A Guide to a Barrier Free Bathroom for Seniors

For many older adults, the bathroom is the most challenging and potentially dangerous room in the house. Slick floors, high tub walls, and cramped spaces pose a serious risk of falls. A barrier free bathroom is the solution for creating a safe, comfortable, and independent living space. Often referred to as accessible bathroom remodeling or aging in place bathroom design, these renovations focus on safety without sacrificing style.

Here is a simple guide to accessible bathrooms for seniors, focusing on the key features that deliver maximum safety and convenience.

The Curbless Shower

The number one safety feature and the most impactful change in accessible bathroom remodeling projects is eliminating the step into the shower.

• Curbless Shower/Roll-In Shower: Also known as a zero threshold shower, this design creates a seamless transition from the bathroom floor to the shower area. This is critical for preventing trips and falls, and it allows for easy wheelchair accessible entry and exit.
• Shower Seats and Benches: Installing a fold-down or built-in shower seat allows for safe and comfortable bathing.
• Handheld Showerhead: An adjustable-height, handheld showerhead allows for showering while seated, offering greater control and ease of use.
• Grab Bars: Strategically positioned grab bars are important for providing stability while in the shower and for preventing slips and falls.

Essential Elements for Maximum Safety

Beyond the shower, several other fixtures are crucial for creating a truly barrier free space:

Grab Bars (Safety Rails)

Grab bars are non-negotiable safety features. They provide essential support when moving around and transitioning between positions.

• Strategic Placement: Install sturdy, reinforced grab bars next to the toilet, inside the shower, and near the walk-in tub (if applicable).
• Style Upgrade: Modern safety rails come in beautiful, decorative finishes that blend seamlessly with your bathroom design, so you don't have to choose between safety and aesthetics.

Comfortable and Accessible Toilets

Standard toilets can be difficult to use for those with limited mobility.

• Comfort Height Toilets: “Right height” toilets, toilevators, toilet seat risers or even custom platforms that can make any toilet a perfect height for individual need. These taller toilet adjustments make sitting down and standing up much easier.

Non-Slip Flooring

A non-slip flooring surface dramatically reduces the risk of accidents on wet floors. Eliminate loose bath mats, which are a common tripping hazard.

Sinks and faucets

The sink area needs to accommodate a seated user, such as someone in a wheelchair or on a stool. Roll under sinks for wheelchairs and lever faucets or touchless models are especially useful for people with limited dexterity.

The True Value of Barrier-Free Design

Investing in a barrier free bathroom for seniors is more than just a home improvement project—it’s an investment in independence and quality of life. These are just a few benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: The most immediate benefit is a drastic reduction in the risk of dangerous falls.
• Maintain Independence: An accessible bathroom allows older adults to perform personal hygiene tasks on their own, boosting confidence and maintaining privacy.
• Future-Proofing Your Home: By embracing universal design principles now, you ensure your home is ready to meet any future mobility changes, which is a key part of aging in place.

If you or a loved one is considering a barrier free bathroom renovation, focusing on a curbless shower, grab bars, and comfort height fixtures, GreenLight Mobility in Philadelphia, PA can create a space for you that is beautiful, safe, and truly accessible.

If you are ready to explore all your options contact GreenLight Mobility today for a free home evaluation. Our home evaluators are all qualified physical or occupational therapists. They will use their expert clinical knowledge and experience to guide you with the best solutions to fit your unique situation.