Bathroom remodels to age in place can have a host of great benefits
If you’re excited about new bathroom remodels and want to add accessible features, you’re in the right place.
The majority of older Americans want to age in place (meaning, stay in the home of their choice as they grow older) and are thinking about accessible remodeling to help with that goal.
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel in anticipation of a time in life that you’ll need accessibility options (and, maybe, some extra help), it is best to do it now versus later when there may be an emergency need.
An accessible bathroom is actually a smart way to enhance your quality of life as you grow older.
Why bathroom remodels?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 235,000 people over age 15 visit emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom, and almost 14 percent are hospitalized. More than a third of the injuries happen while bathing or showering. And, moe than 14 percent occur while using the toilet.
Injuries increase with age, peaking after 85, the researchers found. But injuries around the tub or shower are proportionately most common among those ages 15 to 24 and least common among those over 85. People over 85 suffer more than half of their injuries near the toilet.
Now, no one wants to talk about things like that, but if you’re planning to stay in your home as long as you can while you grow older, it is an important subject to not only think about, but also discuss with your family.
How an accessible bathroom helps
An accessible bathroom is vital for people who are older. (And, truth be told, for anyone who wants a bathroom that is easier to use and more safe.) It is even more important if you have recently fallen or were diagnosed with a chronic condition that resulted in a mobility issue.
Modern bathrooms (indeed, the entire house) was probably not made to be functional for anyone over 25 years old. The design is not built for older people and is not safe.
In order to have a bathroom (or home) that is “aging in place” ready, you’ll have to make renovations that are accessible and focused on home safety. The great part is, accessible design doesn’t have to look like a facility … they can be beautiful, functional and reflect your style.
If you come up with the right plan (while working with a seasoned professional remodeler with skills in accessibility), you can create a bathroom or home that is fully accessible, easy to use and much more enjoyable for you.
Bathroom remodels – features
Here’s a brief (and, not exhaustive) guide to creating an accessible bathroom.
Bathroom door
A bathroom standard door should be 32” wide, according to The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). That means that you can get a wheelchair in and out of it, easily. (That also means that navigating that doorway is easier for using any assistive device, such as a cane, walker or motorized chair.) Not that you may ever need one, but you may. Planning for that is a smart move, if you want to stay in your home longer.
This should also include a completely flush (flat to the floor) entry. Meaning, there should be no transition (lip) over the threshold of the door into the bathroom.
Bathroom size
According to the ADA, the open bathroom space (turning radius) should be 60” in diameter. There also are important measurements around a toilet to allow for accessibility. This makes sure that everyone (of any age or ability) can maneuver in the space as needed. When bathroom remodels are on your project list, this should be a must.
Roll-under sinks
In order to insure that anyone (whether in a wheelchair or not) can use a sink area properly, there should be a roll-under sink area. This means you can either use a chair (or other seating), as well as a wheelchair, while using the sink area.
Essentially, this equates to a vanity … where you can have a chair, do make-up, hair, shave or other daily activities. You also can use another type of sink area other than a vanity, including a pedestal sink. Although, those often times leave less room for the products or utensils you may use on a daily basis, due to counter space.
Regardless of counter space, you should choose to have a lever handled faucet or (at best) a motion or touch-sensitive faucet. These allow you to use the faucet without having to deal with turn handles or other configurations to get the water turned on.
Accessible toilets
Obviously, the amount of space around the toilets matter. As you grow older or have physical limitations, more space may be needed. Having ample space around the toilet will just make life easier. If you need space for a walker, wheelchair or even space to maneuver the bathroom, leaving extra space will be helpful.
Grab bars
So many people think that the idea of grab bars is taboo. The truth is, grab bars can help everyone. Having a grab bar (or balance bar) in the shower, outside the shower, near the toilet and even at the sink can make life easier for everyone.
Accessible shower entry
The only way to create a fully accessible shower (or, bathroom) is to ensure that the shower area has no impedance (no-step) into the shower area. This will help you to achieve a higher level of independence, as well as make it easier to shower when you are older.
The fact is, most of the falls that happen, happen in the bathroom. A large portion of those are due to trying to step over the tub side when getting into the shower.
You can change that paradigm by ensuring that there is no step into the shower and creating a shower area that has a floor flush with the existing bathroom floor.
When you’re thinking about the shower, also consider a stand-alone, built-in or fold-down bench. These areas make it easier to take a shower when you’re older, as well as provide a means for you to shave your legs (or wash them), have a place to set things you are using or just rest if you need a break. They also will make it easier much later in life when you might have someone coming in to help you bathe.
Bathroom remodels create the right accessible space for you
At Inprosfl, we can help you create the accessible bathroom that you may need now or in the future. From handicap accessibility to aging in place, we can help design and build the bathroom of your dreams, while making it completely functional for your life.
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