How to Design a Luxurious

Bathroom for Aging In Place

Presented by Wendy Albee & Irons Bros Construction

Definition

NAHBLiving in one’s home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROLLiving in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.

General Info• Barrier free entry or ramp

• Main level living space

• Adequate lighting

• Motion sensor lights

• 36” wide doorways and hallways

• Large digital displays or stickers are helpful

• Large knobs, pulls and levers

• Clear , non-slip floors and walkways

Which room is least safe?

•#1 Bathroom

•About 235,000 people age 15 or older are sent to the hospital each year after being injured in a bathroom, according to the Centers for Disease Control

•Four out of 5 of those injuries occurred in falls

•People age 85 and older suffer more than half of their bathroom injuries near the toilet

Client Challenges

•Didn’t feel safe in bathroom at all

•Couldn’t stand very long in shower

•Couldn’t maneuver into tub without help

•Lost her balance easily

•Had to stand in front of sink vanity to get ready in the morning

My Office

Before Bathroom Remodel

My Office

Before Bathroom Remodel

Design Challenge

How do you create a safe environment that also looks luxurious?

How do you incorporate the client’s needs and how she wants to use her bathroom?

How do you make the bathroom look like it was all designed at the same time?

My Office

Aging In Place Remodel

Changes

•Removed tub completely

•Added grab bars that served multiple purposes including towel bar and slide bar

My Office

Aging In Place Remodel

Changes•Curbless shower with infinity drain

•Large opening into shower

•Large shower bench with angled end

•Second holder for handshower in reach when sitting

• Shampoo niche in easy access

•Non slippery tile floor

My Office

Inside Shower

Changes•Designed and installed makeup vanity at height comfortable for stool on casters

•New comfort height toilet with grab bars

•Adequate lighting including recessed light in shower and sconces at makeup vanity

My Office

Our Beautiful Client!

Features to Consider Double Duty Grab Bars

Features to Consider Shower Seats

Features to Consider Remove Tub

Features to Consider Install Safe Tub

Features to Consider Maximize Natural Light

Skylight

Windows Placed High

Semi Opaque Windows

Features to Consider Ample General & Task Lighting

Recessed Cans

Vanity Fixture and Light in Shower

Sconces

Features to Consider•Slide Bar with Handshower•Single Handle Faucet

Features to Consider

Lighted Magnifying Mirror One handed Toilet Holder

Bidet

Toilet with Washlet

“I love my bathroom, especially the shower,

and only wish my husband could have

enjoyed it too!”-- Donna

Happy and Safe!

Thank you!

Q & A