Accessible open bathroom

We have sustained numerous injuries so a normal house is not going to allow us to age gracefully in it. One of the most important things is that the bathroom needs to be designed so we can use it without climbing over things.

Here is a problem few people think about when they buy a home. How will they be able to live in it as they age?

Stairs are a slight problem, but you can install lifts to solve that. One of the biggest problems is the bathroom. Many are so small they have combined shower/bathtubs. Which is fine if you’re young, but if you can’t lift you feet the 12 inches to get over the rim bathing becomes a challenge.

Many newer homes have a good sized master bath with a walk in shower, though the problem there is no place to sit. For some people just standing long enough for a shower is an issue. There are bath stools for this but you have to have the room for them.

Then there are adding things like grab bars. They need to be firmly anchored or you’ll be injured or killed when they pull out of the wall when you need them most. The best way to keep this from becoming a problem is to put 3/4 inch plywood behind the waterproof drywall. Then you can put a garb bar where ever it is most needed rather then whereever you can hook into a stud.

Tagged as: Home Design