One of the things we all have in common is that we are aging and our loved ones are aging, too! Many of us are planning ahead to prepare for the day when we, or a family member, require a handicap accessible bathroom. For aging in place tips for bathroom design, read this excellent This Old House article, entitled “Put Safety First: 14 Universal Design Tips”.
The aging in place bathroom, or universally designed bathroom, has features that will enable an individual to grow old in their existing home, and not have to move when they age and become infirm. Some of the more important features of the aging in place bathroom include wide doorways, lever handles, a 60” turning radius, and more than one shower head in the shower for seated and standing bathers.
If you are designing a bathroom for someone who has a progressive illness, or is wheelchair bound, the aging in place features would include an anti-scald device on the shower, a roll-under sink, roll-in shower or walk-in tub, grab bars, and non-slip flooring. This Old House comments about non-slip flooring:
“When tiling, use smaller tiles that have less surface for slipping. Non-slippery cork flooring adds a little cushion and warmth underfoot. Modular carpet tiles, which can be taped down to prevent trips, are a good alternative to bath mats and small area rugs that have a tendency to move underfoot.”
Klaff’s home design stores offer a wide range of home products including kitchen and bath fixtures; lighting, lampshades, and ceiling fans; decorative hardware including doors, knobs, locksets and handle sets; and tile and stone products.
For more information about a Klaff’s Home Design Store in your area, contact Klaff’s by calling 800.552.3371 or by visiting the Klaff’s website.
Image: Klaff’s
