Trends: Safer Bath Products That Don’t Skimp on Style

For many baby boomers, upgrading the home for aging in place is a topic they wish to avoid. And it’s no wonder: In the past, “universal design” equated to institutional-feeling products that made cozy spaces feel like hospitals.

But no more. Manufacturers have recognized that independent living shouldn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics. As such, a number of barrier-free products have emerged that look similar to traditional products, blend in, or are otherwise unobtrusive or even somewhat stylish.

Part of the influx comes from recognition that accessibility isn’t just a necessity for older homeowners, but also is more comfortable and safe for occupants of all ages and abilities, notes kitchen and bath designer Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAPS, principal of Mary Jo Peterson, Inc., in Brookfield, Conn. “With that recognition … we’re seeing more and more products that are attractive and make it easier to design and build.”

Among Peterson’s finds and suggestions are grab bars that don’t look dowdy, such as the stylish options from Great Grabz; toilets and tile with built-in LED lights for easier visibility; washlet toilet seats that aid with personal hygiene; touch-control faucets; and smartly designed accessible tubs with integrated grab bars.

Here are 5 bathroom options that prove that “safe” is not a synonym for “institutional.”

Subtle Safety
Moen Home Care has stylishly combined traditional bath accessories with the functionality of a grab bar. The Grab Bar with Towel Bar provides stability in and out of the tub; the Grab Bar with Paper Holder (shown) assists users onto and off of the toilet, while its curved design offers easy paper loading; and the Grab Bar with Shelf stores items while providing stability in the shower or bath. Each has a 250-pound weight capacity.

Raising the Bar
Great Grabz specializes in stylish grab bars. This unit is from the company’s Signature Acrylic line, which allows specifiers to combine 20 acrylic finishes with metallic fixtures for a modern design. The 1 ¼-inch-diameter bars are adjustable, so they are suitable for remodeling projects. Other options include the sleek stainless steel Wave, stately Horizon, and warm Teak.

A Step Ahead
An alternative to walk-in baths, Kohler’sElevance tub features an extra-wide door opening that allows for maximum clearance to lift legs in and out; after entry, the user lifts the lightweight door into place for bathing. Features include an integrated footwell for testing water before entering, a 19-inch seat that minimizes motion required to sit and stand, a sleek grab bar, a 14-inch soaking depth, waterfall-effect fill, and a BubbleMassage option.

High and Mighty
Toto’sADA-compliant Aquia one-piece high-efficiency toilet features an elongated bowl and Universal Height ergonomics, providing for a more comfortable position. The unit includes a contemporary skirted design that conceals the trapway for easier cleaning as well as water-saving dual-flush operation.

Singled Out
With its single-lever design, the contemporary 1.5-gpm Ava faucet from KWC is ADA-compliant. Also an energy conserver, the faucet’s CoolFix technology sets the 6 o’clock position, typically a mix of hot and cold water, to “full cold”; since users must move the lever clockwise to receive warm water, it ensures unneeded heated water isn’t wasted.

For additional universal design tips and products for other rooms in the home, check out these helpful articles from HousingZone and Remodeling.

Portions of this coverage also appeared in the author’s article “Stylish and Safe” in USA Today’s American Life | The Best Years  magazine, available on newsstands now.