Universal Design: Aging Comfortably at Home

Aging in Place in style can look different depending on who it's for. The main goal is to make a space that is timeless and functional for everyone. This includes people of all ages and abilities. When renovating or building a bathroom, you should consider how you will use the space.

Making a bathroom easier to use can help people of all ages stay independent as they get older. Removing barriers in the bathroom can make life easier for customers and people with disabilities. It is important to create an accessible bathroom for all customers.

Activities that we take for granted while we are young or able-bodied can pose some of the biggest challenges as we age or for those with disabilities. For example, if turning knobs on a faucet is difficult, consider switching to a lever or hands-free faucet. This change would be an easy improvement for your bathroom.

A few things to take into consideration whether you are upgrading or designing your bathroom:

1. When building or renovating, it's important to create a floor plan that allows for easy movement. Include products like curbless showers and accessible vanities that will be stylish and functional for several years.
2. Safety: The bathroom can be a dangerous place as you age. Tasks like stepping into a bathtub can be dangerous when you factor in water and slipping hazards. Including items like grab bars and shower curbs with built in seating can help ensure safety while being beautiful.
3. Functionality: Improve your bathrooms functionality by tailoring it to suit your needs. To make it easier to open cabinet doors, use handles instead of knobs.
4. To make opening cabinet doors easier, use handles instead of knobs. For faucets, choose levers, wrist blade handles, or touchless options. These options make it simple to turn on the water at the sink or shower.