This post is a paid collaboration with Mobility Plus. See my disclosures page for more details.
If you have a family home that you intend to stay in for many years, it’s a sensible idea to ensure your bathroom can be used by everyone in your family, from the kids to the older and less able bodied.
It may not be a concern right at this moment, but by incorporating smart ideas into your bathroom, you will eliminate the need for expensive adaption and specialised design in the future.
Here are some of the things a bathroom for a multi-generational family home should include:
Rocker light switches
Large rocker light switches outside the bathroom door are easy to operate for children and adults alike as they require less pressure to operate, and of course they pose less of a risk to small children than pull cords.
Taps
Long handled and lever-style mixer taps are much easier to use by those with reduced dexterity than traditional taps that you twist on and off. They are also sleeker and more modern so it’s a win-win.
Easy access
If you have older relatives living with you, or who may come and stay from time to time, then a walk-in bath is an accessible alternative to a traditional bath while offering a more soothing and relaxing experience than a shower.
They’re also useful if you have back issues and find it tricky to lift children in and out of the bath. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need to compromise on comfort with a walk-in bath; you can get full length walk-in baths which provide the same room to relax as a normal bath.
Alternatively, if you’re more of a shower family, then easy walk-in showers with a seat are very practical for people with mobility issues. The rimless showers also look extremely stylish and would not look out of place in any brand new bathroom.
Hand rails
It should go without saying that hand rails to allow help in and out of the bath should be properly installed.
Easy-grip hand rails are perfect for those that need extra support getting in and out of the bath or shower, or onto and off of the toilet.
Flooring
Flooring is a very important factor when you want to make your bathroom comfortable for everybody who uses it. You definitely don’t want to have to deal with a super slippy floor when it’s wet as this could lead to dangerous falls.
Water and tiles generally do not mix, so you should go for something that is slip resistant, like vinyl or low-slip tiles.
The comfort factor
Every bathroom needs the comfort factor, so make sure you invest in accessories that can help to give your family a more comfortable experience.
Bath mats with a non-slip back will help make stepping out of the shower or bath a more comfortable experience, but ensure they are truly non slip to avoid accidents!
Look into a heated towel rails too; there’s nothing like the feeling of being wrapped in a big, fluffy, warm towel after a bath or shower!