Making your bathroom safer can actually improve both style and comfort—and it’s become a growing trend for good reason. The CDC reports approximately 235,000 emergency room visits each year for bathroom-related injuries, with falls responsible for about 80% of those cases.1 Older adults are especially at risk, with the number of fall-related injuries going up with age.
What makes this investment smart: today’s accessible features can look great and create spaces that work well for everyone from young children to seniors aging in place. Whether you’re planning an accessible bathroom remodel for yourself or a family member, considering a bathroom remodel for seniors, or looking into universal design principles, these upgrades create a space that’s both functional and beautiful.
The Five Most Impactful Safety Upgrades
Here are the top five safety upgrades you can make during your next bathroom renovation:
- Transition from a tub to a low-threshold or walk-in shower:
Replacing a traditional bathtub with a low-threshold or walk-in shower removes the difficulty of stepping over a high barrier to enter. Simply walking into your shower is easier and safer than climbing over a tub edge, making these showers accessible to users with various mobility levels. - Add grab bars where stability matters most:
Modern grab bars have come a long way from institutional-looking fixtures. Today’s options blend seamlessly with your bathroom’s aesthetic while providing crucial support near the toilet, shower entrance, and inside the shower area. Well-placed grab bars are smart in any accessible bathroom remodeling project, providing security without giving up style. - Include a built-in or fold-down shower bench for seated comfort:
A shower bench transforms the bathing experience, providing a safe place to sit while washing. Built-in benches create a sleek, integrated look, while fold-down options save space when not in use. This feature is particularly valuable for seniors, anyone with balance concerns, or anyone who simply enjoys the comfort of sitting in the shower. - Install an adjustable, handheld shower head that works whether standing or sitting:
Flexibility is key in accessible bathroom design. An adjustable, handheld shower head allows users to direct water flow exactly where needed, whether they’re standing or seated. - Upgrade slippery tile floors to CoreTec non-slip luxury vinyl
Non-slip flooring is crucial for bathroom safety. CoreTec luxury vinyl combines the beautiful appearance of natural materials with superior slip resistance, even when wet. This upgrade helps prevent one of the biggest causes of bathroom falls while maintaining the high-end look you want in your renovation.
Why an Accessible Bathroom Remodel Matters for Every Family
The beauty of accessible bathroom renovations lies in their universal appeal. Families with young children appreciate the safety features and thoughtful design, people using mobility aids will navigate the space more easily, those recovering from injuries benefit from the added support, and those considering a bathroom remodel for seniors will appreciate how these changes support aging in place with comfort and confidence. Anyone who values a comfortable, well-designed bathroom environment will love the results.
Why Choose Professional Installation
While some bathroom safety upgrades might seem straightforward, professional installation makes sure they meet safety standards and building codes. Accessible bathroom renovations require proper placement, secure mounting, and expert knowledge of ADA guidelines to maximize both safety and functionality.
Professional contractors experienced in accessible design understand the nuances of creating bathrooms that are both beautiful and barrier-free. They can help you navigate handicap accessible bathroom ideas that work within your space and budget while ensuring every modification serves its intended purpose.
Accessible Design That Doesn’t Compromise Style
Today’s accessible design options can work with any modern bathroom renovation in terms of style, materials, and finish quality. From elegant walk-in showers with rainfall heads to attractive grab bars that go with your fixtures, safety upgrades can improve rather than detract from your bathroom’s aesthetic appeal.
Planning Your Accessible Bathroom Remodel Project
When planning accessible bathroom renovations, consider both current needs and future requirements. A well-designed accessible bathroom serves families through various life stages, from young children to senior years. Features like grab bars, shower benches, and non-slip flooring, as well as things like strategic lighting, and smart storage solutions create a space that’s both easy to use and great looking for decades to come.
Ready to Transform Your Bathroom with Safety and Style?
These simple changes can make a dramatic difference in reducing fall risk and making your bathroom a safer, more accessible part of your home. You can trust MyBath Colorado to help you implement safety upgrades with the heart of a neighbor. Our team has the experience you need to create beautiful, accessible bathrooms that balance both form and function in Denver, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding areas.
Learn more about our bathroom safety and accessibility services.
Get in touch today to set up your free in-home consultation!
Source
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years — United States, 2008. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2011;60(22):729–733. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm
