It’s never too early to start planning for your future needs, especially when remodeling your home’s bathroom. As you or a loved one ages, ill equipped bathrooms can pose serious safety risks and hazards, but installing bathroom upgrades now that could make your daily routine easier and safer when you get older, will allow you to age-in-place in the forever home that you love. Read below for areas to consider while remodeling your bathroom.
Add Grab Bars
With frequent use of water and floor materials that are prone to get slippery, bathrooms pose a serious fall risk. While you may not see the need of installing grab bars in your bathroom now, you may one day be grateful that you made the decision. Grab bars are relatively inexpensive, come in various styles and finishes that you can choose to match your bathroom aesthetic, and add increased stability and safety.
You can install grab bars yourself easily, but make sure that you are strategic about where you install them in the bathroom. They’re often placed near the bathtub or shower and toilet where homeowners frequently need extra leverage for moving around. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make these easy upgrades now while you’re in the process of remodeling your bathroom.
Install a Handicap-Accessible Bathtub
While soaking in a bath or getting into the shower after a long day at work can seem relaxing to many, to older people the thought of the task alone can be a daunting experience. Most baths have high sides that require the individual to step over to enter and showers often have a step that can pose a fall risk for older homeowners, but there are safer options.
Handicap-accessible bathtubs and showers are flat to the floor to easily allow homeowners to walk directly in or wheel a wheelchair or walker in to bathe. There are many different options that are both convenient AND stylish. For inspiration, visit Schuler Kitchens & Baths showroom to explore your options and find the perfect one for your space and your family.
Upgrade Your Toilet
When selecting a toilet for your bathroom remodel, you may not put much thought into the model you choose as it’s often assumed that all toilets are the same. However, consider installing a higher toilet that is ADA compliant. To visitors, the toilet will look similar as any other toilet, but its added height will be more comfortable to lower yourself on and stand back up as you age.
There are also options for toilets with bidet features that could be beneficial and more convenient for many senior homeowners.
Consider a Wheelchair Accessible Sink
Bathroom vanities have many different uses and occupy a lot of the time in a homeowner’s daily routine. Whether brushing your teeth or hair, applying makeup, washing your hands or face, or shaving — you’re most likely doing it over your bathroom sink so make sure that it’s a vanity that will comfortably age with you.
One way to ensure that it can be used comfortably for years to come is by installing levers instead of knobs on your sink, which will make it easier to turn. Also, opt for a sink with round edges as opposed to sharp edges to reduce injuries if a fall were to occur. Lastly, install a sink and overhead medicine cabinet that is lower and more easily accessible to those in wheelchairs.
Purchase Enhanced Lighting
Don’t overlook the importance of enhanced lighting in your bathroom. Navigating a dark bathroom at night or fumbling for a switch not easily accessible can lead to a dangerous and frightening experience. Install lights lower on the walls that can illuminate the floor and make changing burnt out bulbs easier.
Hire Schuler Kitchens & Baths
Your home has been the place where you’ve built your life, made your favorite family memories, and planned to age comfortably. If your current bathroom poses challenges during your daily routine, call Schuler Kitchens & Baths to learn about our aging-in-place solutions. We’re here to answer any questions, offer our suggestions, and help you navigate through this new season in life.
