Designing the Perfect Bathroom for Elderly Living Independently

image of a beautiful bathroom with overlay text of designing the perfect bathroom

Andrew - 10 Dec 2024

Does functional necessarily imply dullness? In terms of design, there are several methods to combine safety with style in bathrooms. Ensuring the space is reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional can assist elders' sense of being more autonomous.

It might be challenging for elderly citizens to use the toilet, faucets, shower, and bathtub in a safe and efficient manner. Standing in a shower for extended periods of time is impossible for those who have impaired their strength and mobility, and getting in and out of a bathtub is dangerous.

What does independent living entail?

When someone is able to take care of oneself without help, they are said to be independent. For the old and disabled of course, that isn't always feasible. Nonetheless, granting as much autonomy as possible is great for self-assurance and independence.

Making the space fit the demands of the person entails developing an environment in which they can live freely. Having to deal with a home that isn't made for those with mobility concerns is preferable to this. It makes it possible for those with limited mobility to perform daily duties or activities without assistance.

Senior-Friendly Bathroom Options

Install faucets with levers: Lever faucets eliminate twisting and turning, which can be challenging for elderly people. Faucets that are actuated by the foot are among the hundreds of designs available. Even while installing a new faucet isn't as hard as it used to be, it's still a great idea to consult a professional before performing any plumbing repairs yourself.
Invest in a shower head sprayer attachment: Having a shower head that you can disconnect and carry in your hand makes bathing tremendously easy. It also eliminates the need to stand when showering, which is definitely beneficial for those who have trouble standing over extended periods of time. Elderly persons who are able to sit and shower are also more independent.
Get rails and grab bars installed: This is among the simplest and most economical methods to make your bathroom more senior-friendly. Installing grab bars and rails in the bathtub, shower, and next to the toilet facilitates bathing and toilet use for both the caregiver and the toilet owner. You can hire someone to place the grab bars and rails, or you can do it yourself.
Increase the toilet's height: For elders, even a three-inch height increase on the toilet can have a significant impact. There are numerous ways to increase the toilet's height. You can either replace your old toilet with a 'Comfort Height' toilet or just use a thick toilet seat to elevate the height of your current toilet. Once more, you have the option of calling a plumber or doing this yourself with ease
Bathtub Cushions for Extra Protection: With an Innovative Bathtub Cushion, seniors may now enjoy long, soothing baths. By supporting posture and releasing stress in muscles and joints, these cushions will eliminate the discomforts that frequently accompany sitting on a cold, hard surface and offer therapeutic advantages.
Rugs and non-slip bath mats: Another simple strategy to avoid restroom falls is this one. Seniors can avoid falls by placing a non-slip bathtub cushion in the shower and a non-slip rug on the floor outside the shower. This also helps to minimize any slippage after the senior exits the shower. A less expensive alternative for tub bottoms and shower pans is non-slip tape.
Walk-in baths and curbless showers: Curbless showers offer safer access for seniors who have difficulty lifting their legs. For the senior and the caregiver, switching from a wheelchair to a shower seat can be made simple and straightforward with a curbless shower. There are numerous alternatives for creating a walk-in bathtub or curbless shower. Either do it yourself or purchase and have a prefabricated unit fitted. Installing a modern unit has the benefit of being especially made for senior care.

To sum up...

Creating an adaptable bathroom for aging in place requires thoughtful planning, personalized assessments, and adherence to universal design principles. By implementing the strategies and recommendations outlined in this article, homeowners can design a space that is safe, comfortable, and functional for seniors, fostering independence and enhancing their quality of life. Incorporating accessible design elements into bathroom renovations or new construction projects not only promotes aging in place but also ensures long-term comfort, safety, and well-being.