As we age, our home that once felt comfortable and convenient starts to produce challenges. Bathrooms can especially become hazardous as we age and our mobility changes. With the right knowledge and planning, you can achieve a bathroom that is stylish while also being safe and functional for long-term living. Aging in place is about creating a home that grows with you and addresses your need for independence without sacrificing aesthetics. Let’s review some options for a bathroom renovation that will turn your dated bathroom into a modern, comfortable, safe space for every stage of life.
Curbless Showers
Curbless showers offer a seamless look where the tile continues directly into the shower area with no lip or step. This design on trend while allowing for easy access into the shower area. You can complete the look with a sleek glass surround to give the bathroom an open, bright look. Curbless showers are completely customizable in size, making it easy to add accessibility accessories, such as railings, if needed.
Shower Benches or Seats
Make showering more accessible by adding a built-in bench into the design of a curbless shower or installing a removable shower seat. Having the option to sit down mid-shower can be useful to those with mobility issues. There are plenty of design options for adding a built-in shower bench that will fit your overall bathroom renovation vision.
Accessibility Accessories
Include grab bars and grips to your bathroom renovation to add safety and peace of mind to your routine. Bathroom floors are notoriously slippery when wet; having something secure to hold on to for balance can dramatically reduce the chances of a slip and fall. Bathroom grab bars come in a wide variety of sizes and styles to seamlessly match your bathroom aesthetic.
Layered Lighting
While a low-lit bathroom may create a soothing, calm ambiance, for someone with low vision it can create a hazardous situation. Add multiple light sources to your bathroom renovation to make sure there’s enough light to safely go about your routine. Include pot lights, a vanity light fixture, and a backlit mirror to help you control how bright or dim you need the space to be.
Designing a bathroom with aging in place in mind is about more than just adding grab bars and brighter lighting. It’s about creating a space that feels safe, welcoming, and comfortable. These accessibility and safety options for your bathroom renovation will create a space that works for everybody, regardless of age or ability. Whether you’re planning for the inevitable or making the changes now, a well thought out bathroom renovation plan will ensure your independence for years to come.
