Bathroom adaptability and accessibility continue to be a growing trend among homeowners who envision staying in their homes as long as possible.
By 2030, 71.5 million individuals or 20 percent of our population will be age 65 or older and 80 percent of them are looking to age-in-place.
In response to North America’s diversifying demographic, Duravit is predicting a heightened demand for aging-in-place features within the bathroom scene. Consumers are embracing wall-hung toilets, bidets and bidet seats more than ever before. Generational demographics may also be driving this shift – as millennials’ focus on wellness could motivate the push towards bidets for their health benefits, while baby boomers may opt for this European standard as a retirement-friendly perk.
A taller toilet, from 17 to 19 inches off the floor, like Mansfield’s SmartHeight, Kohler’s Comfort Height or DXV Right Height is a more comfortable height for everyone. Ease of use also is enhanced by flushing with just a wave of the hand or a push of a button, available from several manufacturers.
Ronn Jefferson, Geberit product marketing manager, noted that Geberit continually researches aging-in-place trends and other demographics. “Our participation in such studies enables us to educate designers, architects, and others on these trends,” he said. “For example, we were asked to present at the latest KBIS Educator’s Forum earlier this year, which is a forum for educators of designers. Our topic was “The Bathroom Design Puzzle.” We discussed how Geberit educates designers and architects about universal design and the role of in-wall systems. One of the main points that caught the designers’ attention was that the toilet is off the floor, which opens up the entire floor for easy cleaning. A damp mop takes care of it all. This is a great benefit for the aging-in-place population, with more and more people wanting to stay in their own homes as they age.”
The idea is that the home can be lived in comfortably by all members of the house and manufacturers are turning out products that do not look institutional.
Re-imagining the Shower
According to a 4th quarter 2017 survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), homeowners are more and more embracing design elements meant to aid aging-in-place, including larger walk-in showers, doorless/no threshold showers and stall showers without tubs.
For those who aren’t comfortable standing in a shower, the ADA recommends a bench on the opposite wall of the showerhead and a 60-inch hose that enables fixed showerhead and handheld use. An enlarged walk-in shower with a bench seat and recessed niches meets the needs of all generations. Handheld showers with a slider bar can accommodate both those who need to sit in the shower as well as those who can stand. Moen’s Annex Shower Rail System works with any shower valve, shower arm, showerhead or handshower. It features a built-in, two-function diverter to switch from showerhead to handshower.
Furthering ease of use, manufacturers continue to develop showerheads that can be controlled by voice or touchscreens. American Standard offers the Spectra+ eTouch showerhead, which includes a remote control to mount on any shower surface, providing a stylish, ergonomically-designed solution for users who have difficulty reaching the showerhead due to age, height or mobility restrictions.
Thermostatic or anti-scald controls can protect both adults and children. GROHE SmartControl is also equipped with GROHE TurboStat® technology, a metal thermostat handle that delivers preferred water temperature to the user within fractions of a second and keeps the temperature consistent for the duration of the shower. A SafeStop button prevents users from inadvertently raising the water temperature to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and GROHE CoolTouch® technology removes the risk of scalding by preventing the exposed metal surfaces from heating up.
While master bath remodels still continue to be dominated by vast shower spaces, walk-in tubs can provide a soothing, healing experience. To that end, Kohler offers the Elevance Rising Wall bath and American Standard offers walk-in air baths, walk-in whirlpools, and combo massage tubs.
Grab bars – of course – around toilets and tubs, are not only functional but beautiful, too. Manufacturers such as Jaclo, Rohl, Moen and Kohler offer grab bars in a variety of finishes and styles.
Faucets
Changing out the faucet controls to levers make it easy to turn on and off. Or, even better, are motion activated faucets and soap dispensers
“Delta’s Touch20.xt technology in the bathroom can really come in handy,” said Peggy Gallagher, a product manager for Delta. “With Delta Faucets’ Touch2O.xt technology, the faucet automatically responds when the user approaches the sensing field – no infrared sensor is used. Moving hands out of range intuitively shuts off the water flow within seconds when not needed.
“Not only can the faucet be activated by a single touch, but it’s smart technology as well. All of the Delta faucets that feature Touch2O technology have preset shut off of four minutes for the kitchen and one minute in the bathroom, helping consumers be more water efficient and worry-free,” she said.
Plumbers who want to enhance their knowledge can become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). The CAPS program from the National Association of Home Builders and the AARP trains remodeling contractors, architects, and designers in home modifications that address current needs as well as what they will need in the future so they can continue living independently in their homes longer.