My bathroom is very small and there is no room for my husband to maneuver his walker when the door is opened into the room. Any suggestions?

Abbie Sladick, CGR
There are a number of ways to deal with this problem. The first option is to reverse the swing of the door. It may be possible to change the swing out into the hall or the bedroom. This change will require a bit of handyman work and some paint, but could be a good option.
The most comprehensive solution may also be the most expensive and disruptive. A pocket door may be able to be installed at the entrance. This will give you the most room to maneuver both in the hall and in the bathroom. This will require purchasing a new door and reframing the outside wall of the bathroom. Make sure that the pocket door size you chose is wide enough for the walker or possible wheelchair in the future (30 inches).
A bypass door can also be used on the outside of the bathroom. This would have the same function as the pocket door, but will not require reframing the wall. The door will slide on the outside of the wall.
The most cost effective idea is to use a bi-fold door. This door will still be in the bath or hall area, but will only be half as large. This will require purchasing a new door and installing new hardware in the existing frame.
Abbie Sladick, CGR, a certified Aging in Place Specialist by the National Association of Homebuilders and expert in Universal Design, has consulted on many articles and publications. She is a member of the advisory council for the National Kitchen and Bath Association and has also sat on the American Society of Interior Designer’s (ASID) National Council on Aging in Place and Universal Design. She was recently recognized by Qualified Remodeler Magazine as a Top 500 Remodeler, and has received the Master Design Award for Universal Design. Sladick also founded and oversees two companies: Abbie Joan Enterprises www.abbiejoan.com, a remodeling firm specializing in interior remodeling projects, and Great Grabz, www.greatgrabz.com, a designers and manufacturer of decorative grab bars and safety fixtures.