6 Senior-Friendly Bathroom Remodel Ideas

As you age, mobility and balance challenges can make bathrooms dangerous. The National Institute on Aging found that one-third of all seniors over 65 experience a fall every year, most often in the bathroom. Slippery and cluttered spaces, as well as a lack of accessibility, are often to blame for these accidents.

To keep seniors safe from injury, explore the six ways you can renovate your bathroom for peace of mind, from installing safety rails or a walk-in tub shower combo to adding better lighting throughout the space.

Safety Rails and Bars

Adding safety rails and grab bars in strategic locations throughout the bathroom where seniors can easily reach them can decrease their risk of falling. At a minimum, you should install these supportive aids next to the toilet, outside the shower or bath and inside the shower stall or tub.

More Accessible Storage

Clutter is a major problem in bathrooms, no matter your age. There’s a much higher likelihood of tripping on something and falling if there’s constant clutter all over the bathroom counters and floors. Installing more storage is an inexpensive way to keep older adults safe from hazards and serious injury. Pick ADA-compliant solutions that bring everything within comfortable reach. You don’t want items too high up that you’d have to strain to get to, or too low down where you’d have to bend way over.

Walk-In Tub Shower Combo

A Hybrid™ walk-in tub not only provides stability and peace of mind while bathing, but it also gives seniors more independence. Instead of relying on a caregiver or family member to help you bathe, you can step over the ultra-low threshold with ease and confidence, recline against the heated seat and backrest to stay warm as the tub fills and relax under the rainfall shower head for a head-to-toe drenching. This all-in-one, accessible bathing solution offers unparalleled safety, therapeutic benefits and enhanced convenience for older adults looking to regain their independence and enjoy total-body relief.

Nonslip Flooring

A bathroom renovation for seniors isn’t complete without laying down slip-resistant flooring, such as textured tiles or rubber mats. Anti-slip surfaces create better traction inside and around a walk-in tub or shower so you can enter, exit and sit down without worrying about slips or falls, especially when the floor is wet. Relaxation comes easy when you rely on nonslip floors to give you the extra balance and security you need to move and bathe with confidence.

Raised Toilets

When you’re older, your knees and other joints just don’t bend like they used to. Something as simple as crouching down to a sitting position is difficult for many seniors. Installing a raised toilet can make it easier for older adults to sit down and stand up from the toilet. The higher seat height allows you to keep your knees straighter and more stable, which reduces the risk of falls when using the toilet. This simple modification makes a big impact on the accessibility and safety of the bathroom space for older adults.

Proper Bathroom Lighting

Good lighting instantly makes your bathroom more senior-friendly. Bright, glare-free lighting throughout the space, including task lighting and motion-activated lights, illuminate an older adult’s path and help them navigate safely. Additionally, consider setting up a nightlight or illuminated switch plates to provide visibility during nighttime bathroom visits. These simple lighting upgrades can significantly enhance the safety and accessibility of the bathroom for older adults.

Renovate Your Bathroom With Safe Step

When making senior-friendly bathroom renovations, modifications like grab bars, easy-to-reach storage and proper lighting go a long way in helping older adults bathe at home safely and comfortably for longer.

For the ultimate aging-in-place solution, upgrade to a hybrid tub from Safe Step. You’ll regain peace of mind and independence while finding therapeutic relaxation and relief during every soak. Request a free quote today to start your safe bathing journey.