Are you considering a bathroom remodel? Or have you simply noticed that the room doesn’t function very well in its current condition? If you’re going to change things up anyway, accessibility (the ability for disabled or elderly individuals to use the room) is an important consideration for numerous reasons.
- You might occasionally have visitors who need an accessible bathroom
- Multi-generational homes are becoming more common
- You might need great accessibility yourself, in the future, due to age, illness, or injury
- If you ever want to rent or sell the house, accessibility can provide a desirable selling point
Accessibility doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. Most of the following suggestions are relatively simple to add to your renovation plans.
Grab bars and handrails. Placed strategically throughout the room, grab bars or handrails can prevent falls in the shower, help with using the toilet, and more.
A higher toilet. This change is one of the easiest to make. Simply choose a taller toilet and have it installed. Those who have trouble getting up and down off of traditional toilet seats will appreciate the switch.
Wider doorway. Those who use a walker or wheelchair will be able to enter the bathroom with greater ease. Wide doorways help when personal assistance is needed with walking, too.
Smooth, non-slip flooring. The safest flooring options will provide a smooth surface, but won’t be overly slippery when wet.
Walk-in shower. Imagine the ease of simply walking into a shower, rather than stepping over ledges. It’s safer for anyone, but especially those with mobility challenges.
A shower seat. Not everyone can stand for long periods in the shower. A bench seat, placed across from the showerhead, makes bathing safer and more convenient.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel anyway, the above additions can be incorporated into your overall plans. Doing it now will save you the trouble of making changes later, and makes your home safer for everyone.