Style is often the first consideration when it comes to selecting fixtures for the bathroom, but for the aging-in-place population, safety and convenience are also critical concerns. Fortunately, a renewed focus on the importance of universal design features means developers don't have to choose between appearance and functionality.
Manufacturers are responding to the need for high-end products that offer easier operation and enhance resident safety--and look good while doing so. From chic grab bars to sleek showers, developers can give residents the best of both worlds by selecting from a variety of attractive bathroom fixtures and accessories designed with accessibility in mind.
New decorative grab bars from Stone Harbor Hardware prove that bathroom accessories can be safe and stylish at the same time. The sturdy bars are ADA-compliant and can withstand 1,000 pounds of pull but offer the same distinctive design details that can be found throughout the rest of the brand's bathroom suites. Available in two styles that coordinate with the firm's Barrington and Charlotte collections, the grab bars are offered in satin nickel and vintage bronze finishes, and in 18-, 24-, and 36-inch lengths.
Toilets and Washlets from Toto are engineered to improve ease of use for people of all ages and abilities. Like many of the firm's models, new high-efficiency toilets Carlyle II 1G and Vespin II 1G measure 17 inches from base to seat, with the added inches creating a more comfortable height for sitting and rising. The new products also feature a concealed trapway design that's easier to clean than traditional models.
Persons with limited mobility can also benefit from Toto's Washlet product line, which includes a self-cleaning, dual-action spray wand and warm-air dryer that can be adjusted and controlled via a side panel or remote control. Multiple Washlet profiles are available to fit any previously selected toilet style.
Installing a holistic accessible shower system is made simple with solutions from Best Bath Systems, such as its new SnapJoint System, the only composite shower on the market that features 90-degree corners. Subway tile gives the shower a modern look, and units can be customized with various tile-color and -pattern options. The system is compatible with the firm's wide variety of ADA-compliant and barrier-free shower pans, including the Designer Series, which features a linear trench drain and custom-molded recesses to set tile for an elegant, custom look. The preleveled shower pans also include an antislip gelcoat finish for extra stability.
