Bathroom remodeling is an excellent way to make your home more accessible and suitable for aging in place. Here are five ways to increase accessibility in your bathroom.
One of the most exciting things about home remodeling projects is adding usability and functionality to your space. Many people have approached these projects as ways to add value to their home so they can sell, but recently the trend has been to make the home more practical for homeowners to age in place. Aging in place means staying in your house as you age, rather than moving into a retirement living area. Most homes will need to be designed with disability accommodations in place to meet these goals, especially in the bathroom. Newer homes are being built with these accommodations, but older homes will need some bathroom remodeling.
Shower Stall Adjustments
The shower is one of the most prominent places in the bathroom that will need changes for accessibility. The stall needs to have a curbless threshold so that a wheelchair can maneuver over it. If you can’t manage a curbless shower stall, make sure the curb is rubber so that a wheelchair can roll over it easily. The stall needs to be at least five feet wide and three feet deep to accommodate a wheelchair, and there should be safety grab bars for stability. Finally, make sure that there is also a handicap shower bench. The purpose of these accommodations is to make the shower usable for anyone, without needing another person to assist.
Shower Fixture
The shower fixture is another place that you can make your bathroom more accessible. It should have a handheld showerhead that can move up and down on a bar. If possible, make it thermostat-controlled for precise temperature control.
Flooring Considerations
Slip-resistant flooring is a must for an accessible bathroom. Slips and falls are dangerous for anyone, but even more so as we age. Make sure the tile you choose has texture, or choose small tiles so that there is more grout to provide grip.
Sink Clearance
Leave 27″ of clearance under the sink to make it wheelchair accessible. It can be hard to give up that under-sink storage, so look for other good ways to add storage above and beside the sink to make up for it.
General Layout Ideas
The biggest thing you need in an accessible bathroom is space: at least 32″ width at the door, five feet radius for turning, 17″ toilet height, and so on. Make sure there is space around your fixtures and room for installing safety bars as well.
Your Project Loan Can Help
When you decide you’re ready to get to work, don’t let financing hold you back. We offer a vast array of loan services, just for you. You’ll never need to worry about paying too much out of pocket for your home improvement projects, and you can start working on your home improvements immediately. We also are partnered with the best dealers in the area, so you’ll be supported throughout your entire project.
We know that home improvement projects like these are urgent matters. This is why we offer a nearly instant loan decision once you fill out our 60-second loan inquiry! We conduct business in all 50 states* and our rates start as low as 4.5%* and terms go up to 15 years! HFS Financial can help you find financing up to $200k* for your project! What are you waiting for? See your options today!