Bathroom Design and Aging In Place

Aug 15, 2015
2 min read

When design a bathroom space for new clients, I think all designers would agree that it is important to ask the right questions. A key question that is often missed by todays designers is what are your future plans for the property? Designers are very a-tune to asking all the right questions regarding the current use of the space, but ignoring questions about future plans are a missed opportunity for the designer and his or her clients.

If you intend to spend your twilight years in the space you are remodeling, take it upon yourself to push the "aging in place" issue with your designer and contractor. If your designer understands that you intend to grow old in your current residence they can use thoughtful design to save you money and make your stay much more comfortable.

Here is an example of how planning ahead can age proof your new bathroom without interfeering with the design.

The photo below is a master bathroom in Carlsbad, CA designed by Platinum Construction DBA. The middle aged clients made some decisions about the design based on their intent to "age in place" or grow old in the home.

1- Blocking was added to support the grab bars that are shown. the bars were added now but could

have been added at a later date as the clients become less stable.

2- The concrete was removed and re-poured to create a zero barrier shower pan with minimal slope.

With no shower pan or enclosure walls, the shower will offer easy access for a future wheelchair

and even a home health aid.

3- The decision was made to install the valves in a horizontal configuration instead of stacking them.

This allows for easy reach from a shower chair.

4- The hand held shower head placement was also a consideration. The slide bar placement

allows for easy access from a shower chair as well.

5- We chose to use a trough drain installed under the controls to manage the pan slope and allow for

safe transfer from a wheelchair to a shower chair.

6- Finally, we added a shower rod for future use. The clients have no plan to use it now but it will offer

privacy if a home health aid is ever required.

As you can see if the designer knows your future intent as the occupant of the space, planning can be made for "aging in place" while still designing an amazing space.