring

Textured tile flooring with a bath mat.

Did you know that the most common room in the home for falls to happen is in the bathroom? As we age, slips and falls become more dangerous ? what once might have left you with a slight bruise can result in a more serious injury. That’s why you need to do everything in your power to reduce the chances of slipping. While grab bars are a great option to provide added safety measures, your flooring selection can also make a big difference when getting your bathroom ready for aging in place.

While bath mats can help spruce up the look of the bathroom and make navigating the bathroom safer for someone worried about mobility, it doesn’t solve the root of the problem. Instead of opting for sleek floors that become extra slippery when wet and covering them with bath mats, install textured tile or vinyl flooring that offers some additional grip beneath your feel. Another option is to install rubber flooring, which doesn’t become slippery when exposed to water. However, rubber flooring isn’t as attractive as tile or vinyl and is oftentimes more expensive.

5) Utilize Easy-to-Reach Storage

Ample storage in an aging-in-place bathroom design.

As we get older, it becomes more difficult to access high shelving or low-to-the-ground cabinets in your bathroom. Instead of reaching for a step stool and putting your safety at risk, considering designing your aging-in-place bathroom with easily accessible storage drawers and cabinets at more comfortable heights.

Consider the items that will need to be stored in your bathroom ? towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, shampoo, soap, and more. Instead of having them stored on the top shelf which requires you to climb or a low cabinet that forces you to bend over, install easy-to-reach storage at the optimal height. This allows you to comfortably access everything you need without risking your safety or comfort.

6) Illuminate the Room for Added Visibility

Bathroom vanity with backlit mirrors.

One of the most important components of any well-designed bathroom is adequate lighting. When designing your aging-in-place bathroom layout, determine which areas of the room will receive natural night from windows and which areas may need artificial illumination. Ensuring you have optimal illumination at all times is essential as our eyesight begins deteriorating over time.

Once you’ve determined whether you prefer cool lights or warm lights, you can begin selecting fixtures and where you want extra illumination to support deteriorating vision. Depending on the amount of natural light in the bathroom, you may want to consider adding lighting elements inside of your storage cabinets to improve visibility. Another option is to install soft lighting that automatically turns on and stays on throughout the night, ensuring you can make it in and out of the bathroom safely when it’s dark outside. And if you’re looking to reduce glare from the lighting, install them behind your vanity mirror for a luxurious effect.

By incorporating each of these six aging-in-place bathroom remodeling tips, you’ll not only create a safer space for you as you age but enhance the overall comfort of your home to last you through retirement and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aging In Place Bathrooms

What is aging in place?

Aging in place is the act of remaining “in place” in your home as you get older instead of moving to a new residence that better accommodates your needs. Aging-in-place design allows you to create a spacious and livable layout that promotes ease of use and safety.

Is aging-in-place bathroom remodeling expensive?

An aging-in-place bathroom remodel is no more expensive than a standard bathroom remodel. Whether you’re reconfiguring the layout to allow for enhanced mobility, installing an accessible shower, or adding additional storage for easy access, the cost will reflect the number of changes you make ? there isn’t any upcharge because the modifications are health-related.

When should I schedule an aging-in-place remodel?

There isn’t a right or wrong time to reconfigure your bathroom. While you may not feel the need for grab bars or a handheld showerhead just yet, you will still reap their benefits as soon as they are installed. If you plan to remain in your home and age “in place,” you can invest in the remodel sooner rather than later. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the more expensive the cost of remodeling can get over time.

Can I add aging-in-place elements one at a time?

Yes, if you’re not ready for a full-on renovation you can begin making subtle changes in your bathroom until you’re ready for an aging-in-place remodel. Some of the easiest elements to add are a handheld showerhead, improved lighting, and a shower seat.

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