Universal Design: Bathroom Considerations
Bathrooms represent one of the most significant areas where effective use of Universal Design will allow people to live in their homes in their later years. Mike Juers, Paul Davis, Restoration & Remodeling Bathroom Considerations.
Studies indicate 89% of people say they want to stay in their homes as they age. This means the everyday activities must be able to be done, regardless of the bending, reaching, stretching and other routine movements most people take for granted. The first thing to do in assessing your bathroomis to ask a few basic questions to give you a general idea of the hope of the changes you may have to consider.
Universal Design Defined
The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design. It is to build function and ease of use of each product and the environment. It allows people to live in their homes safely, independently and comfortable, regardless of age or ability level.
Questions To Ask About Your Bathroom Layout
1. Are the sink, bathtub and shower faucets easy to use? (Lever handles are easier for those with limited use of their hands or fingers — i.e. arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
2. Is the bathtub or shower floor slippery? (Slips can be extremely hazardous for older people or others with less balance and strength to recover)
3. Are there grab bars in the bathtub, shower and toilet area? (Grab bars can help with balance, standing or reaching)
4. Is a low toilet seat making it hard to stand up? (Leg strength & balance is diminished with aging)
5. Are there exposed hot water pipes beneath the sink? (Will eliminate burns)
6. Is there a bath seat in the bathtub or shower? (Standing for extended periods and slippery floors can be difficult)
7. Is the hot water set at 120° or lower? (Protects against scalding accidents)
8. Is there good lighting? (Limits accidents caused by poor sight)
9. Are the outlets GFCI protected? (Eliminates chance of electric shock)
“The goal is to create an environment that will be safe and accessible to everyone. Easy access to everything is the key,” Juers says. “When remodeling, there are physical realities each home presents which, in part dictates the plans we make and design options we have.”
Simple No/Low Cost Bathroom Modifications
If remodeling is not an option into the near futures, consider the following adjustments to make your bathroom more universal in nature.
1. Install a night light
2. Place non-slip strips on tub & shower floors
3. Install grab bars by toilets and tubs
4. Install shower or tub transfer seats
5. Install a hand-held adjustable shower head
6. Make sure bathroom doors can be unlaced from outside
7. Install lever handle faucets with built-in anti-scald protection
8. Add a seat extender to the toilet
9. Install GFCI outlets
“…studies indicate 89% of people say they want to stay in their homes as they age…everyday activities must be able to be done, regardless of the bending, reaching, stretching…”
