In any bathroom retrofit for aging in place, the bathtub and shower are likely to be key considerations. Getting into and out of the tub or shower presents challenges and risks for those with limited mobility or vision, so selecting the right product for your abilities and lifestyle is important.
General Safety Recommendations
Regardless of the type of bathtub or shower you select (more on that in a minute), there are a few general recommendations for increasing the safety of your bathing space.
Flooring
Any tub or shower should be designed to reduce the risk of slipping. Smooth tiles are not a good choice, but tile with special anti-slip texturing might be. Talk to your architect, designer or contractor to make sure any tile you select is intended specifically for shower or wet room use and has slip-resistant properties.
For existing tub or shower floors, you may want to install safety treads. These are inexpensive, easy-to-apply, self-adhesive strips that come in a wide variety of styles. (Again, make sure the products you select are designed specifically for the bath or shower.)
Another option is to have a professional service install a special anti-slip coating over an existing floor.
As with your kitchen retrofit, for the bathroom, you’ll want to ensure your general bathroom flooring materials are slip-resistant, easy to maintain and low-glare. This means using low-shine materials and avoiding busy patterns, which can create visual confusion for those with low vision.
Bathroom Lighting
You’ll want bright, LED or CFL lighting to provide adequate visibility with reduced glare in your bathroom. In addition to providing good light around mirrors and sinks, make sure there is adequate light in the toilet area.
In many older homes, shower stalls and bathtubs have little or no direct light, so when considering your bathroom retrofit, talk to your architect or designer about installing ceiling lights above the bathing area.
Bathtub Options
Warm baths can provide comfort for symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, but getting into and out of a tub can be difficult and risky. For those who enjoy the luxury of a warm bath, don’t despair. Options are available that will let you soak safely and comfortably.
Walk-In Bathtubs
Walk-in bathtubs – which have doors built into the sides for access – are frequently advertised as a good option for seniors, and they can be.
The door access significantly reduces the amount of maneuvering you have to do to get into and out of the tub, and walk-in tubs allow you to sit upright, which may be safer and more comfortable than lying semi-recumbent.
Some walk-in tubs are designed for wheelchair access, with doors large enough to make transferring from the wheelchair to the bathtub easier.
Because they are designed for seniors and others with mobility problems, many models offer additional safety features like anti-slip coatings, grab-bars and anti-scald systems.
Walk-in tubs do have drawbacks, however. First, they tend to be more expensive than standard tubs and they may not be attractive to buyers if you need to sell your home later. You may also find you need a larger water heater to provide enough hot water to adequately fill a walk-in tub.
Most walk-in models do have a small lip or step, so they may not be the right choice for anyone with significant mobility or balance challenges. A few slide-in models position the door at an elevated level that allows the user to remain seated and slide into and out of the tub, which may be a better bet for these folks.
Because a walk-in tub must be filled and drained with the access door closed, the bather will need to wait inside the tub while the water rises or falls. This can be uncomfortable for some, although there are walk-in models with fast filling and draining features.
Other Bathtub Options
If a walk-in tub isn’t right for you, consider a tub model with a lower edge for easier entry. A tub with a wide, sturdy ledge can allow a user to sit and swing their legs around to enter the tub rather than stepping over the edge. Using these tubs still requires a user (with or without help) to be able to lower and raise themself into and out of the tub if they want to soak.
Portable bathtub chairs and transfer benches can achieve the same thing, although they may feel less secure than a built-in model. Bath chair lifts use battery power or inflatable air cushions to help lower and raise a bather into and out of the tub.
Of course, any bathtub should have grab bars installed to help users maneuver safely. In addition to wall-mounted bars, there are also handles that can be clamped to the side of a tub to provide some extra support for a user who is able to get into and out of a standard bathtub but needs a stability aid.
Shower Compartments
Standard shower compartments generally have a two-to-three-inch threshold at the shower entry point. This can pose a hazard for those with mobility or vision problems and a barrier to those who use wheelchairs.
A walk-in or roll-in (sometimes called curbless or barrier-free) shower that largely or completely eliminates the threshold is a good choice when doing a bathroom retrofit.
The Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design set guidelines for three types of shower compartments to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
A transfer-type shower is designed for people who use mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs but who can stand in the shower or transfer to a shower chair. The compartment should be at least 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep, with a minimum 36-inch-wide opening.
Standard roll-in shower compartments should be a minimum of 30 inches wide by 60 inches deep with a 60-inch minimum entry width.
Alternate roll-in shower compartments should be at least 36 inches wide and 60 inches deep with a minimum 36-inch-wide opening at one end of the long side of the shower compartment.
In general, the larger your shower compartment space, the better. In addition to space for a wheelchair or other mobility aid, it can be helpful to include enough space for another person, in case the user needs help showering.
For all types of shower compartment, follow ADA guidelines for placement of grab bars and shower controls.
Shower Heads and Controls
An adjustable, hand-held shower head provides the most versatility for users with mobility problems. A hand spray with a longer hose – between 60 and 72 inches – is useful for those who may need help from someone standing outside the shower compartment.
If there is no separate mounted shower head, make sure to install a mount for the hand-held shower head at an appropriate level. For comfort and safety, the shower head should be mounted so that the spray is directed at the body rather than at the head.
For the controls, lever handles are better than knobs for those with muscle weakness or arthritis. It is also essential that water temperature indicators are easily distinguished and marked by color (red for hot, blue for cold).
Prevent accidental scalding by setting the maximum water temperature at the water heater to 120° F. You can also install anti-scalding devices in the faucet that will both set a maximum water temperature and prevent sudden changes in water temperature.
Shower Seats
When doing a bathroom retrofit, you may want to consider installing a wall-mounted shower seat. If so, look for a folding, ADA-compliant seat.
Note: Any products mentioned or linked to here are for illustration purposes only. We do not endorse or recommend specific products. Talk to your architect or contractor about your specific product needs.