Aging in Place Design
Accessible Bathrooms with safety and dignity
Showers with Form and function
An aging in place bathroom is designed to meet the specific needs and challenges of older adults or individuals with limited mobility. Let us create a safe and accessible environment in your space. This will allow you to maintain your independence and perform daily activities with ease.
Aging in Place or "Accessible Bathroom" Must Haves
1. Grab Bars: Installing grab bars in strategic locations, such as near the toilet and inside the shower or bathtub, provides stability and support for older adults when standing up, sitting down, or moving around the bathroom. These bars are designed to bear weight and help prevent falls.
2. Walk-in Shower or Bathtub: A walk-in shower or bathtub eliminates the need to step over a high threshold. This reduces the risk of slips and falls. These accessible options typically have a low or no threshold entry, grab bars, built-in seating, and non-slip flooring. CHECK OUT OUR Curbless Entry Walk-In Showers!!!
3. Non-slip Flooring: Using non-slip flooring materials, such as textured tiles or non-slip mats, will help reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom. It provides better traction, even when the floor is wet. Textured surfaces are a must when designing for aging in place.
Unique and Convenient Design Considerations
1. Raised Toilet Seat: Installing a raised toilet seat makes it easier for older adults to sit down and stand up from the toilet. It reduces the strain on their knees and hips and promotes better balance.
2. Wheelchair Accessibility: Designing the bathroom with enough space to accommodate a wheelchair or mobility aid is important for individuals with mobility challenges. This includes wider doorways, open floor space, and a turning radius that allows easy maneuverability. While not all aging in place bathrooms require wheelchair accessibility, it should be considered.
3. Proper Lighting: Adequate lighting in the bathroom is essential for visibility and safety. Installing bright and well-placed lighting fixtures, including task lighting and motion-activated lights, will help older adults navigate the space more easily.
4. Lever Handles and Faucets: Lever handles and faucets are easier to use than traditional knobs. This is especially true for individuals with limited dexterity or arthritis. Lever handles require less grip strength and can be operated with a gentle push or pull.
5. Ample Storage and Organization: Accessible storage options, such as lower cabinets or open shelves, allow older adults to reach toiletries and other bathroom essentials without straining or bending down.
Grab Bars and Accessibility
Grab bars in a shower are an important safety feature that provide support and stability to individuals while bathing.
2. Installation: Grab bars in a shower are strategically installed in locations that offer the most support. Common areas for installation include the wall next to the shower entrance, along the back wall, and vertically near the shower controls. It is crucial to ensure proper installation by securely anchoring the grab bars to the wall studs. If studs are not available, use specialized mounting hardware designed for tile or fiberglass surfaces.
3. Design and Placement: Grab bars in a shower come in various designs, including straight bars, angled bars, and curved bars. The choice of design depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. Grab bars should be placed at a height and location that is easy to reach and provides maximum support. It is important to consider the user’s height and mobility limitations when determining the placement.
Get Started On Your Aging in Place Project
Looking for an Accessible Bathroom and Shower? Call us Now to discuss your aging in place needs!
