Floor space gets tricky when you consider toilets. “Private water closets are great for privacy, but are difficult to use when assistance is being provided by a walker or another person,” says Scott. Instead, Scott recommends a larger-than-standard space for the toilet area—ideally with ample space on one side and a grab bar on the other. This leaves room for mobility devices or assistance from another person. The extra space might feel weird when it’s not needed, but storage furniture can easily fill the area—and easily be removed—when the time comes. Universal design is finding new and beneficial uses for lighting, too. “Installing lighting in the recessed toe-kick of cabinetry can be great for middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom. Toe-kick lighting with a dimmer makes a nice low light to illuminate the path for safety without affecting melatonin levels so you can get back to sleep faster,” says Scott. Editor’s tip: Avoid flimsy rugs that are not secured in place, as they are a trip hazard and difficult to navigate with a walker or wheelchair. A handheld shower can target (or avoid) specific body areas. Handheld showerheads also more conveniently clean children and pets and are even handy for cleaning the shower itself.
