Rosie on the House: What can I do to make my bathroom more accessible?

A: We have been getting a slew of calls over the past several months from folks wanting to renovate their bathrooms with an eye toward aging in place.

As with all our inquiries, we begin by asking a lot of questions, followed by sharing an equal amount of information.

Amenities for the accessible bathroom can include raised countertops to avoid having to bend over too much, paddle faucets that enable you to turn on and off the water without having to grasp and turn a knob, barrier-free shower entry, slip-resistant flooring and hands-free taller toilets.

After discussing the possibilities, the next conversation is about cost. The prices of converting a typical bathroom into a completely accessible bathroom can approach five or even six figures, so many people opt for a hybrid solution that addresses some of their most basic issues.

What are some of those choices?

A: One popular modification homeowners choose is the touchless toilet. Just as it sounds, this is a hands-free option that can be a real godsend to aging in place. They are reasonably priced and pay off with a significant improvement in quality of life.

Here are some tips to help you unlock the many choices you will see for toileting.

Toilets and bidets began as two separate units

There was a time when a bidet and a toilet were two separate units, used in combination.

While common in Europe, bidets tend to be a novelty in America. The expense of having a second fixture that needed to be roughed in, adding a second supply line, and the additional space next to the toilet made the addition of a bidet an impractical choice. While the washing function of the bidet is convenient, the increase in costs is not.

Start with an ADA compliant toilet

Height is the key to ADA compliant toilets. A typical toilet fixture is 15 inches high. Dallas Bradford of Central Arizona Supply says that 17-inch and 19-inch toilets are the standard for ADA.

The comfort and ADA heights are designed so you can get up and down easier. The 19-inch height is designed for easier transfer to and from a wheelchair.

Combining a toilet and a bidet

An innovative plumbing fixture manufacturer, Toto USA (arguably the industry leader), has developed what they call the Washlet System. As you may have already guessed, it is a combination of toilet and bidet in one fixture.

To install this type of system, a 120-volt electrical outlet will need to be installed in the space behind the toilet.

Bradford took the time to relay the many innovative features this system has, and trust me, there are a bunch.

What makes the Washlet special?

A: The many functions of the Washlet offer big strides toward independence:

• Auto open and close: a sensor system opens and closes the lid when you come into the toilet space. The same sensor can auto-flush the toilet when you leave. The covers or lids go up and down automatically as well.
• Lights for nighttime use.
• Pre-mist: this lines the interior bowl with a mist-like liquid that makes for easier cleaning.
• Heated seats: adjustable temperatures to your liking and comfort.
• Programmable remote for multiple users.
• Auto flush.
• Automatic wand for rinsing and drying.
• Self-cleaning of toilet bowl and wand.

There are many models to choose from. A Washlet with toilet starts at about $1,440.

Choices for the toilet include design, color and features important to the homeowner.

A Washlet can be added to most makes of toilet. There are details that need to be considered like the shape and color of the toilet. We like the Toto Washlet as the Washlet and toilet are designed to go together and have a cleaner look without external hoses and wires.

Other cool features:

The washing function utilizes an adjustable wand that maneuvers into place to perform the cleaning. This utilizes a small electric motor and can have different settings for different users. Other features are:

• Adjustable water temperature. Incorporated into the device is a way to heat the water to meet your comfort level. Believe me, you want this feature. Y’all don’t want the cold water that is hooked up to the toilet as part of the experience!
• Water pressure is also adjustable. Not unlike the adjustment on a handheld shower, you can choose the type of water stream from a massage setting to a shower setting. Y’all want this feature as well. As with other features, more than one setting for different users is available.
• All functions are controlled by buttons on a wall or toilet-mounted control panel. This is mounted on an adjacent wall in easy reach of the toilet.

These features provide a lot of independence, and the addition of a Washlet is much cheaper than a whole bathroom remodel.

Is there anything else you would recommend for the toilet area?

A: You will absolutely want grab bars installed if you don’t have them already!

Bradford reminded us that any conversation about aging in place toilet spaces needs to include a brief conversation about grab bars.

Grab bars need to have backing that is solid and strong enough to support the weight of a person. Depending on the age of your home, ‘70s, ‘80s or even ‘90s or older, structural backing was not typically included in the framing system. That has changed, and now most new homes and all of our remodels include that backing.

If you do not have behind-the-drywall backing, do not despair. Adding a decorative, solid piece of wood or metal that attaches to your existing framing can solve your problem. Be sure to hire a qualified contractor to ensure safe installation.

Speaking of decorative bars, Bradford tells us that grab bars have come a long way. There are several decorative styles available. Different finishes can be chosen to match your bathroom décor. The old institutional stainless-steel models have been greatly improved.

Wrapping up

Return on investment is privacy and dignity

Toileting is a part of life we do not want to share with others. The features of a Washlet enable someone with special needs due to injury, illness or age the privacy we all desire.

Needing help with the normal functions in and around the toilet can be embarrassing when we lose our ability to function independently. The touchless toilet affords one the ability to function alone and retain some semblance of dignity that comes with even a modicum of independence.