HEWI MAG / sanitary
Tips for a modern bathroom: How to make it age-appropriate
A bathroom that is still comfortable and safe to use in old age is becoming increasingly important. Not only for you but also for your loved ones. Although redesigning your bathroom to make it suitable for older people can be a complex process, with the right tips, you will be able to plan your modern bathroom not only for today but also for tomorrow. In this article, we’ll tell you how to convert your bathroom in order to make it more age-appropriate.
What does age-appropriate living mean?
Age-appropriate living is more than just adapting individual elements in your home. It is a comprehensive concept that aims to design the living space in such a way that it meets the needs and requirements of different phases of life. A key aspect of this concept is to convert the bathroom to make it more age-appropriate. It’s not just about creating a completely accessible environment. Rather, the focus is on your individual comfort and convenience in your own home. The aim is to create a bathroom in which you feel completely at ease and that you can use as easily and safely as possible. Functionality and design go hand in hand. Even in old age, you don’t have to dispense with stylish aesthetics. You bathroom can continue to be a place of relaxation. With the right considerations and adaptations, you can make your bathroom future-proof.
The following six tips will help you plan your bathroom with age-appropriate living in mind:
1st Tip: More safety in accessible bathrooms thanks to support rails
Many people have similar needs when it comes to bathroom renovation, especially in terms of safety. Wet floors can quickly become a danger, especially for older people. Support rails are often the last resort before a serious fall. They provide a secure grip in a slippery bath or shower and reduce the risk of injury. In an age-appropriate bathroom, support rails offer you exactly the support you need to safely and comfortably carry out your daily routine in the bathroom.
2nd Tip: Slip-resistant surfaces in your safe, modern bathroom
When it comes to age-appropriate living, you should pay particular attention to slip-resistant floor coverings in the bathroom in order to reduce the risk of falling. The slip resistance of floor coverings is specified in various classes ranging from R 9 (slightly slip-resistant) to R 13 (highly slip-resistant). For your bathroom, it is advisable to choose at least class R 9 tiles. For even more safety in the shower, class R 10B floor coverings are ideal because they are not only slip-resistant but also specially designed for use without shoes – the “B” here stands for barefoot use. But there are even more ways to ensure safety: You can also retrofit your bathtub and shower with shower coatings for which special films are available. Slip-resistant inserts for the shower or bath are another option for additional slip resistance in the modern bathroom.
3rd Tip: Adapt the toilet during bathroom renovation
Self-determination is the greatest asset for many older people – this applies also to the toilet routine, which everyone wants to keep as private as possible. Support rails, including hinged support rails are essential to provide you with the support you need when standing up or sitting down at the toilet. Optionally, our hinged support rail offer additional practical functions such as a flush release or a toilet roll holder. These can make your everyday life easier.
A height-adjustable toilet takes the concept of age-appropriate living one step further: With the height-adjustable module, you can electronically and conveniently adjust the toilet to your preferred height. Ideally, the toilet can also be easily adjusted under load – this gives you even more comfort and convenience in the bathroom.
4th Tip: Age-appropriate shower conversion in the bathroom
In terms of age-appropriate living, you should equip your shower with support options to reduce the risk of falling. L-shaped support rails serve as both practical support rails and a holder for the shower head – thereby making ideal use of the space in the shower.
If you are converting your bathroom to make it age-appropriate, another important point is protection against scalding. Shower thermostats, which can be set to the desired temperature and have integrated scald protection, offer safety – not only for older people but also for children. Additional protection is provided by models that have a hot water lock and a mixer body that cannot get hot.
If standing in the shower becomes increasingly difficult, a shower seat provides the necessary support. Mobile stools and bath chairs are a flexible alternative that can also be used at the washbasin or in the middle of your modern bathroom if required.
In order to make your shower accessible, you should provide floor-level access when renovating your bathroom. This can be achieved either with a flat shower tray or directly with tiles. If someone using the bathroom needs a wheelchair, standard requires a floor area of 1.50 × 1.50 m in the shower. If no wheelchair support is required, a shower area of 1.20 × 1.20 m is sufficient.
A bathtub with a low entry makes bathing easier. But as nice as the idea of a bathtub in the bathroom may be, getting in and out of it can become increasingly challenging in old age. The edge of the bath is not the only obstacle; keeping your balance when getting in and out of the bath and the slippery floor can also be problematic and cause injuries. A level-access shower is therefore often the safer and more comfortable choice when converting your bathroom to make it more age-appropriate.
5th Tip: The washbasin in your modern bathroom
The washbasin plays a central role in your daily hygiene and should therefore be well thought out when renovating your bathroom. Whether it’s washing your hands, brushing your teeth, or morning and evening care – it’s all part of your daily routine. When designing your washbasin, it’s important to make sure you have the right fittings. There are also thermostats that protect you from scalding and give you peace of mind. For those who use a wheelchair, there are special fittings with long levers that make using the washbasin easier and allow you to use it comfortably while seated.
Our modular washbasin concept allows you to integrate useful accessories such as shelves for soap, toothbrushes, and the like or a towel holder directly on the washbasin so that all important utensils are always within easy reach.
If you are renovating your bathroom to make it age-appropriate, limited strength and mobility are important factors that you should take into account when planning your project.
Another important aspect of your bathroom renovation is the mirror at the washbasin. Especially if you sit on a stool or are dependent on a wheelchair, it can be difficult to see yourself in the mirror. Our tilting mirrors offer a practical solution: They are easy to tilt so that you can always look at yourself in the mirror. Alternatively, there are also full-length mirrors that reach up to the top edge of the washbasin and guarantee the optimum viewing angle for everyone without the need for adjustment.
Age-appropriate bathroom renovation
Planning an age-appropriate bathroom is an important step towards future-proofing your home. With the right measures, you can create a bathroom that is not only safe and comfortable but also in line with your style. Remember that: an age-appropriate, modern bathroom offers you long-term comfort, convenience, and safety.
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