Whether you are looking forward to your retirement or living with an elderly loved one, renovating your home can make sense both financially and emotionally. By implementing the concept of universal design, you make your spaces comfortable, efficient and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. When it comes to planning aging-in-place home improvements, a bath renovation is something worth considering.
In this in-depth article, we’ll be touching on the various reasons why many seniors look to age in place. We’ll also provide you with helpful tips to keep in mind when designing a bathroom that is accessible to the elderly and everyone in your household.
Research has shown that the elderly who choose to remain in their accessible homes enjoy a greater sense of independence and comfort. Aging in place gives them more control over their daily routines, which fosters personal independence and dignity. In addition to this, they can maintain relationships with family members, neighbors, and friends, which are crucial to their overall health and happiness as they continue to live out their golden years.
Aging-in-place remodeling projects help create a safe, independent living situation that is tailored to one’s changing needs. On the surface, it might seem challenging for them to navigate their own homes or the homes of their loved ones. However, having familiar surroundings gives them solace, allowing them to navigate from room to room with ease. Conversely, moving into an assisted living facility can take a physical and emotional toll on them, which can then impact their already deteriorating health.
Living in an accessible home environment also allows seniors to create and stick to their schedules. From preparing meals and eating together with friends and family to doing household chores and relaxing during the afternoon, they can have the freedom to do whatever they desire within an aging-in-place setup. These won’t be possible in an assisted living facility where they have to conform to a specific schedule of dining or visiting hours.
For the elderly, the bathroom can pose certain challenges. Its primary features—toilet, shower, tub and sink—are considered obstacles. The presence of moisture increases their risk of getting injured due to slip and fall accidents. The room can’t be avoided, however, since it is essential for one’s hygiene. The last thing you want for an elderly loved one with age-related health issues is to experience hassle and inconvenience while they use the bathroom.
A bathroom remodel is among the many aging-in-place projects homeowners make. In fact, 79% of housing features that seniors find important are inside the bathroom. To make yours safer and more comfortable, keep in mind these tips when planning an accessible bathroom design:
One of the many notable features of an aging-in-place bathroom involves improvements on the entryway. The door, for instance, must have a clear width of 32 inches from the door’s face to the opposite stop. It can be widened to up to 36 inches to accommodate an elderly using an assistive device like a wheelchair or walker. It should open outward so that it doesn’t obstruct the bathroom’s interior space. Alternatively, a pocket door is also a good option. It is a sliding door that, when opened, disappears into a compartment in the adjacent wall.
Also known as the zero-threshold shower, this type of shower doesn’t have a lip on the edge, allowing easy wheelchair and walker access. It doesn’t need to have a door, which is a good thing if you want your bathroom to exude a more modern and fresher look. With this, you can design the floor to have a slight slope toward the drain. Additional features like built-in seating and grab bars can be strategically placed within the curbless shower to heighten accessibility.
Excessive moisture inside the bathroom increases the likelihood of slip and fall injuries, which happens to one in three people over the age of 65 every year. Consider replacing your hard, slippery floor surfaces with non-slip varieties. If you still love the look of tile, choose textured ones that provide a firm grip on the soles of the feet.
Another flooring material that can be incorporated into an accessible bathroom is rubber. It might have a high price point, but it doesn’t get slick when wet. It also has a softer surface, providing a cushion if someone accidentally falls. Non-slip flooring should also extend to the shower area entry for further foot stability.
A wall-mounted vanity gives a wheelchair user more legroom. With this, you or an elderly loved one can roll up to the sink and do things like washing hands, brushing teeth and reaching for items sitting on the counter. The sink counter should be mounted a little lower than average—about 34 inches from the floor—with a knee clearance of at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 11 to 25 inches deep. Also, make sure the countertop is of the right size and easy to reach, even at the back. This way, you can adjust the placement of the mirror where you can see yourself.
Getting up and down from the toilet seat can be difficult for seniors, especially if they require extra assistance. Some may have trouble cleaning up after themselves, which can be a struggle to handle without dealing with the embarrassment of asking for help from others. Fortunately, this essential bathroom fixture can be converted or added upon depending on your requirements.
Certain toilets are higher than standard ones, measuring between 17 to 19 inches in height, from floor to seat. If replacing your current toilet isn’t possible, you can attach an add-on to the seat to make it taller. Of course, grab bars and rails next to the toilet allows the user to stand up and sit down easily. Adding a bidet helps you get cleaner without as much effort.
Designing an aging-in-place bathroom is all about accessibility and functionality, but that doesn’t mean style and beauty will take the backseat. Whether it is a shower installation or a full bathroom renovation, our experienced professionals at The Bathroom Store are committed to transforming your current space into something that anyone can use, including your elderly loved ones. During your consultation with us, we can discuss your needs to determine which bathroom features can benefit from aging-in-place modifications.
Give us a call at (701) 223-1008 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
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