As more homeowners across New England focus on aging in place, the way we design kitchens and bathrooms becomes crucial to long-term comfort, safety, and independence. These spaces must support changing mobility needs without sacrificing beauty or functionality.
We’ll also be sharing insights from Laurel Trahan. Laurel is a CMC and President of Age at Home NH, an organization dedicated to helping adults remain safely in their homes as they age. Her expertise will guide homeowners through thoughtful updates that can make a lasting difference.
Why consider aging in place? “Home is really where your memories are built,” Laurel explains. “Our clients hvave lived in their homes for generations, and they raise their childrens there. And it’s a comfort level, being able to stay at home with all those memories and the community around them, their neighbors, all the services they have developed that are in place.”
This will be a two part series. Today, let’s take a look at considerations in the bathroom.
One of the most critical spaces in a home? The bathroom. With so many potential hazards, whether you are renovating an existing space or building a bathroom from “the ground up”, some ideas can help you ensure safety for years to come.
Tripping hazards 
Simple bathroom decor can lead to potential tripping hazards. From Laurel, “Remove any nonslip rugs.” Any items that can be removed and add more space, allow for fewer tripping hazards.
Stepping over a shower threshold can also become a hazard as mobility changes. Curbless, walk-in showers provide seamless access—ideal for wheelchairs, walkers, or simply reducing the risk of falls. Plus, they give bathrooms a modern, open look that fits any style.
Photo feature: Berkshire Cambria Quartz
Safer Showers for Aging in Place
On top of curbless showers, Laurel suggests no glass. “One of the big safety hazards that I see is glass shower walls. If those can be taken down, use a curtain rod. Anything that’s not a hazard, like breaking glass.” One facet of aging in place is preparing the space for a potential fall. Glass and other breakable material can lead to higher risk of injury.
Some aesthetic choices can be form and function. One great example is the bench. “If you’re looking at redoing a shower, add a tiled bench seat that’s part of the shower. It could be for a variety of reasons you might need to sit down,” Laurel explains. Benches provide elevated touches to your show space, add additional storage if needed, and most importantly allow a visually-appealing seating area. Consider a tiled bench to tie your shower together.
Discreet, Supportive Grab Bars
Benches aren’t the only facet of the modern bathroom that can be designed with visual appeal. Grab bars don’t need to feel clinical – and Laurel agrees! “There’s some really nice, aesthetically pleasing handles that can be added in ways that really blend in with the shower and don’t look institutionalized.” Today’s options come in finishes that match faucets and towel racks, adding subtle safety features near showers, bathtubs, and toilets. These small additions can dramatically improve confidence and stability.
Non-Slip Flooring Choices for Aging in Place
Slippery floors are one of the most common sources of injury in the home—especially in bathrooms and kitchens where water is present. Choosing the right flooring isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a surface that feels secure underfoot.
Textured tile is one of the most effective and attractive solutions. Look for porcelain or ceramic tiles with a matte, honed, or anti-slip (R-rated) finish, which are specifically designed to add traction without looking overly industrial. Large-format tiles can also help reduce grout lines while still providing grip—especially when paired with a textured surface.
Natural stone like slate or leathered granite can also be excellent options. These stones naturally have more variation and tactile texture, helping prevent slips while adding warmth and depth to the room.
Moisture builds up in the bathroom in several ways:
- Steam condensing on floors after a hot shower
- Water splashing from the sink, tub, or shower
- Towels or bath mats soaked and left on the ground
- Inadequate drainage or ventilation, causing lingering humidity
On top of ensuring your flooring is built with safety in mind, consider your bathroom ventilation.
Mindful Drainage Design
Smart drainage is essential to creating a safe, low-maintenance bathroom. Without it, even slip-resistant floors can become hazardous.
Key drainage considerations include:
Proper floor slope: Ensure that the entire bathroom—especially the shower area—slopes subtly toward the drain to prevent pooling.
Linear or trench drains: These modern options collect water more efficiently and work well with curbless or open shower layouts.
Strategic drain placement: Position drains where water naturally flows—beneath showerheads, along the back wall, or under benches—to avoid stray puddles.
Grout and caulking upkeep: Over time, cracked grout or missing caulk can lead to seepage, damaging subfloors and creating hidden hazards.
A well-drained floor reduces the need for constant mopping and helps keep surfaces dry and slip-resistant—supporting both independence and peace of mind.
Photo: Schluter KERDI-DRAIN, with featured shower bench
Designing a bathroom for aging in place means thinking beyond just looks—it’s about safety, comfort, and longevity. That includes minimizing the chances of slips and falls, and also planning for what happens if one occurs. Thoughtful flooring, drainage, and layout choices don’t just reduce risk—they make the space more forgiving if someone does lose their balance. With the right materials and design decisions, you can create a bathroom that supports independence and brings peace of mind every day.
For more information on Age at Home, please visit:
https://www.ageathomenh.com/
