5 Tips for Designing an Aging-in-Place Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most potentially hazardous parts of the home for adults who wish to age-in-place. With floors that can get slippery and spaces that are small and difficult to maneuver, the bathroom is one of the most critical spaces to consider when updating your home to be aging-in-place friendly.

However, despite these potential dangers, the bathroom is also a necessity, so it’s often where we recommend people begin their aging-in-place updates. Here are five tips to consider as you enter the design process:

Don’t be afraid of color

An aging-in-place bathroom doesn’t have to look bland and institutional. On the contrary, bright and contrasting colors can help create important visual cues, like where the shower floor and wall meet, for example.

Widen doorways

A wider entrance to your bathroom can help accommodate assistive devices like canes, walkers and wheel chairs. Bathroom doors are commonly only 24’’ wide, but consider choosing the widest door possible for your unique home design and situation.

Replace your toilet with a taller model

Having a higher toilet can make getting up and down easier. You might even want to consider testing a few out in person to see what feels most comfortable.

Make your shower more accessible

The shower is typically the part of the bathroom that causes the most concern for older adults. To make it a safer space, consider designing a larger shower that has space for a seat and includes a curbless or “roll-in” entry. This will eliminate the obstacle of stepping over a lip, which can be a tripping hazard.

Add in fall protection handles

Think carefully about where in your bathroom you may need balance assistance and install grab bars for added stability. Common spots for grab bars are by the toilet and on the inside and outside of the shower.

With just a few small tweaks and design updates, you can transform your bathroom from a dangerous slipping zone to a secure and comfortable space you can use for many years to come.

For more tips on aging-in-place design, download our free guide.