How to Make the Bathroom in Your Utah Home Senior Friendly and ADA-Compliant

Aging in place is a growing trend because many seniors want to grow old in their homes without losing independence or familiarity. While this is good news for more than 11% of Utahans who are 65 or older, it also raises a few safety and mobility concerns. 

If you or your parents want to follow this trend, you’ll need to make some changes to your home, starting with an ADA-compliant bathroom. In other words, you’ll have to make the bathroom as senior-friendly as possible to age in place safely. 

The question is, “How do you remodel a bathroom for an elderly person in Utah?”

Let’s find out. 

Why Should You Invest in an ADA-Compliant Bathroom Remodel

As exciting as aging in place sounds, it’s not all roses. As you age, you may not be able to move as freely as you used to in your 40s or even 50s. If you continue to use your bathroom the old-fashioned way, you could risk a fall and fracture your bones. 

Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older, not just in Utah but across the country. Older adult falls are also costly but preventable with an ADA-compliant bathroom design. If you or your loved one plans to age in place, change your bathroom’s layout to make it more senior-friendly. 

Here’s how: 

1. Install Low or Zero-Threshold Walk-In Showers

Start with an ADA-complaint zero or low-threshold walk-in shower. It’s fully accessible right out the gate and much safer than bathtubs, especially when combined with anti-slip flooring. While this is a major ADA-compliant bathroom remodel and requires moving the plumbing, it’s worth the time and money. 

Additionally, choose a handheld showerhead. Instead of reaching for the showerhead two or three feet above, you can easily rinse off with one in your hand.  

2. Add Grab Bars and Handrails

Grab bars and handrails are the two most critical accessories in an ADA-compliant bathroom makeover. Take a look through your bathroom and decide where the grab bars and handrails will go. Typically, your bathroom remodeling contractors will recommend adding them to: 

• The shower.
• Next to the toilet.
• Near the vanity and sink. 

You can easily add grab bars and handrails to your existing bathroom layout. They typically don’t require structural changes. However, be sure they’re securely anchored to the wall and can support at least 250 lbs. 

3. Keep the Sink Accessible 

Chances are your bathroom has traditional vanities. While they’re a stunning addition to your layout, traditional vanities come with cabinets hidden underneath. As you age or if you use a wheelchair, those cabinets and drawers could get in your way.

ADA-compliant bathroom plans include roll-under sinks as they offer plenty of legroom. You’ll have to replace your old vanity and sink with this one. Additionally, choose a sink with lever-style handles or touchless faucets to avoid putting strain on your hands, especially if you have arthritis. 

Just like the sink, bring the mirror to a comfortable level. It should be usable from a seated position. If you DO want to add vanity to your bathroom, go with a floating option. It’ll fit perfectly into your ADA-compliant bathroom layout without compromising accessibility. 

4. Choose the Right Toilet Height 

The standard toilet height may become a problem as you age. Keep your toilet between 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat to make it easier to sit down and stand up. 

Like replacing the shower, this is also considered a major job, and you’ll need to hire an ADA-compliant bathroom remodel contractor to move your toilet and plumbing. 

If you’re not ready to move the toilet, consider installing a raised toilet seat attachment. It’s a more cost-effective and less invasive way to use the restroom independently as you age.  

5. Install Anti-Slip Flooring 

Slick vinyl or glossy marble flooring and aging in place do not go hand in hand. Wet floors increase the risk of a fall when getting in and out of the shower or even the toilet seat. Although you can place a non-slip mat in the shower or near the toilet, replacing your floor is the best option. 

You can find several anti-slip flooring options that’ll complement your ADA-compliant bathroom layout. If you’re looking for a quick fix, choose textured surface strips. You can stick them to your bathroom flooring with an adhesive. However, we recommend speaking with a contractor to see which option best suits your needs in the long run. 

6. Pay Attention to Lighting  

Lighting is one of the most critical but often overlooked requirements in an ADA-compliant bathroom makeover. Design your bathroom to get as much sunlight as possible. It’ll not only lift your mood but also increase your visibility. 

Nearly 6.1% of Americans above 65 lose their vision, and this number increases to around 8.6% for 75 and older. If you plan to age in place, change the layout to keep your bathroom well-lit at all times. 

Upgrade your window to get as much sunlight as possible. Replace your old burnt-out lights with new LED lights offering soft white brightness. When replacing the light fixtures, add tap switches or easy-to-reach wall switches. 

7. Design for Caregiver Support 

When choosing ADA-compliant bathroom accessories and making the structural changes, plan for caregiver support. You may be living independently now, but if you need a caregiver in the future, your bathroom should be ready. 

For one, keep the doors wide enough (at least 32 inches) for a wheelchair. Keep the layout around the toilet and sink open to help your caregiver move freely. You can also add fold-down benches or double shower heads in the walk-in showers. 

Remodeling your bathroom for aging in place requires careful planning. If you make the right structural changes once, you can rip their benefits for years to come. That’s why you must work with a skilled contractor who specializes in ADA-compliant bathroom remodels. 

Start Planning Your ADA-Compliant Bathroom Remodel 

Aging in place has many benefits, but your home, specifically your bathroom, needs to be ready to support your lifestyle. If you plan to age in place, start with an ADA-compliant bathroom remodel. From grab bars and handrails to anti-slip flooring, making your bathroom senior-friendly helps you age in place safely and without losing your independence. 

Our team at Lifespan Bath Remodel knows how to design bathrooms for seniors in Utah. We’ve helped many homeowners in Utah upgrade their bathrooms with the right accessories and structural changes. We can help you, too. 

Contact us now to get a free estimate.