Cold winter weather often drives us indoors this time of year.  Since you’re inside anyway, now is the perfect time to do a little freshening up of your indoor spaces…and if you're really motivated maybe a little remodeling project, too!  Since January is Bath Safety Month, now is the perfect time to start is assessing your bathrooms for safety.

While bathroom safety measures are often directed to the elderly and aging to help prevent falls, it's not just seniors who can benefit from some simple safety updates— if you have young children in the house, are an empty nester or anywhere in between, some sound design considerations benefit everybody.

To help you get started, we have easy guidelines for both quick additions and remodeling considerations.

Weekend Quick Fixes

1. Grab bars
   These aren’t just nice to have, they are a must in the shower and next to the toilet for all ages. The next time influenza renders you nauseous and light-headed, you’ll be glad for something stable to hang on to.
2. Non-slip surfaces
   Wet surfaces are equal-opportunity hazards. Both inside the tub and shower area and the floor nearby should either have non-slip features or a rug with a non-slip backing.

3. Hand-held shower spray
   This is another key feature that you’ll be surprised how often you use once you have it. And it's not just for seniors who may not be able to stand as long in the shower. An exhausted new mother looking to take a relaxing bath AND rinse her hair clean or the physically active spouse that sprains an ankle going for a layup would both appreciate the ease of a hand-held shower spray. Or, just don't want to stand up? That's okay, too. Lots of situations require getting clean while sitting down.

Remodeling Design Considerations

1. Toilet height
   As we get older, sitting down and standing back up get to be more difficult tasks. Choosing a slightly taller toilet can make a big difference over the years. And don’t worry about pint-sized guests and the grandkids— they are used to using step-stools…and we all know they grow up all too quickly anyway.

2. Think sleek and smooth
   If you have the luxury of designing your bathroom from scratch, keep in mind that sleek is safe. For example, avoid creating a shower “curb” that must be stepped over and opt for a doorless, curb-less Roman shower design. (Bonus: this leads to less nooks and crannies to clean too!)

3. Designate adequate space
   Take advantage of the opportunity to make sure you and your spouse aren’t tripping over each other. Start with an understanding of how you typically use the space and make sure the design works for you. Also, leave room to accommodate mobility changes and family growth down the road. Simple things like wider doors and ample open space around fixtures make a big difference as your needs and capabilities change.