Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Universal Appeal of a Bathroom for All Ages

What’s an ideal bathroom for a senior or someone who’s not as mobile as they once were?  It’s one that you can enjoy before you “need” it.  You won’t have to remodel in your sunset years if you prepare ahead of time.  Bonus: you can enjoy your investment right now.
 
Many boomers in their 50s and 60s are thinking ahead. When they remodel, they make sure their bathroom includes features they’ll appreciate over the long haul.  After all, they want to live out their lives in the familiar place called home.

 
What does this ideal bathroom for all time include?




An extra-roomy walk-in shower.   That means there’s no curb to trip you up on the way in.  There’s space you can luxuriate in as an active senior.  And that extra space will be handy if you ever need to roll yourself in there whether due to a temporary set-back or a long-term medical condition.

A hand shower that lets you direct the water flow.  It’s a little indulgence in your younger years but may become a necessity if you ever need to be seated in the shower.

A vanity with open space below it.  This provides room should you ever need (or want) to sit at the vanity or pull a wheel chair below it. And your bathroom will fit right into today’s open design trends.

Talking about good looking and practical too how about some grab bars? If you think all grab bars are ugly, take another look and then install grab bars in place of towel bars.  They’ll be there if you ever need them.  And adding them around the shower and bath whatever your age makes sense.  After all, you can slip at any age.

A comfort height toilet.  Why sit on a short toilet when you can have one that’s at a comfortable height?  It works now and it works later.

Lever-handle faucets.  They’re so stylish and yet so practical.  When older hands get stiff from arthritis, knob handles cooperate less easily. 

A Jacuzzi walk-in tub.  Not only does the walk in bath tub provide a warm, relaxing, and luxurious in-home spa experience, it’s also safe, accessible, therapeutic, and health-promoting. 

Non-slip tiles.  A tile with a slight texture prevents slipping but it can also be long-lasting and add a touch of beauty to your bathroom.

Radiant heat.  Toasty toes.  How could that be bad at any age?  Treat yourself now and later.

Bye for now…..George Flowers

Did I miss anything you would recommend?

What questions do you have about planning for aging in place – for yourself, a loved-one or a client?



    1 comment:

    1. I have been a home care provider for 18 years.I think the walk in shower is wonderful, the toilet should really be a handicap toilet, up higher, so the individual using it doesn't need to squat. The sink, I feel should be somewhat higher as well, so the individual doesn't need to bend over, not everyone is short, the heated floor would be great, there should not be any slippery rugs in the bathroom, unless they have great grip, even then, a HUGE safety issue, especially with walkers getting stuck on the rugs, or taking the risk of the individual falling! A wider mirror for those who have a hard time with their eyesight, easy access for towels, so not so much reaching, and easy access to shelving, so again, not any reaching or bending needed. I just thought I'd like to point out a few things, space to move around with a wheelchair or walker is also helpful, with wider doors for easy access.

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