Walk-In Tubs

 

Unfortunately, most bathtubs are not designed to be accessible. One of the best things to do to prepare your bathroom for aging in place is to install a new walk-in tub in your bathroom. The best walk-in bathtubs feature a low step-in, wide door, and handrails. This ensures superior accessibility for independent and safe bathing.

 

The KOHLER_® walk-in bath has one of the lowest step-ins in the industry, and it also includes hydrotherapy whirlpool jets that deliver powerful massage to your back, legs and feet. Each feature is designed to add independence, safety and comfort, and help you prepare for your aging-in-place journey.

 

 

Floors

 

Floor safety is crucial when preparing your home. Make sure your bathroom has slip-resistant flooring, especially around your tub or shower and toilet. There are many options to ensure that your floor is not slippery: you can use a rubber-backed bathmat, coat your existing floor with non-slip tile treatment, or replace your bathroom floor with non-slip tiles.

 

 

Tub and Shower Combo

 

As you age, your needs may change. Making your bathroom more versatile can help ensure you’re prepared. A walk-in tub and shower combo gives you the flexibility of both a luxurious soak and a convenient standing shower. The space-saving design is ideal if you want to provide both bathing options in a small bathroom or if you share the bathroom with people who have varying levels of mobility.

 

 

Doors

 

Widening your bathroom entryway can provide easier access for someone who has limited mobility, especially if using a walker or wheelchair. You should aim for a bathroom entrance width of at least 36 inches, so there’s plenty of room to navigate in and out. In addition, consider upgrading to a curbless doorway to provide easy entry for those in a wheelchair.

 

 

Grab Bars and Handrails

 

Adding grab bars and handrails in your bathroom gives you leverage and ensures that your bathroom experience is independent and self-sufficient. Install grab bars near your toilet, shower, and other high-traffic areas in your bathroom.

 

 

Lighting

 

Ensuring your bathroom is well lit is essential to aging-in-place. Overhead lighting casts shadows and might prevent clear visibility in your bathroom. Instead of overhead lighting, try to add eye-level lighting to your bathroom and make sure the light is coming from different directions. 

 

The more sources of light you have coming from different angles, the better visibility you have for every part of your bathroom. You can also replace your light switch plates with illuminated ones to help you locate them in the dark.

 

Another way to add nighttime visibility is to install an illuminated toilet seat in your bathroom. There’s nothing worse than having to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, and adding an illuminated toilet seat to your bathroom would make using the bathroom at night much easier.

 

 

Toilet

 

Make sure your toilet is properly adjusted to the height that’s most comfortable for you. Modifications to consider are an elevated toilet seat with arms, adding a bidet to your existing toilet for improved personal hygiene, or investing in a new toilet that is designed for increased accessibility.

 

 

Faucet

 

If you think your conventional turn-knob faucets may cause problems, consider single-handle faucets. They are much easier to control and are typically more efficient. You can also install automatic and sensor bathroom faucets or even a foot pedal faucet to make your faucet completely hands-free.

 

 

Vanity and Cabinetry

 

Ample and accessible storage is a must-have when designing a bathroom that can meet your needs as you age. Floating vanities and low cabinets are great options to allow for wheelchair clearance. 

 

In addition, making sure your drawers and shelves are built at varying heights can help you reach medicines and other essential items with ease. You should also consider hardware that’s easier to open and close, such as handles instead of knobs.

When redesigning your home or looking for ways to prepare for aging-in-place, look for ADA-certified products. These are products that are designed to provide accessibility and independence while maintaining safety and comfort. 

 

If you are working with an interior designer, ask about universal products or universal design, which is the design of places and products to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, ability, and other factors. Universal designs for your home may include no-step or low-step entryways, wide doorways and hallways, non-slip flooring and reachable controls and switches. 

While you may have worries about the associated costs of making modifications to your house, there are many resources and options available. If you have questions about grants and financing options, read our blog about Medicare and other financing options that might be available for you.