How can a bathroom remodel assist with aging in place?
Our daily needs and limitations change as we get older, and our homes should adapt to support us in maintaining our independence and safety. One way to accommodate these changes is to have your home undergo a bathroom remodel for aging in place. Aging in place refers to the concept of living in one’s own home safely, comfortably, and independently as one gets older. A bathroom remodel focused on aging in place involves thoughtful design and necessary modifications to ensure accessibility and convenience without compromising style. Let’s delve into the essential changes needed to create a bathroom that fosters independence and safety for seniors.
Understanding the Needs of Aging Individuals
Aging often brings mobility challenges, such as decreased balance, flexibility, and strength. Additionally, sensory changes and health conditions can affect daily tasks like bathing and using the toilet. Therefore, a bathroom remodel for aging in place must prioritize accessibility, ease of use, and safety.
Key Changes for an Aging-in-Place Bathroom Remodel
- Zero-Threshold Shower: Traditional tubs can be difficult to step over, posing a significant risk of falls for seniors. Installing a zero-threshold shower eliminates this hazard, allowing for easy access with a wheelchair or walker if necessary.
- Non-Slip Flooring: Slippery floors are a major concern in bathrooms, especially for individuals with mobility issues. Opting for non-slip flooring materials like textured tiles or slip-resistant vinyl significantly reduces the risk of falls.
- Grab Bars and Handrails: Strategically placed grab bars and handrails provide stability and support, assisting seniors in safely navigating the bathroom. These should be installed near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to aid in sitting, standing, and maneuvering.
- Accessible Toilet: Consider replacing the standard toilet with a comfort-height or ADA-compliant toilet, which sits higher and makes sitting down and standing up easier for seniors with mobility limitations. Installing grab bars near the toilet further enhances safety.
- Ample Lighting: Good lighting is essential for seniors with declining vision. Ensure the bathroom is well-lit with bright, evenly distributed lights to minimize shadows and improve visibility, especially around key areas like the toilet and shower.
- Accessible Storage: Make storage more accessible by installing cabinets and shelves at lower heights, reducing the need for seniors to reach or bend down. Consider adding pull-out drawers and organizers to maximize storage space and keep items within easy reach.
- Handheld Showerhead: A handheld showerhead offers greater flexibility and control during bathing, allowing seniors to adjust the water flow and direction without having to move around excessively. It also facilitates seated showers for those who may need to conserve energy or balance.
- Anti-Scald Devices: Installing anti-scald devices and thermostatic mixing valves helps regulate water temperature, preventing accidental burns, which can be especially dangerous for seniors with reduced sensitivity to heat.
- Wider Doorways: If feasible, widening the bathroom doorway allows for easier access, particularly for individuals using mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers.
- Comfortable Seating: Incorporating a built-in shower bench or fold-down seat provides a comfortable and safe spot for seniors to rest while showering, reducing the risk of fatigue or falls.
Call Bowen Remodeling & Design
Are you ready to remodel your bathroom? The team at Bowen Remodeling & Design can help! We make your dream bathroom a reality with our simple, four-step bathroom remodeling process.
Bowen Remodeling & Design specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Annapolis, Severna Park, Edgewater, Crownsville, Arnold, Millersville, Laurel, Odenton, Bowie, Clarksville, Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding areas!
As a family-owned and operated business, Bowen Remodeling commits to providing extraordinary home improvement services with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. For a free estimate, give us a call at 410-451-5928 and visit our showroom in Crofton, Maryland! For more information, follow Bowen Remodeling on Facebook and Twitter!