Bathroom Design for Seniors - Part 1

Senior friendly bathroom design is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. as Baby Boomers reach retirement age and the mobility issues that can accompany that age. Not every senior will need senior friendly bathroom design, of course. Even those who do not actually need it, however, may feel more comfortable with the assistance and safety it affords.

It is an established fact that most accidents occurring in the home are in the bathroom. Water and moisture in the air make surfaces slippery. Slippery surfaces can result in falls. After one reaches 65 years of age, illnesses are more likely to leave the body unstable and weak. Medications may add to the problem, impairing balance. Vision may be reduced. The odds of an accident in the bathroom make senior friendly bathroom design important.

Senior friendly bathroom design incorporates safety features without sacrificing aesthetics. It blends functionality with beauty. Below are a few ideas to get you started.

Senior Friendly Bathroom Design - Minimal Ideas

Senior friendly bathroom design can be achieved with minimal effort and expense. It is not free, but small changes can yield big results.

1. Install a reliable nightlight that is bright enough to give clear vision. Bumps, bruises, and falls can be avoided by making things more visible. Be sure all bathroom lighting in your bathroom design is good.

2. Set water heater temperature so it will not be scalding hot. Mark hot and cold faucets clearly to avoid confusion resulting in burns.

3. Eliminate scatter rugs that may slip underfoot. If you must have throw rugs, add additional rubber backing or other tread material. Senior friendly bathroom design must afford stability underfoot. Bare tile is the best option.

4. Lower mirrors, if need be, to a more convenient height. Senior friendly bathroom design may need to provide for personal grooming while seated. If others use the same bathroom, add a flexible mirror extender that comes out from wall at a convenient height for the senior.

5. Make tub or shower floor safer by using rubber suction-grip mats, adhesive strips, or anti-slip surface material. Avoid buildup of slippery soap scum. “TubSafe” is an application that major hotel and motel chains have used secretly for years. “TubSafe” is a simple senior friendly bathroom design treatment that, once applied to your bathtub or shower floor, provides an invisible, anti-slip surface that can last as long as three years. It is now available for home use.

Look for more senior friendly bathroom design ideas in the continuation of this article.