Aging in Place: is Your Shower Ready for the Future?

Is your bathroom built for the years ahead?

When you picture getting older in your home, does your shower feel like it might not keep up? 

You're not alone if safety, comfort, and accessibility are top of mind. Something as routine as showering can get harder in a bathroom that wasn't designed with aging in place in mind.

Modern shower designs make it easier than ever to blend safety with style. If you're planning a remodel, here are the features that make the biggest difference.

1. Install Grab Bars 

Grab bars add real stability and peace of mind, but only if they're installed properly. Never attach them to shower doors or glass — they need to be anchored securely into the wall to support actual weight.

And a quick heads-up: towel bars and decorative handles are not safe substitutes. Talk to the Wolverine Glass team early in the planning process so they can add the right wall blocking and reinforcement during construction.

2. Go Curbless (or Low-Curb) for Easy Access

Curbless walk-in showers are a top choice for aging-in-place designs. Without a step or threshold to navigate, getting in and out is far easier — whether you use a walker, a wheelchair, or just want to reduce tripping hazards.

That said, curbless showers take careful planning. A properly sloped floor and well-placed drain are essential to keep water where it belongs. Retrofitting a curbless shower into an existing bathroom can be tricky — the framing and layout might not allow enough slope. In those cases, a low curb that's easy to step over can be the smartest compromise, keeping water in while staying accessible.

3. Don't Skimp on Shower Door Width

If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair, the shower entrance needs to be wide enough to roll through. ADA guidelines recommend at least a 32-inch clear opening, which usually means a 33-inch-wide door.

That can be tough in smaller bathrooms where space is already tight around vanities and toilets. Significant layout changes may be needed to meet accessibility standards without making the rest of the bathroom feel cramped.

Need Help Remodeling Your Novi Bathroom?

If you’re in the Novi or Ann Arbor area, we can help you remodel your bathroom! Reach out today at (734) 426-5600 or through our contact form. We'd love to help create a bathroom you'll feel good using for years to come.