The bathroom can be a dangerous place for seniors, especially for those who have mobility issues. Accidents can be frequent when the floor is wet and slippery or when a senior has difficulty standing up from the toilet or getting in and out of the bathtub.
These seven tips for senior-friendly bathroom designs will help you make the bathroom safer and more functional for yourself or for an elderly loved one who needs some assistance.
Tip #1: Make sure the bathroom door is easy to open
When you design a senior-friendly bathroom, you first need to make sure the bathroom is easy to access. If the senior using the bathroom has a wheelchair, the door needs to be wide enough for this wheelchair to go through it.
If they have arthritis or limited dexterity, a lever handle should be easier for them to use than a round door knob. It’s also a good idea to make sure the door to the bathroom has no lock, so a senior who falls, for example, will quickly receive the help they need.
Tip #2: Choose non-slip flooring
It’s too easy for a bathroom floor to become slippery. To keep seniors safe, you should consider installing non-slip flooring in the bathroom. Options like textured tiles, vinyl, and rubberized floors are ideal for a senior-friendly bathroom and will not become dangerous even when wet.
And if you want mats or rugs, ensure they have a strong rubber backing to help them stay in place. A mat that can easily move around creates a tripping hazard in a bathroom.
Tip #3: Install a walk-in tub or shower
Installing a walk-in tub might be one of the most important tips for senior-friendly bathroom designs. Walk in tubs for seniors feature a door that allows them to get inside easily. They are also sturdy and very easy to maintain.
For seniors who prefer taking showers, an accessible walk-in shower would be appreciated. There should be no threshold so they can get in the shower without lifting their feet. Non-slip flooring and a folding seat are necessary, and the shower enclosure should be large enough for a wheelchair to get in if needed.
Installing a walk-in tub shower or both is an important investment. But it’s an investment that makes a lot of sense in a senior-friendly bathroom.
Tip #4: Opt for a handheld showerhead
Whether a senior prefers bathing or showering, installing a handheld showerhead in the bathroom is a good idea. They are easy to install and can make a huge difference.
A senior will likely sit in their tub or shower seat. A handheld showerhead will make it easier for them to properly clean themselves by sending water where it needs to go.
And if a senior needs assistance to take a shower or a bath, a handheld showerhead will simplify the job of their caretaker as well.
Tip #5: Install a higher toilet
Sitting on a toilet and getting up can be difficult for a senior. Fortunately, it’s possible to install a tall toilet, or comfort height toilet, which is a bit higher than a regular one.
Alternatively, you can equip the toilet with a toilet seat riser. This device fits on top of a toilet seat to add a few inches to it. A toilet seat riser is easy to install and can be removed.
These options should make it less challenging for seniors to use the toilet safely.
Tip #6: Make it safer with handrails and grab bars
Some toilet seat riser models feature handrails, making them even safer.
But when designing a senior-friendly bathroom, it’s always a good idea to install handrails and grab bars around the room at a few strategic places.
Be sure to put some near the toilet, the tub and shower, and anywhere else the senior using the bathroom tells you they need extra support. They should be at the right height and tightly secured to the walls.
Tip #7: Incorporate some comfortable seats
In addition to grab bars, a senior-friendly bathroom should feature some comfortable seats that allow seniors to rest if they can’t stay on their feet for too long.
A foldable seat is a good idea for a shower. But you can also mount one to the wall outside of the shower or simply get a chair designed to withstand the humidity of a bathroom.
The benefit of such a chair is that it can be moved around the room, making it more convenient to use whenever seniors need to sit down while they get dressed or brush their teeth.