Baby Boomers - How to design a bath to grow old with.
Posted on | August 3, 2007 |
Bathroom design features for meeting the demands of aging
by Mary Jo Peterson (This Old House)
1. Getting In and Out 
Traditionally, the bathroom doorway is one of the smallest openings in the house, as little as 24 inches. But that’s too narrow for two people to pass through together—a parent and child, say, or an elderly person needing assistance—or for one person using a mobility aid such as a wheelchair. A better opening is at least 32 inches and preferably 36 inches or larger. Often, when a large door swings into a small room, it can be overpowering and interfere with maneuvering space, so we look for Âcreative ways to handle that size, sometimes opting for two smaller doors or for a pocket door.
2. Heights and Clearances
Toilets used to be one standard height, around 15 inches. But most fixtures these days are available in a “comfort†version, about 18 inches to the top of the seat, which many people find easier to use. If you have multiple bathrooms, it’s a good idea to have at least one toilet at each height. In new construction, you can opt for a wall-hung model, which lets you choose the height that’s right for you. You’ll need to plan for clear space around the toilet—a minimum of 30 inches in front of and to one side of the fixture. That’s more clearance than is typically allowed. What I often do is plan a furniture piece for this clear area, which can serve as storage for now and be easily removed if you need the maneuvering room later. It’s also a good idea to add reinforcement in the form of standard blocking or, better yet, 3/4-inch plywood behind the wallboard in the toilet area; that way, you can install grab bars when and where you wish. Speaking of planning ahead, you may also want to include an electrical outlet in this area. Toilets have gotten a lot more sophisticated, with heated seats, self-closing mechanisms, and personal hygiene systems that can be integrated into the fixture. You may not choose these features now, but if you include an outlet in the vicinity of the toilet, you’ll have the option of adding them later.
3. Vanities and Lighting
Many of today’s vessel-style sinks lend themselves to designs that incorporate open knee space below, an aesthetically pleasing choice now that may become a necessity as we age. In a master suite with two separate vanities, I often vary the heights, which creates options for seated or standing use. Make sure you include sufficient storage and work surface around the vanity, including multiple outlets for the variety of appliances, like lighted magnifying mirrors, that proliferate with advancing years. Lighting in this area is critical. Reduce glare by choosing fixtures that conceal or diffuse the light source, and place them so that the mirror is evenly lit, ideally with fixtures on either side at eye level.
4. Tub and Shower Areas
There’s often a battle for space between the tub and shower areas, and you should make every effort to separate the two. To improve safety, particularly during transfer into and out of the tub or shower, start with a place to sit. I recommend an extended deck around the tub and a seat in the shower that is at least 15 inches deep and 24 inches wide, with a standard seat height of 18 inches. A handheld spray makes seated showering easier, and temperature control valves eliminate the risk of burns from too-hot water. Wet floors always pose a slipping hazard, and while no flooring is “slip-proof,†there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. For maximum slip-resistance, choose tumbled or matte-finish stone over high gloss, and smaller tiles rather than larger, as the grout can help make footing more secure. Above all, make sure there are supports or grab bars where you need them, or at least extra reinforcement so you can install them later on. A word on grab bars: They aren’t ugly anymore. Many of our favorite bath and hardware companies, like Ginger and Häfele, are making grab bars to coordinate with their lines, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety.
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