As mobility changes over time, your bathroom can become a daily challenge to overcome. The good news? With the right bathroom designs for seniors, you can create a space that prioritizes both safety and comfort while maintaining the beauty you love.
At Saffer Plumbing, we offer a wide range of bathroom plumbing services for showers, bathtubs, toilets, and more. Our team helps homeowners implement their senior-friendly bathroom designs so that they can age in place with confidence and style.
Ready to explore how your bathroom can work better for you? Let’s dive into the key elements that make all the difference.
Safety-First Layout Choices
A thoughtfully planned floor plan is the first step in effective fall prevention and guaranteeing ease of use. For example, ample open floor space is crucial, particularly if a wheelchair or walker is part of your daily life. A five-foot turning radius is a good benchmark for wheelchair accessibility.
Also, think about creating clear, wide pathways between the door, sink, toilet, and shower. This removes any potential hazard and makes moving around simpler.
Walk-In Showers and Bathtubs
The high wall of a traditional tub can present a significant risk for a slip and fall. This is why an accessible bathtub or a walk-in shower with a low or zero threshold is an excellent update for your bathroom. Even a curbless shower floor can make entry and exit seamless, especially for those with mobility aids. You can then pair your shower with a built-in bench or a portable shower chair for another layer of security and comfort.
Grab Bars and Handrails
Strategically placing grab bars throughout your bathroom can prevent accidents. We recommend installing bars near the toilet, inside the shower, and along any walls where you might need stability. And you don’t have to worry about the room’s aesthetics. There are many options available with attractive finishes that complement your interior design rather than scream “medical equipment.”
Comfort-Height Toilets
Standard toilets sit lower than most people find comfortable, especially as joint flexibility decreases. Comfort-height accessible toilets, also called ADA-compliant models, position the toilet seat at chair height, making sitting and standing much easier.
Easy-to-Use Faucets and Fixtures
Twisting small, round knobs can be difficult for anyone with arthritis or limited hand strength. Faucets with a single lever handle are a fantastic alternative. You can often operate them with the back of your hand or wrist. This simple change at the sink and in the shower greatly improves usability and helps maintain independence.
Lighting for Visibility
Bright, layered lights reduce shadows where hazards could hide. A dedicated light fixture inside the shower can improve visibility. And backlit mirrors and rocker-style light switches, which are easier to operate than small toggles, make getting ready in the morning and at night much easier.
Storage and Accessibility Solutions
Keeping everyday items within easy reach prevents unnecessary bending and stretching. Open shelving, pull-out drawers in vanities, and a recessed niche in the shower wall are all great ideas. For wheelchair accessibility, a wall-mounted or pedestal sink instead of a standard vanity creates open space for an easier approach.
Why You Should Hire a Professional for Bathroom Plumbing Upgrades
While DIY projects might seem appealing, bathroom remodeling touches on electrical, plumbing, and structural systems that can create serious problems if handled incorrectly. Professional contractors, on the other hand, bring the expertise needed to create safe, code-compliant installations that protect your investment and keep you and your loved ones safe in the long term.
Make Your Bathroom Safer, Smarter, and Senior-Friendly Today
Don’t wait for an injury or accident to prompt bathroom renovations. Proactive changes today can give you time to adjust to new features while you’re still mobile and independent. Contact Saffer Plumbing today to discuss your bathroom remodel ideas and learn how we can support your efforts by handling all of the plumbing installations.