6 Bathroom Remodel Ideas for Elderly Citizens and Special Needs Individuals

Ensuring the safety of bathrooms used by elderly individuals and those with special needs is paramount, given that these spaces are among the most frequently used in any home and can be perilous. 

For seniors or those who are faced with various disabilities, mobility and balance can be areas for concern, which can complicate routine tasks such as bathing or using the toilet. 

Thus, such individuals often experience falls in the bathroom that lead to injuries. This is why prioritizing bathroom safety upgrades is essential for helping elderly citizens and special needs individuals maintain their independence, safety, and comfort.

For senior citizens and special needs individuals, common hazards in bathrooms include doorways that are too narrow for wheelchairs, inadequate lighting that creates visibility issues, and slippery floors that can lead to serious falls. Additionally, hot water pipes can pose burn risks, while hard-to-reach storage can make everyday tasks unnecessarily difficult. 

By proactively addressing these concerns through thoughtful modifications, a bathroom can be transformed into a safer, more accommodating space, significantly improving the quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Effective Bathroom Remodel Ideas

While remodelling a bathroom entails a handful of things for individuals who do not have safety and accessibility concerns, the approach for catering to elderly and special needs individuals is often quite different.

By prioritizing safety and accessibility while performing a remodelling project, you can turn an average bathroom into a safe haven that enhances comfort and independence. With that being said, let’s take a look at some impactful bathroom remodel ideas for elderly and special needs individuals.

1. Shower grab bars

When maintaining personal hygiene, the importance of safety cannot be overstated. Traditional shower and bathroom designs can pose various challenges, which is why grab bars are essential. These sturdy supports, installed strategically within the bathing area, provide a crucial point of stability, allowing users to steady themselves while washing. 

This feature is especially invaluable for those who struggle with muscle weakness or balance issues. Depending on individual needs, grab bars can either be securely mounted to the wall or affixed with suction cups for temporary use. 

However, for lasting safety and reliability, making permanently installed bars part of your bathroom remodel is the optimal choice, as it will ensure users can always bathe with confidence.

2. A shower seat

For many seniors and individuals with special needs, standing in the shower can be a daunting task. In such cases, the installation of a shower seat can offer a practical and comfortable solution.

These seats enable individuals to enjoy a shower while sitting, making the experience much more accessible for anyone with mobility restrictions. Shower seats come in a range of designs, materials, and styles, including wall-mounted options for compact spaces and portable models that can be easily removed when not in use. 

Some shower seats even feature handlebars for added support, further enhancing elderly and special needs individuals’ safety while bathing. By incorporating a shower seat as part of a remodel, you can transform your bathing environment into a much safer and more enjoyable space, significantly reducing the risk of falls.

3. A bath lift

A bath lift is a remarkable advancement that can make bathing far more accessible when mobility issues are a concern.

These innovative devices, which are operated by remote control, lower users gently into the bathtub and lift them back out when they are ready. Secured with suction cups, bath lifts provide a stable and secure way to enjoy a bath without the risk of slipping or falling. 

This solution is particularly useful for individuals who struggle to get in and out of traditional bathtubs, allowing them to maintain their bathing routine without having to stress over safety or comfort.

4. A raised toilet seat

For elderly citizens and individuals with special needs, the lower seating of most toilets can pose challenges. Thus, a raised toilet seat is a simple yet transformative element worth including in your bathroom remodel.

This plastic accessory fits over most standard toilets, elevating the seat height to facilitate easier sitting and standing. The installation is quick and hassle-free, offering an immediate boost to your bathroom’s comfort and accessibility. 

Another option is a “comfort height” toilet, which is designed to be two to four inches taller than standard models. While the installation of this style of seat can be more complex and often requires a plumber’s expertise, the accessibility that it can provide is worth it.

5. Toilet handrails

Toilet handrails are a valuable addition that can provide extra support during bathroom visits. These handrails can be installed on the wall beside the toilet or included as part of a raised toilet seat.

Fortunately, wall-mounted handrails are relatively simple to install and offer essential assistance, helping seniors and/or individuals with special needs stabilize themselves as they sit down or stand up from the toilet.

6. Offset door hinges

One final addition that you should consider adding to improve your bathroom accessibility is offset door hinges, which are also often referred to as “swing clear” hinges.

These hinges allow doors to open wide enough to ensure easy passage, which is particularly beneficial for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers. While replacing hinges typically requires professional installation, the process is quick. It may also be necessary to swap out the door itself for the best fit.

How Brothers Plumbing Can Help You Develop a Bathroom to Suit Every Need

If you are looking to remodel your bathroom by implementing any of the features mentioned above or you require drain cleaning in Toronto, Brothers Plumbing can help. Our team of highly skilled and experienced plumbers are equipped to handle plumbing needs of all types and complexities. 

With over 50 years of experience dealing in plumbing and drainage solutions, we are well-positioned to assist you by providing highly effective solutions no matter what your needs are. 

There is no plumbing or drain problem that we cannot and have not fixed. So, if you have any concerns regarding the plumbing or drainage in your bathrooms or in other areas of your home, we would be happy to come directly to you to resolve the issue and put your mind at ease.

For more information about our drain cleaning in Toronto, or to learn more about our other plumbing services, such as installing safe and accessible bathroom features, call Brothers Plumbing at 800-741-8471 or contact us here.