Anyone with mobility challenges knows how frustrating it can be to use a bathroom that wasn’t designed with accessibility in mind. Accessible bathrooms ensure all users’ safety, comfort, and independence. Whether you’re renovating your bathroom for yourself or a loved one or simply looking ahead as you prepare to age in place, small updates and thoughtful design choices can make a world of difference. To create a user-friendly bathroom that can grow with you, scroll down to learn how to make a bathroom more accessible.
Boosting Your Bathroom’s Accessibility
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars provide stability and support in areas where slips and falls are common, including near the shower, bathtub, and toilet. They offer a sturdy, grabbable surface. If you need help maintaining your balance or lowering/raising yourself from a sitting position, grab bars can be lifesavers, giving you the confidence to use the bathroom safely and independently. They’re available in a variety of lengths and designs and should be strategically positioned for optimal safety.
Choose a Walk-in Shower or Tub
Climbing into and out of a bathtub can be tricky as we get older, especially when wet surfaces are involved. Fortunately, walk-in showers and safety tubs are available. At Liberty Home Solutions, we can take any existing bathtub or tub/shower combo and transform it into a beautiful new walk-in shower. Not only are walk-in showers safer, but they’re also easier to maintain and provide a more spacious bathing environment. We also offer walk-in bathtubs, also known as safety tubs. With these tubs, you can open the door, walk in, and sit on a comfy seat while you bathe. With the low entry and slip-resistant floor, you’ll always enjoy peace of mind during baths.
Use Non-Slip Mats and Rugs
The moisture present in bathrooms makes slipping a real risk. For this reason, we encourage you to place non-slip mats inside your bathtub or shower. In addition, non-slip rugs or even non-slip tiles should be used on the bathroom floor. This is a quick, affordable way to increase the room’s safety.
Consider Installing a Comfort-Height Toilet
Comfort-height toilets, which stand just a few inches taller than standard models, make it a little easier to sit down on the toilet and stand up again. They ease the strain on your knees, hips, and lower back. They’re generally about 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat, while standard toilets are about 15 inches tall. The difference may sound minor, but those few inches can greatly affect your comfort when sitting down and standing up.
Improve the Room’s Lighting
Good lighting is essential for safety in every room of the house. However, it’s especially important in the bathroom because people often need to use it in the middle of the night. Install bright lights for daytime use, but also consider adding motion-sensor nightlights that ensure you’re able to avoid obstacles during late-night bathroom breaks.
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If you’re wondering how to make a bathroom more accessible, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Consider your personal abilities and requirements to create a customized room that works well for you.ย
When you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, reach out to Liberty Home Solutions for assistance. We’re locally owned, have zero franchise fees, and can install new walk-in showers, bathtub shower combos, safety tubs, tile flooring, cabinets, vanities, and more. Whether you want a few subtle changes or a total revamp of the floor plan, our team is ready to help. Be sure to ask how you can save $1,000 on your bathroom remodeling project and enjoy our industry-leading lifetime warranty. Request a free quote now.