Aging is an inevitable life milestone. As time limits our movements and blurs our vision, the need for a home that is safe, accessible, and comfortable grows. Aside from the elderly, individuals with disabilities may also require special home requirements to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. Whether you are a senior citizen or a person with a disability, you deserve to live in a home that allows you to live your life with independence and dignity. 

For both senior members of the family and persons living with disabilities, falls and slips are some of the biggest dangerous they’ll encounter in a home. Because bathrooms are often slippery, this area of the house can be a dangerous place that can put you at risk of injuries. Thankfully, using the bathroom doesn’t have to be difficult anymore. In this blog post, we cover the different ways you can remodel your bathrooms for independent use.

The Dangers That Bathrooms Pose

But first, let's get into why bathrooms are such a risky place. This area makes it quite difficult for disabled and older adults to live independently, as it is where accidental tumbles happen the most. People will have a harder time standing steadily on wet surfaces such as the floors, shower areas and tubs. Toilets can also cause trouble when it comes to standing up and sitting down.

Aside from possible injuries, spaces that aren't designed to accommodate disabilities can also cause major inconveniences. It could be harder to reach the sink, mirror, or drawers if you have shorter limbs. Getting on the toilet isn't an easy task for wheelchair users as well.

Source: Home Care Assistance Ft Lauderdale

If your bathroom isn't initially designed to meet your needs, there are many ways to improve it. Let's get started!

The Entrance

The first thing you must renovate is the doorknobs, as these can be difficult to operate for those who have little grip. Use door levers instead. They are affordable, easy-to-install, and more convenient for everyone to open. If you have the budget for it, you can install a sliding door as an alternative. 

You also need to make sure that your door is at least 34 inches wide, so you won’t have a hard time entering if you are using a wheelchair or walker. A 5-foot radius is also necessary for a wheelchair to turn conveniently. 

Size and Dimensions

You might own a wheelchair, walker, or walking canes. Thus, it makes complete sense for your bathroom to be big enough to accommodate these apparatus. Your shower area should be big enough for your wheelchair so you can just roll in and out. 

For your sinks, it is advisable to maintain 25-30 inches of clearance (space) for easy access from wheelchairs. You must keep the top of the sink between 32-34 inches from the floor. In addition, hang mirrors lower so you can brush your teeth, comb your hair and groom yourself all from your seat.

Floor Safety and Security

Even with handles installed, you shouldn’t be complacent. To go the extra mile, you can install special flooring that will prevent any slips and falls. Here are a few examples.

Walk-in Tubs and Showers

With restricted bodily movements, disabled and senior family members may have a hard time bathing themselves. To give them safety and comfort while washing, you can have a walk-in tub installed. What’s great about walk-in tubs is that you don’t have to step over anything, reducing the risk of tripping.

However, for mobility concerns and washing that requires a caretaker, you can eliminate the option of having tubs. A large shower area with a non-slip chair will do the trick. To guarantee safety, you can install handles and grab bars around the shower area. 

Walk-in Tubs vs. Walk-in Showers

Easy-Access Showerheads and Controls

If your mobility issues aren’t too severe, an accessible showerhead would make a great bathroom renovation. You can comfortably direct the flow of water where you need it to go, with a long, flexible hose that lets you shower in different positions. The controls can even be found in an easy-to-reach spot so you can change the settings with ease. Don’t worry about too many knobs you need to spin, as these feature push control buttons that don’t require too much effort.

Some showerheads even come with a strap you can put your hand through so you don’t drop it. This way, you don’t end up having to bend down to pick it up. The handle is also softer so you can comfortably grip it without slipping.

Drawers and Cabinets

Cabinets are often placed too high or too low for seniors and disabled persons. For better access, install a pull-out drawer that will contain your bathroom items. This eliminates the need to stretch up or down just to get your shampoos, mini-towels, tissues, and other essentials. You can install grabs and handles near the drawer to prevent falls while opening them.

Toilet

It's hard to sit down or stand up before and after using the toilet. For safe and comfortable use, toilets should be at a comfortable height. These typically measure 17 to 19 inches from the floor. If you own a wheelchair, the toilet should closely match its height so you can transfer yourself sideways.

You should also install a bidet so you don’t have to struggle with wiping. The bidet will clean your sensitive areas up with ease, so you can just pat them dry afterward. It’s far more hygienic and less risky than using toilet paper.

Source: Wayfair

Handles and bars surrounding the toilet are a substantial addition. Don’t forget toilet paper racks at a reachable height for easy access. 

Grab Bars and Handles in the Bathroom  

Handles and grab bars allow you to move around with comfort and safety. We know we’ve mentioned grab bars multiple times, but that’s only to emphasize how important they are. Here’s a quick list to remind you where to install grab bars:

• Next to the toilet
• Two bars on the side of the tub (recommended having one bar for standing and the other for sitting) 
• On the walls of the shower area
• Along the pathway before the door
• Near any drawers

Although all these adjustments may seem overwhelming at first, there is no substitute for a life that is cherished and respected. Making your bathroom safer and more comfortable will considerably improve your quality of life.