Assisted Living Universal Bathroom Design

The bathroom environment can be a safe
and comfortable room without sacrificing style.

Universal bathroom design, some simple and inexpensive modifications you can make are: Always use non-slip mats in the bath tub or on the shower floors. You can also use tile that has a special high anti-slip rating. Use door locks that can be opened from both sides. Have safety grab bars installed next to the toilet and in the tub or shower. A heat lamp is an inexpensive way to increase room temperature while bathing. Use a shower chair, bath tub chair or a bath lift. If you do not wish to use a hospital type chair of bench, there are benches and chairs suited to your décor available. Single lever controlled faucet taps are preferred over two individual knobs for people with limited mobility or strength. Set your water heater to 120 degrees or less. There are also anti-scalding devices to prevent sensory impaired skin from burns. Adding a sliding or hand held shower head allows the shower to remain accessible to everyone in the household. Install a padded raised toilet seat or products that raise the toilet seat and assist in lowering and lifting off the toilet are available and will also save you money without having to replace the entire toilet. Leave a light on in the bathroom at night. Remove all small rugs. Consider installing a phone in the bathroom so there is no hurry to run to answer the phone. You can consider installing handicapped accessible showers and walk-in bathtubs if necessary. Investigate a motorized adjustable height sink countertop for the vanity and varying height level for your vanity. Find out about universal design products that are available. Look into universal design bathrooms, the video below is a place to start. Bathroom Design for Accessibility