Bathroom Design for Seniors – Part 3

Senior friendly bathroom design, as discussed in parts 1 and 2 of this article, is increasing in popularity as Baby Boomers enter their senior years. The most common place of injury to senior citizens is the bathroom, making senior friendly bathroom design a priority.

Senior friendly bathroom design can begin with minimal effort, as long as the senior is not ill or handicapped in some manner. We have already looked at a dozen minimal ways to accomplish senior friendly bathroom design.

The ideas below involve greater expense and/or a licensed contractor. Still, many seniors appreciate the bathroom design safety they provide.

Senior Friendly Bathroom Design Ideas

Senior friendly bathroom design can make it easier for ill, handicapped, or weak seniors to bathe and use other bathroom facilities. The bathroom design ideas that follow are geared toward providing comfort, and reducing the possibilities of slips and falls.

1. Walk-in Tub: Your vintage tub may be an “accident-waiting-to-happen” in the bathroom. A spa or whirlpool bath may also be dangerous. Getting into and out of any tub becomes more difficult as we age. Incorporating a walk-in tub into your bathroom design can provide greater safety. The low level entry makes it easy for almost anyone to access the tub. You simply walk in, close the low door, sit down on the built-in seat, and turn on the water. Many of these tubs have thermostatically controlled hot water to provide comfortable bathing without danger of scalding.

2. Carpeting: If water spills occur and the senior is unable to wipe them up immediately, bathroom design should include fully-carpeted floor. Bare floor can afford stability, but water spills can cause serious falls.

3. Appliances: Purchase a dressing table and mirror for the bedroom. Remove all electrical equipment from the bathroom, and place it at the bedroom dressing table. Hair dryers and electric razors can be used more safely away from water, and should have no part in senior friendly bathroom design.

4. Floor: Clear the floor of obstacles. A good idea for senior friendly bathroom design is to replace the vanity with a pedestal sink. This will help seniors avoid stubbing toes on the vanity and falling. Remove baskets of towels and other items from the floor.

Finally, a senior friendly bathroom design will showcase plastic tumblers, toothbrush holder, soap dish, and dispensers. Lower medicine cabinet, shelves, and other necessities to a comfortable, easy-to-reach height.