The bathroom is one of the riskiest places in the house, especially for older adults and individuals with limited mobility. If you have decided to age in place, you should focus on improving this room’s safety and comfort. When designed right, your space will meet your evolving needs.
Here are key features to include in your aging-in-place bathroom remodel.
Walk-In Tub or Curbless Shower
Older adults will benefit from a walk-in tub or a curbless shower. A walk-in tub comes with accessible doors and integrated seating. It eliminates the need to climb in and out of the tub, making it ideal for people with mobility issues. On the other hand, a curbless shower can reduce the risk of slips and falls. People of all physical abilities can easily use it due to its lower threshold entry. You have the option to add seats, grab bars, adjustable showerheads and other accessibility features. Lastly, since it has fewer nooks and crannies where debris can accumulate, this type of shower is easier to clean.
Grab Bars
Grab bars help older adults move, sit and stand with ease. You want to place them near the bath or shower area, toilet and sink. Doing so can reduce the risk of slip and fall incidents. Grab bars are available in various functional and stylish options, meaning you won’t have to sacrifice beauty for safety.
Non-Slip Flooring
Wet, slippery bathroom floors pose a considerable hazard to seniors. Including non-slip flooring in your home remodeling project can improve the accessibility of your living space. Anti-skid tiles and textured vinyl flooring are great options for moisture-prone areas.
Raised Toilet Seats
You won’t need to exert as much effort to sit or stand with a raised toilet seat. This accessory is easy to install and can lower the risk of falls. It can also prevent older adults from struggling to get up from the toilet.
Adequate Lighting
Seeing clearly in dim or dark environments is a common challenge among older adults. But regardless of age, sufficient lighting is essential when showering, bathing, applying makeup or grooming. Well-lit spaces are generally safer and easier to navigate.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Whether you are revamping your bathroom or need new kitchen cabinets, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southeast Florida is happy to help. You can count on our experienced team to bring your remodeling ideas to life. Call us at (561) 935-3915 (Jupiter) or (772) 200-2625 (Stuart). You can also complete our online form to reach our design experts. We proudly serve homeowners around Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach and Jupiter, FL.