You are currently viewing Remodeling A Bathroom For The Aging

Remodeling A Bathroom For The Aging

Whether you need to remodel for yourself or for your elderly parent moving in with you, you might have to take into account some additional items that would benefit the space. Accessibility is the number one factor for people with disabilities or restricted movements. A home remodeling project when you are at retirement age requires a little more planning than just picking out what looks best in your mind. Your future needs and finances are changing and you need to keep a closer look at what you will need and what will benefit your lifestyle as a senior. Bathrooms are the number one accident-prone rooms for seniors which can put you in a nursing home if you don’t plan for your age. Nowadays they have come up with better designs to make the decor match the accessories that you wouldn’t think would be appealing like grab bars and tubs for seniors. Take a look at some of these safety features to help make a decision on what is best for you.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Bathroom Grab Bars- One of the most highly requested items in accessibility are bathroom safety grab bars. Seniors need more support in the bathroom to avoid slips and falls especially on wet surfaces. Grab bars are helpful in public restrooms and we are starting to use them in the home now. They are also starting to come in more decorative styles as their popularity increases. In the shower or by the toilet are more popular for the assistance needed.  
  • Raised Toilet Seat- Family members with accessibility needs will be grateful for a raised toilet seat. They run a little bit taller than the standard toilet and typically are between 17”-19” tall and take pressure off the joints and lower back when using it. They can be extremely cost-effective.
  • Walk-In Tub- If it is important to have a tub considering a walk-in bathtub would be great for an elderly person. Instead of climbing over a bathtub wall, these tubs have a door that keeps water in but lets you step in easily. The only thing it might hinder resale value if you were to sell the home, as the younger buyers may not care for it.
  • No Barrier Shower- This type of shower has a curbless barrier which means no lip or threshold which makes them ADA compliant and easier accessibility for those who have wheelchairs or physical disabilities.These showers provide a seamless transition from the bathroom floor into the shower. The floors have a slightly angled floor to keep water from running out, and this is done by recessing the floor to create the angle.
  • Seated Shower Bench- This will add a secure space for someone to sit down in the shower. Adding a special handheld showerhead would be another thing that would be a benefit when sitting.
  • Non-slip Flooring- Avoid natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tile because it is the most slippery when wet. The best reasonably priced material is luxury vinyl planks. They are very durable and can be cleaned with anything.
  • Widen Doorways- If your planning to remodel the whole bathroom to improve the accessibility, widening your doorways can surely help tremendously. This will allow for wheelchairs and walkers to enter without hindrance. You will likely need to replace the door as well and a pocket door is a space-saving and safe choice. Pocket doors roll into the wall, so there’s no obstacle in or out of the bathroom.
  • Incorporating Home Automation- Some home automation systems are designed to increase lighting when needed and turn off when the bathroom is no longer in use. Digital bathroom shower control is something that is becoming popular. This new gadget can get the shower temperature to a perfect setting without having to bend over and turn multiple handles.
  • Install Lever-Style Door Knobs-levers are usually easier to grip than round doorknobs, and they don’t require a twisting motion. That can be especially helpful for people who have arthritis or other conditions that limit motion. You can find lever-style knobs at home improvement stores starting around $20 each. Changing doorknobs can be a do-it-yourself task, or you might hire a handyman.

 

 

   

Mistakes To Avoid When Remodeling

  1. Remodeling and then moving
  2. Forgetting to plan for future needs
  3. Going into deep debt to remodel
  4. Depleting retirement money to remodel

 

 

Follow us on Facebook