HEWI MAG / sanitary

Tips for a modern bathroom: How to make it age-appropriate

A bathroom that is still comfortable and safe to use in old age is becoming increasingly important. Not only for you, but also for your loved ones. Remodelling your bathroom to make it age-appropriate can be a complex process, but with the right tips you will be able to plan your modern bathroom not only for today, but also for tomorrow. In this article, we'll tell you how to remodel your bathroom to make it age-appropriate.

What does age-appropriate living mean?

Age-appropriate living is more than just adapting individual elements in your home. It is a comprehensive concept that aims to design the living space in such a way that it fulfils the needs and requirements of different phases of life. One central aspect of this concept is to remodel the bathroom in an age-appropriate way. It's not just about creating a completely barrier-free environment. Instead, the focus is on your individual comfort in your own home. The aim is to create a bathroom in which you feel completely at ease and that you can use as easily and safely as possible, where functionality and design go hand in hand. Even later in life, your bathroom doesn't sacrifice stylish aesthetics and continues to be a place of relaxation. With the right considerations and adaptations, you can make your bathroom ready for the future.

The following six tips will help you plan your bathroom with age-appropriate living in mind:

Tip 1: More safety in the accessible bathroom thanks to grab rails

Many people have similar needs when it comes to bathroom renovation, especially when it comes to safety. Wet floors can quickly become a danger, especially for older people. Grab rails are often the last resort before a serious fall. They give you a secure grip in the slippery bath or shower and reduce the risk of injury. In an age-appropriate bathroom, grab rails offer you exactly the support you need to carry out your daily routine in the bathroom safely and comfortably.

Tip 2: Non-slip surfaces in your safe, modern bathroom

In age-appropriate living, you should pay particular attention to non-slip floor coverings in the bathroom to reduce the risk of falling. The slip resistance of floor coverings is specified in various classes, ranging from R 9 (slightly slip-resistant) to R 13 (highly slip-resistant). For your bathroom, it is advisable to choose at least class R 9 tiles. For even more safety in the shower, R 10B class floor coverings are ideal, as they are not only non-slip but are also specially designed for use without shoes - the "B" here stands for barefoot use. But there are even more ways to ensure safety: You can also retrofit your bath and shower with non-slip coatings, for which special films are available. Non-slip inserts for the shower or bath are another option for additional slip resistance in the modern bathroom.

Tip 3: Adapting the toilet during bathroom renovation

Self-determination is the greatest gift for many older people - this also applies to the toilet routine, which everyone wants to keep as private as possible. Grab rails and hinged support rails are essential to provide you with the support you need when standing up or sitting down at the toilet. Our hinged support handles also offer some additional practical functions as options, such as a flush release or a toilet roll holder, which make your everyday life easier.

A height-adjustable toilet takes the concept of age-appropriate living one step further: With the height-adjustable module, you can adjust the toilet electronically and particularly conveniently to your preferred height. Ideally, the toilet can also be easily adjusted whilst sitting down - this gives you even more comfort in the bathroom.

Tip 4: Age-appropriate shower conversion in the bathroom

In terms of age-appropriate living, you should equip your shower with grab rails to reduce the risk of falling. Angled handles serve as practical grab rails on the one hand and as a holder for the shower spray on the other - making ideal use of the space in the shower.

If you are converting your bathroom to make it age-appropriate, another important point is protection against scalding. Shower thermostats, which can be set to the desired temperature and also have integrated scald protection, offer safety - not only for older people, but also for children. Additional protection is provided by models that have a hot water lock and a tap fitting that cannot get hot.

If standing in the shower becomes increasingly difficult, a shower seat provides the necessary support. Mobile stools and bath chairs are a flexible alternative that can also be used at the washbasin or in the centre of your modern bathroom if required.

In order to make the shower barrier-free, you should provide floor-level access when renovating your bathroom. This can be implemented either with a flat shower tray or directly with tiles. If someone using the bathroom needs a wheelchair, the standard stipulates a floor area of 1.50 x 1.50 metres in the shower. If no wheelchair support is required, a shower area of 1.20 x 1.20 m is sufficient.

A bathtub with a low entry makes bathing easier. However: As nice as the idea of a bathtub in the bathroom may be, getting in and out of it can become increasingly challenging in old age. The edge of the bath is not the only obstacle; keeping your balance when getting in and out of the bath and the slippery floor can also be problematic and cause injuries. A level-access shower is therefore often the safer and more comfortable choice when you are remodelling your bathroom to make it age-appropriate.

Tip 5: The washbasin in your modern bathroom

The washbasin plays a central role in your daily hygiene and should therefore be well-planned during your bathroom renovation. Whether it's washing your hands, brushing your teeth or morning and evening care - it's all part of your daily routine. When designing your washbasin, make sure you have the right fittings. There are also thermostats available for basins that protect you from scalding and give you peace of mind. For those who use a wheelchair, there are special fittings with long levers that make using the washbasin easier and allow more comfortable use while seated.

Our modular washbasin concept allows you to integrate useful accessories such as shelves for soap, toothbrushes and the like or a towel holder directly on the washbasin, so that all important utensils are always within easy reach.
If you are remodelling your bathroom to suit your age, limited strength and mobility are key factors that you should take into account when planning.

Another important aspect of your bathroom renovation is the mirror at the washbasin. Especially if you sit on a stool or are dependent on a wheelchair, it can be difficult to see yourself in the mirror. Our tilting mirrors offer a practical solution: They are easy to tilt so that you can always look at yourself in the mirror. Alternatively, there are also full-length mirrors that reach up to the top edge of the washbasin and guarantee the optimum viewing angle for everyone without the need for adjustment.

Age-appropriate bathroom refurbishment