Aging in Place: Bathroom Fixes That Enhance Safety

Senior-friendly bathrooms are about dignity, independence, and style—and small upgrades today can improve daily routines for years to come.
Aging in Place: Bathroom Fixes That Enhance Safety
Maintaining independence in daily routines, such as grooming and bathing, has been linked to improved quality of life and overall well-being among older adults. Daniel de la Hoz/Getty Images
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Bathrooms bookend the beginning and end of each day. They are a make-or-break space when it comes to aging in place, alone or with family. It’s never too early to start planning—particularly now, as properties adapted for senior living can increase property value.

One of the most useful additions during the next bathroom renovation is to add blocking behind the walls to mount grab bars—not only in the shower and tub areas, but also by the toilet, door, sink, and any long walls where a handhold may come in handy. For a temporary aid, install suction cup grab bars on the nonporous surfaces of the shower or bathtub. Use a stud finder to anchor grab bars to the studs behind the drywall. Choose decorative grab bars to add an aesthetic touch, as well as safety.

Essential Access

Make sure that any bathroom doorknob can be unlocked from the outside in case of emergency. A lever handle is best for aging and arthritic hands. If a whole new lockset isn’t in the budget, there are ergonomic knob covers that add handy “wings” to a round doorknob, slip-over plastic levers, and other inexpensive, low-impact adaptors that make opening doors easier.
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Sandy Lindsey
Sandy Lindsey
Author
Sandy Lindsey is an award-winning writer who covers home, gardening, DIY projects, pets, and boating. She has two books with McGraw-Hill.