The 6 best bathroom tips for when you get older

We all want to stay active and live in our own homes for as long as possible. After all, there is no comfort quite like that of our own home. As the years pass, however, our homes may need to be adapted to our less athletic physical state. An ill-considered bathroom design could create some obstacles for a less mobile person. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to make bathrooms 'senior-proof'. We'll give you a few tips on how to keep the comfort in your bathroom optimal.

Tip 1: goodbye bathtub, welcome walk-in shower

In many older bathrooms there is not enough space to have both a bathtub and a shower. The bathtub is therefore often used as a shower. However, as the years pass, it may become more difficult to get in and out of the bathtub safely. The risk of falling increases, which, of course, could have serious consequences. As you get a little older, it is a good idea to replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower. With a tiled walk-in shower, getting in and out is always safe! Plus, did you know that a shower is much better for the environment than a bath? With a walk-in shower you use up to 50% less water than when you take a bath! For optimal comfort you can opt for a tiled seat in the shower. This seat can be finished in the same tile and so be aesthetically integrated into your shower.

Do you have enough space in your bathroom? Then you can install a trendy new freestanding bathtub next to your walk-in shower. It looks fantastic and when the grandchildren are visiting, a bath is always fun!

Tip 2: high potty seat

A low toilet is very comfortable as long as we are young and fit. However, for the elderly or people with stomach problems, a low toilet can be more difficult to get up from. For this reason, the toilet seat in a bathroom for the disabled must always be several centimetres higher. With a contemporary hanging toilet, the height can be determined easily and freely. One or two centimetres can make a big difference. For a toilet for the disabled, the finished height (including the toilet seat) is supposed to be 50 cm from the finished floor. Click this link to read all legal requirements.In your own home you obviously don’t have to strictly follow the legal requirements, but it is important to determine the exact height in advance. After all, this is not something that can be adjusted later; you would have to replace the toilet.

Tip: Take a moment to measure the sitting height of your toilet seat at home. Is it ideal? Or would you prefer it a bit higher? Write down the height and check the size when you are picking out your bathroom items.

With an additional support grip on the wall, next to the toilet, you can easily pull yourself up if you need to. Of course, a support like that can also be added later. But in that case, be sure to ask your installer to provide the necessary reinforcement in the wall.

Tip 3: without toilet paper

You’ve probably heard of it. Or maybe you’ve had an opportunity to try it in a fancy hotel? The shower toilet, also known as the Japanese Toilet, is certainly a revolutionary innovation in the world of bathrooms. Admittedly, for many people it is a mental threshold to make the switch to a paperless visit to the toilet but trust us: we highly recommend it. With the push of a button, a lovely warm water jet does all the 'dirty work' for you and a warm air jet ensures that you will leave clean and dry. You also no longer need to do any acrobatics to let the toilet paper do its work. For older people with tender joints this is certainly a great comfort. The shower toilet is also a real relief for people who sometimes suffer from painful bowel movements. Goodbye annoying and abrasive toilet paper. Welcome technological progress.

Are you still in doubt? Well, then we have one standard question for you, which usually opens people’s eyes. Imagine that all toilets until now were shower toilets, where a warm water jet and a nice hairdryer do all the work. And then someone tells you that from now on you have to solve it yourself with your bare hand and a sheet of paper? Yucky, isn't it?

Tip 4: warm feet and cuddle wall

Do you hate having cold feet? Then floor heating is absolutely recommended for your bathroom. With the current systems, a big installation height is no longer required. There are systems that are barely one centimetre thick. So, you can install this floor heating safely in your shower too. With a timer you always have the right temperature in the bathroom. You will also save extra space in that spot where that ugly radiator used to be. You may want to replace it with an elegant towel dryer. And why not a cuddle wall in your shower? The same system is invisibly built into the shower wall. A wonderfully warm wall in your shower? Totally relaxing...

Tip 5: tips from the chief

When designing your bathroom, you must always take into account your personal situation. It is not always easy to estimate how fit you will be 10 or 20 years down the road. However, here are a few simple tips worth considering:

• Avoid thresholds or steps as much as possible
• A sensor ensures easy control; this will also save you water
• Make sure your cabinets are not too high, so you can easily reach them
• Good ventilation is essential for avoiding mould

Tip 6: the government helps you pay

Don’t forget that you are probably eligible for a renovation or adaptation grant from the Flemish Government. Be sure to apply for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!