Universal APPEAL
By SHAWN GUSTAFSON
MIRO DVORSCAK
Through smart design, safety, comfort and style can live together in the same gracious bath If ever there were an all-American ideal, surely it’s the principle of freedom. But for aging adults, freedom has taken on new meaning as more and more healthy, energetic retirees seek out forward-thinking approaches to ensure independent living down the road. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, by 2030, there will be about 71.5 million Americans age 65 years or older, comprising a whopping 20 percent of the population. For this group, retaining the dignity of self-reliance into their later years often means adding the security of basic aging-in-place features today. Part of the broader movement called universal design, aging-inplace refers to modern, elegant design that allows seniors to live comfortably and independently in their homes for as long as possible — a concept particularly important in the bath, where injuries are likely to occur. “Designing for the ages, or aging-in-place, has become the hot topic in the kitchen and bath industry in the last few years,” says Ellen Belcher, AKBD, CAPS. “This naturally makes sense because these are the two areas of the home where it is crucial for all individuals to maintain their independence and move about freely. Because of the design efforts made with products and appliances from manufacturers in the kitchen and bath industry, it has become easier for kitchen and bath designers to incorporate great, creative design that is aesthetically pleasing for accessibility and aging-inplace. These products that were functional and somewhat institutional looking are now functional and beautifully ‘on trend’ with what the consumer is wanting in their home.”
ABOVE: An age-inplace bathroom by Aston Design Studio. CENTER: Kohler bath faucet controls can be operated easily with one hand. LEFT: Moen’s Kingsly 24” grab bar is available in a variety of finishes, such as this oil-rubbed bronze finish.
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SMALL CHANGES, BIG DIFFERENCE “The great thing about universal design is that it helps everyone,” says Marilee Kainer, ASID, RID, CAPS, of Libertas Interior Design Solutions, LLC. “These features are not only great for older or disabled persons, but for anyone who wants to live more comfortably. I think of it as smart design that is ‘one size fits all.’” Kainer suggests that since many universal design elements are inexpensive and easy to install, weekend warriors should take note. Simple solutions like changing out traditional door and sink knobs for lever-style handles and faucets means easier use by arthritic or injured hands, or even laundry-loaded arms. Handheld showers are another low-cost switch, and cater not only to seated bathing for
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Sudden injury, prolonged illness or just getting “older”
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the elderly, but also the convenience of hosing down grubby kids and showers walls. Accessible and sufficient bathroom lighting is also key, and light switches with large, flat panels installed at a lower height make for an easy reach. Dimmers and motion-activated sensors aid accessibility as well, while adequate brightness from layered sources lights the way for aging eyes.
THIS PAGE: Accessible bathroom design doesn’t have to be visually unappealing. Attractive products from Kohler include the Elevance rising wall bath tub and Purist single control lavoratory faucet with straight lever handles. The cantilevered lavatories are installed at two heights to accommodate people of different statures or seated users. Kohler’s tub features a built-in grab bar.
REMODEL IT RIGHT Other fundamental aging-in-place features require a call to the contractor, and are often part of the proactive senior’s remodeling or new construction plans. However, these elements are desirable during any remodel, points out Carla Aston, ASID, RID, CAPS, owner of Aston Design Studio. “Certainly baby boomers and anyone with health issues would greatly benefit from them,” she maintains, “but all it takes is one unexpected surgery or an injury to put anyone in need of a grab bar or a wider door opening to accommodate a walker.” Aside from such structural factors as generous clearances at all passage points, today’s aging-in-place building blocks offer ample design choices. “It’s exciting to see that manufacturers have introduced so many beautiful products that combine pleasing design with needed function,” says Laura H. Scott, CKD, CAPS, owner and designer at Scott Designs/Transitions. Large, curbless showers with built-in benches do double duty in both promoting mobility and creating a luxurious, spa-like feel. Stylish grab bars, available in today’s most popular finishes, accent both the shower and toilet area and offer convenience for young and old alike. (Plywood blocking should be added behind sheetrock to ensure a sturdy installation.) Another favorite feature is a taller toilet, such as Kohler’s Comfort Height models, which sit higher than traditional toilets and make it easier on the knees to sit and stand. And comfort is a vital concern in the vanity area as well. “Cleverly designed vanities and sinks are now available that make it easier for wheelchair users to reach faucet controls and pull up under the countertop with proper knee clearance,” details ASTON DESIGN STUDIO, Kainer. Wall-mount sinks Carla Aston, 281.364.6633 and full-length mirrors are HEALTHLINK CONSTRUCTION, other user-friendly options. Eric Hansen, 281.578.3712
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Tips from the pros For most of us, there will come a time when we just aren’t as flexible and able to bend as we used to be. “This may be hard to imagine but it will inevitably happen,” says Ellen Belcher of Smart Start Spaces. “So, why not incorporate great products and design features now that can help us gracefully and graciously age in the future?” Belcher and Eric Hansen, of HealthLink Construction, offer these helpful tips for retooling the bath. • “Grab bars in the wet areas and the toilet area are a no-brainer—and they are so attractive now,” says Belcher. “They come in a variety of sizes (from as small as 12") that can be placed vertically to the standard lengths that we are used to seeing.” She suggests brands such as Great Grabz, Kohler and Moen. • When adding grab bars to an existing bath, Hansen suggests using a fastener specifically designed for grab bars, where blocking does not already exist within the wall. He recommends fasteners by WingIt Innovations. • “Bath mirrors that pivot up or down can be adjusted for standing or seated use with the touch of a finger,” says Belcher. She recommends products by Robern, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. • Hansen says bathtubs of any material can be modified to become a walk-in shower with minimal step clearance. He prefers the TubcuT method. • According to Belcher, handheld shower heads are more practical and useful for someone who needs to be in a seated position to bathe or for a young child who wants to show some independence and doesn't like the shower spray hitting them in the face from above. • Hansen also suggests improving clearance in tight spaces, such as widening narrow doorframes to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers and removing enclosures around toilet areas for easier accessibility.
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Carla Aston of Aston Design Studio reworked this bath to allow for wheelchair access to the toilet, sink and shower.
National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program. She explains, “As with any project, it’s wise to consult an authority who can help make the building experience more efficient and personalized.” CAPS professionals, including remodelers, general contractors, designers and architects, are specially trained in the dynamics of designing and constructing barrier-free living spaces. Aston contends, however, that worry-free would be another apt description: “Having a beautiful, functional space where you’ve planned ahead to make things comfortable for yourself in any condition just takes one more thing off your plate to worry about if something does happen.”
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