Bathroom Reveal: 8 Ways to Age in Place

by Mother Daughter Projects

If you are remodeling a bathroom, like I (Vicki) did in 2012, here are some design choices you may want to consider. We added universal design accessibility features to the bathroom like wider doorways, door handles rather than knobs, single level water controls, and a zero entry shower. Take a look.

bathroom reveal 8 ways to age in place, bathroom ideas

Before

This is the "Before" picture of the bathroom. The space was outdated with its large tub, narrow doorways, and 12" step up into the shower.

The room was gutted to the studs and plumbing was moved to provide for a better functioning space. Universal designs add accessibility features for those that have impaired mobility, allowing the person to be able to stay in their home as they age. My husband and I wanted to "age in place" in our home so the following design choices were made in advance of either of us needing a handicap accessible space.

1) An open floor plan was created to allow for accessibility of a walker or wheelchair.

2) Zero entry shower with controls on the side rather than under the shower head. No door allows for easy entry.

3) Chair height toilet was added and the enclosed toilet area was removed.

4) Door levers rather than doorknobs were used. The closet door was replaced with a slider to provide more usable space in the closet.

5) Doorways were widened to 36" from the original 24" width.

6) A single lever faucet was used rather than two separate turn knobs.

7) Cabinets are a comfortable 36" tall.

8) An abundance of overhead lighting was installed.

For more details and a throwback video from 2002 of a teenage Steph doing some DIY, check our out website!

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

3 of 4 questions

Janice Peterson on Jan 31, 2017
Did you add a grab bar for the toilet? it is not possible to tell from the photo

4
M on Feb 15, 2017
did you add some kind of seat in the shower? that is one thing, when you get older, you can't always stand in the shower, and need to have a sit down.

5
Kleen on Mar 03, 2017
What are the dimensions of your bathroom?

2

Comments

Join the conversation

3 of 51 comments

Mother Daughter Projects on Mar 20, 2017

No more getting sprayed with cold water while turning on the shower! Best feature of my bathroom!

Like Reply
Caseyem11 on Jun 02, 2017

Doing the same. I live in a condo with concrete under the floor tiles. Hoping we can get enough clearance for a no lip shower. Demo to begin soon.

1 Reply
- Mother Daughter Projects on Jun 02, 2017
  I'd be interested in seeing the end result. Good luck with your reno.
  
  Like