Bathroom Design for Aging-In-Place
Home is where the heart is – and that’s exactly the motto many older Americans are beginning to live by. According to AgingInPlace.org, 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term, but one-third say they need to modify their current homes for themselves or a loved one to do so.
According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 (a 47% increase), and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population is projected to rise from 17% to 23%.
With an aging population and the increasing desire for independence, bathroom remodeling has become a vital element of creating homes that are both functional and safe for older adults. Aging-in-place renovations are now a growing focus for businesses in the kitchen and bath sector. For professionals, understanding the practical solutions and trending products that support accessibility and safety can set their business apart.
Below are five bathroom design projects ideal to create safe and worry-free environments for older individuals.
Slip-Resistant Flooring
A bathroom’s floors can significantly impact safety, especially for older clients. Slip-resistant flooring minimizes the risk of accidents, even in damp conditions, making it indispensable in aging-in-place projects.
Options like textured vinyl, rubber, or slip-resistant tiles offer a combination of style and functionality. Rubber flooring, for example, is particularly soft underfoot, which can reduce injury risk during a fall. Integrating these solutions into bathroom designs ensures that customers can maintain their balance and confidence in wet areas like showers and around sinks.
Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers are a widely popular upgrade – and for good reason. By eliminating the need to step up into the shower, they reduce the risk of falls while offering a modern, elegant appearance. Walk-in showers paired with slip-resistant flooring and grab bars provide an accessible and sophisticated solution for bathroom design.
If a client is looking to install a shower in an unconventional or previously inaccessible space – like a basement or in a larger closet space – products such as the Sanishower, an above-floor drain pump, simplify installation without requiring extensive reconstruction. For instance, one contractor used the Sanishower in a half bathroom created for an elderly couple that originally only had a vanity and toilet. The pump allowed the addition of a full shower, saving time, money, and space.
“It would take longer to drill the concrete floor and take the conventional route of replumbing the basement to support a shower,” said the contractor on the project, explaining the decision to install the Sanishower pump. “We needed the most efficient, least expensive way to build the shower in this half bathroom, which had only an existing toilet and a vanity sink.”
Bathroom Accessibility
Adding a bathroom in a convenient location doesn’t need to involve excessive demolition or a large budget. Above-floor macerators, such as the Saniaccess 3, are innovative solutions that allow bathrooms to be installed almost anywhere. This pump can efficiently manage wastewater from multiple fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and tubs, without major construction work.
For spaces where a compact solution is required, the Sanicompact is a standout choice. Combining a vitreous china toilet bowl with a built-in macerating system, it’s perfect for tight spaces and includes a lower-profile design that meets ADA comfort height standards. Its sleek look and functionality can make a big difference for clients with mobility impairments, offering both style and practicality.
Enhanced Safety Features
Whether retrofitting an existing bathroom design or building a new one, adding strategic safety upgrades is key for accommodating older adults. Consider these elements:
● Grab Bars: Modern grab bars are not only sturdy but can also complement the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. These subtle additions provide peace of mind without compromising design.
● Shower Benches: Built-in or standalone benches can improve comfort and safety for bathing, while also serving as a handy storage option for toiletries.
These accessories offer a practical, yet aesthetically pleasing addition to create a relaxed atmosphere. Attractively designed shower bars can also provide invaluable peace of mind when grabbing onto something solid suddenly becomes necessary.
Lever Handle Faucets and Touchless Fixtures
Joint stiffness and limited hand mobility are common concerns for aging homeowners. Installing lever-handle faucets or touchless plumbing fixtures is a simple yet impactful way to address these challenges.
Ideal for homeowners with joint or muscle stiffness, lever-handle faucets only require a simple flip of the lever to turn the water on or off, and another nudge to the right or left to adjust the temperature.
Touchless faucets are a more hygienic alternative that offers even easier activation. These innovative fixtures use motion-sensor technology to activate water flow, ensuring a safer, more comfortable environment for clients to enjoy as they age gracefully.
The demand for aging-in-place renovations will only grow, especially as more homeowners over 50 aspire to stay in their homes long-term. Effective product choices, like macerating pump systems and practical add-ons such as grab bars, can help you meet the needs of this market.
Taking proper steps to modify a customer’s surroundings, as they gracefully age in the comfort of their home, does not have to be an expensive process.
—By Luis Arias. Arias has been working for SFA Saniflo for 15 years as Inside Technical Sales. His vast knowledge of pump systems and the plumbing trade has been used on many large-scale projects.
