• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
  • ENGINEERS
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • CONTRACTORS
  • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • WATER TREATMENT
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
  • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
  • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
  • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
  • FIRE PROTECTION
  • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
  • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
  • PME COLUMNS
  • PME COLUMNS
  • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
  • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
  • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
  • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
  • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
  • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
  • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
  • CODES
  • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
  • PROJECT PROFILES
  • COLUMNS
  • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • COLUMNS
  • Codes Corner
  • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
  • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
  • PODCASTS
  • VIDEOS
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
  • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EBOOKS
  • PM BOOKSTORE
  • CE CENTER
  • MARKET RESEARCH
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
  • EMAGAZINE
  • ARCHIVE ISSUES
  • CONTACT
  • ADVERTISE
  • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!
Plumbing NewsBath & Kitchen ProCodes Corner

New criteria for assisted toileting and bathing options gives elders extra protection in 2021 Building Codes

Building codes continue to evolve to assure the utmost comfort and accessibility for older generations.

By Kimberly Paarlberg
Assisted Toileting

Having fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet and moving the toilet away from the wall so assistance can be offered from one or both sides  will make it easier, as well as safer, for both residents and caregivers.

nursing home safety

It is critically important not to overlook the need for up-to-date requirements to ensure the safety of older adults — and the strongest need for this exists in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

Assisted Toileting
nursing home safety
March 13, 2020

Growing older can come with many challenges and changes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, one in four Americans over the age of 65 fall. Even worse, every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.  

According to National Institute on Aging, the majority of falls take place in the bathroom — 80% to be exact. The floor can get wet and slippery, and there’s an increased risk of tripping or falling getting in and out of the tub or shower.

The International Code Council’s priority is safety. While there have always been provisions for accessibility for persons with disabilities in the codes, these provisions were based on allowing independent access into and throughout a building, including independent use of the fixtures in a bathroom. As people age, they may not be strong enough for total independence. It is critically important not to overlook the need for up-to-date requirements to ensure the safety of older adults — and the strongest need for this exists in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. 

The 2021 edition of the ICC’s set of building codes include new criteria for assisted toileting and bathing. This will have a vital impact on the safety of our elders. 

The ICC Committee on Healthcare (CHC) utilized new research from the Mayer-Rothschild Foundation to help develop several successful proposals for the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). The Mayer-Rothschild Foundation is a national philanthropy exclusively committed to person-centered care in long-term communities. Their study worked with residents that used a variety of mobility aids, including canes, walkers and wheelchairs; as well as asked for input from the caregivers. The resulting changes in the codes are new options for the bathrooms to be designed to allow for both access with mobility aids and assisted use of the toilet and shower in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. 

The intent for assisted toileting and bathing is to allow for someone who has a physical disability to still feel as independent as possible, and at the same time, address the need for additional safety. For example, some elders lose their strength or have stability issues, which makes it difficult for them to stand up and down. However, having some assistance when needed will help their confidence and provide a level of independence.

Feeling safe when moving on and off the toilet is important for residents as well as caregivers. Assisting someone from the front when using the toilet has become a safety concern for both residents and caregivers over the years. Instead, having fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet and moving the toilet away from the wall so assistance can be offered from one or both sides will make it easier, as well as safer, for both residents and caregivers. Space for a resident using a wheelchair to maneuver for a side transfer is still provided adjacent to the toilet.

Research also looked at assisted bathing. It was found that mounted seats within the shower created a challenge for caregivers to access parts of the body of the resident they are assisting, such as their back. Whereas, a moveable seat will provide more options and easier access to assist with bathing. Grab bars on three walls provided stability for residents that preferred to stand for all or part of the shower. Space for a resident using a wheelchair is provided in front of the shower.

The bathroom as a whole will still require other accessibility features, such as a 32-inch clear-width door with maneuvering clearances, an accessible sink and a turning space within the room. These new options will be viewed as designs that are specific to the needs of the population they serve as well as provide a higher level of accessibility. The intent is to allow for design flexibility and address the safety of both residents and caregivers.

With Americans living longer and in greater numbers, building codes continue to evolve to assure the utmost comfort and accessibility for these generations. According to the CDC, 10,000 people are turning 65 years old each day. As that number grows, it is critical to have a plan in place for this group as well as the best assistance they can get. 

 

KEYWORDS: codes and standards plumbers and pipefitters universal design

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Kimberly Paarlberg is codes and standards and senior staff architect for the International Code Council. 

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Worker using the Milwaukee Tool SWITCH PACK drain cleaner

    Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

    Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative...
    Green Plumbing and Mechanical
    By: Nicole Krawcke
  • Uponor employee, Arturo Moreno

    The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

    Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke and Natalie Forster
  • March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

    Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

    Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
close

1 COMPLIMENTARY ARTICLE(S) LEFT

Loader

Already a Registered User? Sign in now.

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine
  • Manage My Preferences

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

NIBCO Press Solutions

NIBCO Press Solutions

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Plumbing & Mechanical or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • J.J. Keller CMV vehicles on road
    Sponsored byJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

    The dash cam game-changer for small business safety

Popular Stories

The interior of a government building.

President Trump signs executive order promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships

Figure 1 is a sketch of the flow problems of the current plumbing system.

Hydronic heating glitch solved: Why adding a circulator won't fix primary loop flow issue

Underfloor heating installation with drain sewer hole in bathroom close up on water floor heating.

Using hydronics to leverage time-of-use electrical rates

PM BEMIS June 25 Free Webinar: Optimizing Plumbing Solutions for Single-Family, Multi-Family & Public Spaces

Events

November 13, 2024

Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Will business be up or down in 2025?

Do you anticipate business in 2025 to be up or down in comparison to 2024?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Water Came To A Stop

The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products

Download the FREE Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook: Plumbing Trends Increasing Safe Water Availability

Related Articles

  • Water Faucet

    New criteria in drinking water standard tightens lead leaching allowance for plumbing products

    See More
  • Codes Corner

    Codes Corner: New digital strategies for building safety will be key to future sustainability

    See More
  • New study gives insight into American bathing habits, cites hot water preferences

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\Plumbing\new sites\Piping_Calculations_Manual.gif

    Piping Calculations Manual

  • lessons-learned.gif

    Lessons Learned: Connecting New Boilers to Old Pipes

  • M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\Plumbing\new sites\Piping_Systems_Manual.gif

    Piping Systems Manual

See More Products
×
Having fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet and moving the toilet away from the wall so assistance can be offered from one or both sides  will make it easier, as well as safer, for both residents and caregivers.
It is critically important not to overlook the need for up-to-date requirements to ensure the safety of older adults — and the strongest need for this exists in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

Keep your content unclogged with our newsletters!

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Supply House Times
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!