How to make your bathroom suitable for all ages

If you’ve just bought a new place where you want to raise your kids and have your parents over, you should cover all the bases. Each stage of life is different, and the needs of your babies and aging parents will be different. But, one thing is for sure – you have to age-proof your bathroom and make it suitable for all ages. If this is your forever home, you should think of these adjustments as making your space as safe as possible, for everyone who spends time there.

Who is going to use the bathroom?

The first step is to ask the question – Who is going to use the bathroom? How many age groups are we talking about? The needs of a toddler and an aging parent are similar in one aspect, it has to be safe to use. Next, the bathroom has to be practical to fit the needs of every age. So, sit down and make a list of people and their needs. This will later be a useful guide when you have to make decisions based on practicality and suitability.

For babyproofing, add locks everywhere

You can’t monitor your kid at all times, but you can take all the necessary steps to prevent a kid from entering a bathroom. Add a lock at a high kid won’t be able to reach. Add a toilet seat lock and remove it after your child is old enough to know that splashing with toilet seat water isn’t as fun and healthy as they might think.

Non-slippery flooring

Let’s start from the bottom and discuss the best flooring options. The main cause of accidents in the bathroom is slipping on a wet surface. One way to keep your bathroom safe is to pay attention to how you behave and clean up afterwards. You can also reduce this to a minimum by installing slip-resistant flooring. Some tiles are more dangerous when wet so always look for a slip-resistant texture.

Protective bathroom flooring solutions

Next, choose protective bathroom mats to ensure both comfort, absorption and safety. Choose a mat that is not only beautiful but also non-slippery, comfortable and water absorbent. Not only do these have to be highly absorbent, but they also have to have the property of drying quickly. Wet and warm surfaces are havens for bacteria so make sure to have an extra set of bathrooms you can use while the first one air dries.

Well lit bathroom

Stumbling around a poorly lit home has its downsides, not to mention spending time in a poorly lit bathroom. Your goal is to have a bathroom suitable for all ages, so invest in quality light fixtures. If the area is poorly lit, you might fail to notice wet areas that can lead to accidents. So, have at least three main sources of light. A window can provide natural light, a ceiling-mounted light fixture can illuminate the entire bathroom while vanity lighting can provide an additional source of light.

The shower

The size of your bathroom will dictate whether you install a shower, a bathtub or both. Having both is the definition of a perfect bathroom, but if you have to be practical, install a shower. Pay attention to the shower entry and try to have a flat shower entry. People won’t have to step over it upon entering which reduces the risk of falling over. Just remember to position the drain properly and create the right slope so that the water can drain away with ease. Such showers are great if you have someone with a disability as they are wheelchair accessible.

The shower bench

A shower bench is an ageless accessory – it’s suitable for all ages. Maybe you’d like to sit under a showerhead and drain all your stress away with water. But, it also comes in handy when you have an aging parent or an aging family member who can take a shower while sitting down. It can also come in handy when you have to shampoo your kid’s hair and they are feeling a bit cranky and not in the mood to stand while taking a shower.

Adjustable shower head

A wall-mounted showerhead reduces your range of movement in the bathroom. Even though these look magnificent, they might not be as practical as you might think. Instead, go for an adjustable shower head that can be held in your hands. You can also mount it on the wall if you need to, or take it out of its holder and use it freely. A handheld shower is easy to use by aging people because they can sit on the shower bench and use the handheld shower head with ease. It’s also a better option for kids, especially if soap enters their eyes. It’s easier to direct water with a handheld showerhead than it is with a wall-mounted showerhead.

The toilet

There are two things you have to consider when getting the right toilet – the comfort and the features. The toilet shouldn’t be small or low as these are difficult to use by aging people. They require more effort and put a lot of pressure on the joints. So, choose a toilet that is at a comfortable height. Next, look for a smart toilet seat that can be easily mounted to your toilet. These will come in handy if you have small kids who could use a bit of washing up after using a toilet. Not only that but these increase the safety of your bathroom because they have a night light, so you won’t have to turn the lights if you have to go during the night.

The bathtub

If the bathtub is your preferred option or you have enough room in your bathroom for both the shower and bathtub, get one with handles. Handles will provide safety to anyone entering the bathtub because you can grip them and keep the balance.

Provide additional safety with grab bars

Grab bars are a necessity next to your bathtub, in the shower and next to a toilet seat. You can hold on to a grab bar whenever you need additional support or safety in the bathroom. These will be of great use to anyone having any mobility issues. Just make sure to get quality grab bars or grab rails that will withstand the water and can be mounted easily across the bathroom.

Beware of the sharp edges

Sharp edges are an issue if your bathroom is overcrowded. So don’t overcrowd your bathroom with unnecessary storage solutions that have sharp edges. These are a hazard to both people of age and yourng kids.

Glass walls need extra maintenance

If you’re inclined to invest in glass walls, rethink this modern feature. Now, you might be in the mood to maintain your bathroom every day and wipe away water stains in your twenties, or thirties and so on. But, would you be into this in your sixties? Just have in mind that glass walls need extra maintenance and you might not be in the mood as you age.

Lastly, when you design your bathroom to be suitable for all age groups, make choices based on longevity. You don’t want to remodel your bathroom every ten years because something is falling apart. Go for porcelain wall tiles that can last a long time and are easy to clean. Also, take advantage of wall space to reduce the number of sharp edges and wisely use space for storage.