8 Tips for Making Your Bathroom Aging-in-Place Friendly

If you’re in the process of remodeling your home to make it more “aging-in-place friendly,” the bathroom is one room you definitely can’t ignore. Not only do the privacy needs of your bathroom make independence even more desirable, but slippery tile and inaccessible showers can make this space especially high-risk. So, where do you start?

We’ve compiled a list of our eight best tips for designing an aging-in-place bathroom.

Widen the Doorway

While this may not always be possible depending on your particular space, choosing the widest door possible allows for easier entry for bathroom users with canes, walkers and wheelchairs.

Invest in a Higher Toilet

Depending on the length of your legs, this can make getting up and down easier. Look for models labeled with “Adult Height” as opposed to “standard height” and see which option works best for you.

Consider Cabinet and Sink Vanity Height

There are a few different options to consider as you remodel your sink vanity. While a taller vanity can help ease back pain from bending over, a lower countertop with knee space underneath may be preferable for seated use.

Design a Shower With Seating

Make sure your new shower is either large enough to fit a portable shower chair or mounted fold down seat. Alternatively, if it’s possible, consider building a permanent bench seat into the shower.

Think About Your Shower Entrance

A “curb-less” or “roll-in” shower is an option to make entering the shower more accessible. However, this option may come with a little extra clean up, since water will likely end up splashing outside the curtain.

Select Textured Floor Tile

Choosing a tile with some texture can help minimize slipping and reduce fall risk. You may even want to choose tile that is differently colored than the flooring in connecting rooms so your eyes can better visually adjust to the transition.

Prioritize Lighting

Speaking of adjusting visually, a well-lit bathroom is key to increasing safety. Make sure the lighting over the sink, shower and toilet area is bright enough to spot potentially hazardous puddles.

Build in Fall Protection

Adding grab bars to your bathroom adds an extra level of security and balance assistance. Carefully consider where you may need grab bars the most—next to the toilet, in the shower or along the walls by your sink are great places to start.

For more information on how to make your bathroom as aging-in-place friendly as possible, download our free Aging-in-Place guide.