Four Bathroom Design Tips for Aging In Place
We’re staying into our homes for longer and longer into our lifetimes, and there are certain design choices that can be made that make the aging in place process easier. The bathroom can be one of the trickiest places because of the slick surfaces and water. Below are four tips if you’re looking to renovate a bathroom either for yourself as you age in your home, or for a parent or loved one as they do.
Curb-less or frameless showers are easier to navigate
While they do a better job of containing water, showers without the frame or curb, having one less step to navigate especially around water can help to prevent slips and falls. Depending on the size of a shower opening, this also can allow for a wheelchair to be wheeled into a shower.
Choose small format tile and honed tile to prevent slippage
A small format tile means a smaller scale tile like a mosaic rather than larger 12x12 pieces. Why? The smaller pieces you have means the more grout lines you have, and that will all add traction underfoot.
Another way to prevent slips and falls is to choose honed tiles rather than polished. The surface has added texture which makes it much less slippery, especially when water is involved.
Add a shower bench
Having a place to sit down while showering can be great help to those as they are aging. The best thing to fabricate these out of is a stone slab - either natural stone or manmade.
Add Grab Bars
Quite a few plumbing supply companies offer grab bars that coordinate with their bathroom plumbing suites - some are dual use bathroom tissue holders / towel bars and grab bars as well. Check the rating on what you purchase and make sure it will have the weight support you need, but if aging in place is a long-term concern and you’re looking at a bathroom renovation, I would recommend putting in a dual-use item so you have it as an option.
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