Sinks and Vanities
It's hard to improve on the plain old bathroom sink that you find in most public rest rooms. They're not fancy like most of the sinks you see these days. They mount on the wall and have a very simple design. And that's why most people can use them easily.
Put one of these sinks in your home and you can hang it at any height that is right for you. That's usually about 34 inches above the floor. This lets every family member to use the sink, even if they have to sit down when they wash. You'll have plenty of open floor space under this sink. That makes it easy to keep the area clean. It also helps people in wheelchairs pull up close to the sink so they can use it better.
Plain sinks aren't perfect, or course. In fact, they have one big problem. They give you very little space to rest soap or other toiletries while you wash. You'll play a daily game to see how much "stuff" you can crowd onto the little ledge at the back of these sinks. Sometimes, that stuff will fall into the sink with a crash.
Bathroom designers have worked hard to solve this space problem. That's how they came up with the vanity. A vanity is a sink that sits in a small countertop. This counter lets you spread out your toiletries for easy reach. A cabinet under the sink lets you store even more.
But guess what? Vanities aren't perfect either. Their biggest drawback? They have no open space under the sink. That means people in wheelchairs can't get near them.
New Sink Designs
New designs are starting to combine the open space of the sink with the storage space of the vanity. One model has a sink and counter that mounts on the wall. You put this unit at a height you like. It provides clear space underneath for a wheelchair user. And you'll be able to spread out all your bathroom gear on the counter.
Another new model looks a lot like a desk. It has a counter and clear space under the sink. Plus, there are drawers on either side of the open space to store your gear. Use pull handles instead of knobs and those drawers will slide open with ease.
All the Trimmings
No matter what sink you choose, you'll need to buy sink fixtures like faucets and handles. Keep the number "one" in mind when you go to the store. Choose one faucet, not two. And pick one handle to turn on the tap, not two. That way, you can turn on both the hot and cold water with one hand. Use a handle that has a lever. It will be easier to grab. Choose an extra long lever handle and you will be able to turn on the tap with an elbow or an arm.
Want to get fancy? You could add a motion-sensing faucet. A sensor on this device turns on the water when you put your hands under the faucet. Move your hands away, and the water turns off. There's no need to reach or grasp.
Take steps now to make sure that no one gets burned at the bathroom sink. Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees. Buy an anti-scald device. These devices make sure your water never gets too hot. Ask your plumber for details.
The Sink Area
Put your sink or vanity next to a wall. Use the wall to mount a medicine chest, towel rack and a few electric outlets. Make sure all of these items are easy to reach for a person who is sitting down.
You can also improve your sink area by adding a mirror that tilts. Stand in front of the sink and you can tilt this mirror upward for a good view. Sit down in a chair and tilt the mirror downward to shave or put on makeup.
AARP Resources
AARP
on Home Loans
A series of articles to help you choose a home contractor and the
best financing for your project.
My Parents - How Do I Know if They Need Help?
Clues that can help you tell if your older parents may need your
help.
Other Resources
Assistive
Devices for the Bathroom
The Mayo Clinic offers a slide show with information about
devices for the bathroom.
Getting Ready to Remodel
The National Kitchen and Bath Association shares its guidelines
for planning your bathroom.
Universal
Design Checklist
Kansas State University has a handy checklist to use when
thinking about applying universal design principles to your home.
