Moving is a costly and stressful process, which is why updating your current home is a more practical choice. Thoughtful renovations can adapt your home to your changing needs, allowing you to live safely and independently for years to come.
Learn about five bathroom designs that will support you as you age in place.
Bathtubs and showers with high curbs are a tripping hazard. Nevertheless, they’re extremely common in homes.
A curbless, or zero-entry, shower eliminates this barrier. The design creates a seamless transition from the bathroom floor directly into the shower. If you ever need to use a mobility aid, like a walker or wheelchair, the shower will accommodate it.
When you measure a custom shower enclosure for this setup, make room for a built-in bench and grab bars. These personalized features will increase your stability and comfort when you need them in the future.
A standard toilet is typically 14 to 15 inches high, which can be difficult to use for those with stiff joints or limited mobility. A comfort-height toilet is slightly taller, usually between 17 and 19 inches, similar to the height of a chair.
The additional height reduces the strain on the knees and back when sitting down and standing up. It’s a simple change that will make a noticeable difference in daily comfort and safety.
Many people develop arthritis, reduced dexterity, or limited grip strength as they age. Installing faucets, door handles, and cabinet pulls with ergonomic designs is a great idea.
Lever-style handles are much easier to use than knobs; you can operate them with a light touch or even the push of an elbow.
Faucets with touchless sensors or single-lever controls offer added convenience and reduce strain on sore joints. For those experiencing hand pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility due to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or muscle weakness, these upgrades help maintain independence and comfort throughout the bathroom.
Installing motion-sensor lights means you never have to fumble for a switch when entering or leaving the bathroom; the lights automatically turn on and off as needed.
Bathroom floors are frequently wet, making slips and falls a serious concern. When choosing new flooring, look for materials with a high coefficient of friction (COF) rating.
Many modern options combine style with safety. Textured porcelain or ceramic tiles offer excellent grip, while luxury vinyl tile provides a soft, cushioned surface that is also water-resistant.
There’s no need to move into a new house as you enter your retirement years. If you want to age in place, incorporate these bathroom design ideas for a more functional, accessible space. You’ll set yourself up for many more years of comfort in your beloved home.
1. The Curbless, Walk-in Shower
Bathtubs and showers with high curbs are a tripping hazard. Nevertheless, they’re extremely common in homes.
A curbless, or zero-entry, shower eliminates this barrier. The design creates a seamless transition from the bathroom floor directly into the shower. If you ever need to use a mobility aid, like a walker or wheelchair, the shower will accommodate it.
When you measure a custom shower enclosure for this setup, make room for a built-in bench and grab bars. These personalized features will increase your stability and comfort when you need them in the future.
2. Comfort-Height Toilets
A standard toilet is typically 14 to 15 inches high, which can be difficult to use for those with stiff joints or limited mobility. A comfort-height toilet is slightly taller, usually between 17 and 19 inches, similar to the height of a chair.
The additional height reduces the strain on the knees and back when sitting down and standing up. It’s a simple change that will make a noticeable difference in daily comfort and safety.
3. Ergonomic Faucets and Handles
Many people develop arthritis, reduced dexterity, or limited grip strength as they age. Installing faucets, door handles, and cabinet pulls with ergonomic designs is a great idea.
Lever-style handles are much easier to use than knobs; you can operate them with a light touch or even the push of an elbow.
Faucets with touchless sensors or single-lever controls offer added convenience and reduce strain on sore joints. For those experiencing hand pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility due to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or muscle weakness, these upgrades help maintain independence and comfort throughout the bathroom.
4. Convenient Lighting Upgrades
Installing motion-sensor lights means you never have to fumble for a switch when entering or leaving the bathroom; the lights automatically turn on and off as needed.
Swapping out standard switches for large, easy-to-use ergonomic styles—like rocker or touchless switches—makes controlling the lights much easier. These improvements are both simple and inexpensive to implement, yet they deliver immediate user-friendly benefits.
5. Slip-Resistant Flooring
Bathroom floors are frequently wet, making slips and falls a serious concern. When choosing new flooring, look for materials with a high coefficient of friction (COF) rating.
Many modern options combine style with safety. Textured porcelain or ceramic tiles offer excellent grip, while luxury vinyl tile provides a soft, cushioned surface that is also water-resistant.
There’s no need to move into a new house as you enter your retirement years. If you want to age in place, incorporate these bathroom design ideas for a more functional, accessible space. You’ll set yourself up for many more years of comfort in your beloved home.
