Browse

Bathroom Modifications for Seniors and People with Disabilities

An American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) study found that 90 percent of people over the age of 65 would prefer to age in place, that is live in their own homes as they grow older. They prefer this option instead of going to a nursing home or an assisted living facility. This brings up many critical safety concerns for their homes.

The CDC describes aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably.” Seniors are more accident-prone and/or have limited mobility which makes it necessary to renovate their homes to ensure they are safe and comfortable.

One-third of people over the age of 65 will fall at least once every year, says the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Of these falls, one in a hundred will result in a hip fracture and one-fifth will cause a more serious injury. The bathroom is one of the places that require careful attention especially if there are seniors who chose to age in place.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit the emergency room because of injuries that they suffered in the bathroom every year. Of this number, 14 percent end up hospitalized. The rate of injury increased with age, especially for injuries that happened while using the toilet or while the senior was near it.

There are about 12.8 percent of persons with disabilities in the United States with the number steadily rising in the past five years, according to the 2017 Disability Statistics annual report. The 2015 American Community Survey reports that Americans ages 75 and older comprised nearly half of the people with disabilities. Most of these disabilities involve difficulties with walking or independent living.

Assessment

Considerations and Contingencies

Around 80 percent of falls occur in the bathroom, according to data from the National Institute of Aging (NIA). The bathroom is considered to be one of the most hazardous locations for persons with disabilities or limited mobility. Adding in safety features is essential to make the space safer for them.

Some of the most common problems of living in a non-adapted home is the lack of accessibility to certain places and lack of freedom to move freely and easily within one’s living space. In addition to that, people with different disabilities, like impaired vision or hearing, have their own set of requirements for a safe home.

Common Problems

Some of the major risk factors in the bathroom are the following:

  • Lack of proper lighting
  • Lack of space
  • Wet slippery surfaces
  • Getting into the tub
  • Hot exposed pipes
  • Hard-to-reach areas
  • Non-adapted toilet

When making the bathroom safe for older people or persons with disabilities, one should address the problems areas listed above.

Bathroom Modifications

In the table below are the problem areas in the bathroom for people with limited mobility or disabilities and some recommended modifications to make the space safe.

Amenities Challenges Modifications
Lighting Lack of proper lighting can cause falling, tripping, or other accidents.

Also, ample lighting is essential for doing delicate tasks, like shaving, applying makeup, and grooming.
Install additional lighting to improve vision, avoid tripping hazards, and help make doing task-oriented work easier.

Motion-activated lights can be added so that older adults and people with limited vision don’t have to navigate through a dark room to find the light switch, reducing the risk of certain accidents.
Floor Slippery and uneven flooring increases the risk of falling. Use flooring materials that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standard. One option is non-slip vinyl flooring

Add non-slip accessories, such as anti-fatigue mats, anti-slip strips, or carpet, to minimize slips and falls.

Color contrast for floors and walls can also help improve spatial awareness.
Threshold Thresholds are present in most homes, but they can make it difficult for someone in a wheelchair to cross a room.

They are also tripping hazards for people who use crutches or those who have limited mobility.
Make flooring even and consistent throughout the home for easy access.

Removable ramps that are not too steep can provide smoother transitions.
Sink Standard sinks can be hard-to-reach for people who need wheelchairs.

Hot exposed pipes may also burn their knees.

Certain types of faucets may be difficult to operate for people with weak grips.
Install a wall-hung sink with the height adjusted for easy access on a wheelchair. Adjustable sinks can also make it more convenient for people with disabilities and without to use.

Make sure to cover exposed hot pipes.

Use faucets with lever handles that are easy to turn on and off. Or install automatic faucets for more convenience and less contact with germ-ridden surfaces.
Bathtub A bathtub is a particular danger zone for older people. Stepping in and out of it increases their risk of falling. Moreover, tubs are inaccessible to people on wheelchairs without help from another person. Replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower. If that’s not possible, equip the bathtub with a bench that extends outside of the tub. This makes getting in and out of the tub easier, as well as making baths more comfortable.
Shower Shower floors and curbs are fall hazards.

Certain types of shower handles may be difficult to operate.

Shower valve may be out of reach and hard to adjust.
Eliminate curbs in the shower area, and ensure that flooring is even and consistent. Also, add a grab bar in the shower for support when standing or sitting.

Use a lever shower for easy access.

Install a thermostatic shower valve to eliminate temperature shifts and prevent accidental burns in the shower.

Add a seat that can swivel around in the shower area for more comfortable baths.
Toilet Standard toilets can be hard to access for people one wheelchairs.

Getting on and off the toilet can be challenging for some with limited mobility.
Higher or comfort-height toilets can increase the safety and accessibility, as well as make side transfer from a wheelchair easier.

Installing a grab bar near the toilet will provide support when sitting and standing when using the toilet.

A built-in or separate bidet can make cleansing easier for people with limited mobility.
Storage Accessing cabinets, countertops, cupboards are one of common challenges of living in a non-adjusted home.

High cupboards and countertops are difficult to reach for people with limited mobility. Low cabinets are no different.
Build storage spaces that are no more than 34 inches above the floor, or between the nose and knees, so that older adults or persons with disabilities don’t have to stretch far and stoop low to reach items.

Pull-out drawers for low cabinets can also contribute to improving accessibility.
Others Using bathroom amenities can be more challenging on a wheelchair. Seats that are specially designed for transferring onto or off of can enhance accessibility and safety when using certain amenities.
Hiring an Accessibility Contractor

Modifying a bathroom for someone who is aging or a person with a disability is very different from remodeling for increase home value or aesthetic. There are plenty of considerations to keep in mind, including the challenges listed above, and ADA standards to follow. That said, is it better or hire an accessibility contractor for the modification? Or is it possible to do-it-yourself (DIY) the job?

DIY Versus Contractor

As with any other remodeling projects, there are some jobs one can DIY and others that need the expert touch of professionals. Designing a safe home for older adults and persons with disabilities should be left to a live-in-place or accessibility designer. They know best what someone with limited mobility needs to make living in place more convenient and comfortable.

Simple jobs, like installing grab bars, replacing faucets, repainting, and accessorizing can be done by the homeowner or their family member. However, major works, like installing a new toilet, lighting fixtures, shower temperature control, even and consistent flooring, and more must be left to accessibility contractors.

These are areas that have no room for mistakes, lest they lead to accidents. Ideally, they are jobs that should be done by highly skilled professionals to reduce risk factors and increase the safety.

Paying for Your Home Modification

Home modification for seniors and persons with disabilities cost money, and they can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Many people don’t have the finances to afford these modifications. That is why there are grants to help seniors and persons with disabilities fund their accessibility projects.

Here are a few ways to get funding for a home modification:

  • You Medicare Plan B benefits can help with procuring durable medical equipment, such as commode chairs, wheelchairs, and patients lifts. However, Plan B doesn't cover costs for large home modifications.
  • State governments have their own programs to help seniors and persons with disabilities to get funding for home modifications.
  • Your Medicaid Waiver (also known as HCBS Waiver) program may offer funding for certain modifications, like assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and certain structural alterations. Look into your HCBS Waiver to check your eligibility and assistance level.
  • Social workers can help you get access to resources and assistance for your home modification. Seniors can get in touch with the local Area Agency on Aging for specialized assistance.
  • Ask your insurance provider if your policy covers home modifications for accessibility.
  • Public and private organizations and grants, like Join and Friends Christian Fund for the Disabled, The Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH), and The Special Housing Adaptation Grant (SHA), may aid certain groups with housing and housing adaptations.

Tapping into your local resources is the best step to find financial support for accessibility or live-in-place home modifications You local authorities can help you avail of public grants and assistance and find private organizations that can help.

Federal Resources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • National Institute on Aging (NIA)
References

Age Safe America. (n.d.). Home Safety for Seniors — Statistics and Solutions. Age Safe America.
https://agesafeamerica.com/home-safety-seniors-statistics-solutions/

Basement Guides. (n.d.). Home Safety for People with Disabilities. BasementGuides.com. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
https://www.basementguides.com/home-safety-for-people-with-disabilities/

Bialik, Kristen. (July 27, 2017). 7 Facts about Americans with Disabilities. Pew Research Center.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/07/27/7-facts-about-americans-with-disabilities/

Khalfani-Cox, Lynette. (February 14, 2017). Can You Afford to Age in Place? AARP.org.
https://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-2017/costs-of-aging-in-place.html

Live in Place Designs. (n.d.). Home Modification / Home Modification for Elderly and Disabled. Live in Place Designs. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
https://liveinplacedesigns.com/disability-modifications/home-modification-for-elderly-and-disabled

Mulley G. (2001). Falls in Older People. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 94(4), 202.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1281399/

Puterbaugh, John. (March 5, 2020). Home Modifications for Seniors and People with Disabilities. Reviews.com.
https://www.reviews.com/insurance/homeowners/home-modifications/

Stevens, J. A., Haas, E. N., Haileyesus, T. (2011). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Report no. 60). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm

United States Access Board. (n.d.). Guide to the ADA Standards. Chapter 3: Floor and Ground Surface. Access-Board.gov.
https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards

Shopify secure badge