As we grow older, daily tasks like showering can become more challenging. Standard bathrooms with their slippery surfaces and obstacles like shower screens and raised rims can make simply getting clean a stressful and dangerous endeavour. 

However, with some clever design choices and home modifications, you can transform your bathroom into a safe and accessible space. Wet rooms are an optimal solution, allowing elderly homeowners to enjoy the freedom and confidence that comes with hassle-free showering.

What is a Wet Room?

A wet room is a bathroom with an open layout where the shower area seamlessly blends into the rest of the floor. The entire room is waterproofed, often using tanking kits, so water can splash anywhere without leaking through walls or damaging floors. This creates a level, unobstructed floor ideal for walk-in showering.

With no doors, screens or raised trays to navigate, elderly wet rooms eliminate trip hazards and access issues. This open design and step-free floor is ideal for seniors, especially those with mobility limitations, allowing them to walk or wheel in and out of the shower area freely.

What are the Benefits of Wet Rooms for the Elderly in the UK?

There are many compelling reasons why elderly homeowners may want to consider installing an accessible wet room:

Improved Safety and Accessibility

It's all too easy to slip, stumble or even fall when transitioning from standard bathrooms into shower enclosures. Elderly wet rooms remove all these risks by providing one continuous level floor with a non-slip surface. 

Grab rails can be installed for additional support and stability. With no obstacles impeding access, wet rooms make showering safer for the elderly.

Greater Independence

Navigating a standard tub or shower enclosure often requires reasonable mobility and flexibility. For seniors, the difficulty getting in and out means they require assistance with bathing, impacting their autonomy. The open layout of a wet room enables easy access, allowing the elderly to shower independently with dignity.

Flexible Showering Options

While wet rooms primarily enable walk-in showering, many also allow the option to install a bath if desired. With an adjustable height bath and a stool or seat, elderly wet rooms provide the versatility for bathing through immersion if this is preferred.

Contemporary, Spacious Aesthetic

Converting a bathroom into a wet room creates a modern, minimalist look, while the open design makes the space feel more expansive. For elderly homeowners looking to remodel their bathrooms, a wet room offers an updated aesthetic that doesn't compromise on safety or comfort.

How to Design a Wet Room for the Elderly

When creating a wet room suitable for seniors, there are some key design factors to consider:

• Accessible Layout - Allow ample circulation space for wheelchairs or walkers if needed. Install fixtures in easy to reach locations.

• Grab Rails - Install grab rails around the shower area and toilet to aid balance and mobility. Opt for contrasting colours to make them stand out.

• Non-Slip, Level Access Flooring - Choose textured, slip-resistant vinyl or safety flooring to avoid falls.

• Easy-Access Controls - Select shower controls that are easy to operate. Thermostatic mixers avoid sudden temperature changes.

• Lighting - Use intense ceiling lights plus task lighting so the room is well-illuminated. Avoid shadows or glare.

• Fall Alarm - Consider installing a fall detector alarm that can alert others if you do take a tumble.

• Drainage - Opt for an efficient, wheelchair-friendly linear drain flush with the floor.

• With the right design choices, you can tailor the wet room to suit mobility levels, providing safety and restoring independence.

How to Build a Waterproof Wet Room

The key to creating a functional wet room lies in waterproofing. 

1. Your first step is selecting an appropriate wet room shower tray or forming a timber or concrete base. 

2. Next, apply a waterproof membrane or tanking kit to the walls and floor following the product instructions carefully.

3. Once fully sealed, the wet room won't leak and will protect surrounding structures. 

Our recommended Wet Room Sealer is an easy to apply sealant that is mould and mildew resistant. It ensures that your wet room is protected from damp, mould and water damage of all kinds. 

Transform Your Bathroom into an Accessible Wet Room

By converting your bathroom into an accessible wet room, you can continue enjoying safe, comfortable showering as part of your daily self-care routine.

If you're ready to undertake this bathroom transformation, the team at Wetroomstop can support you every step of the way. As leading suppliers of wet room products, our experienced staff can provide practical advice while our extensive range offers cost-effective solutions to meet your needs.