Aging-In-Place Bathroom Designs

As you age, your body experiences physical changes that may make normal daily tasks more difficult than normal. You may need to make some modifications to your surroundings. Just as you age, your house should age with you.  Sprucing up your bathrooms with aging-in-place bathroom designs can help you live safer and longer in your dream home.

Safety should be the highest priority when designing aging-in-place bathrooms, but it’s also important not to have to compromise on aesthetics. Different design choices can be incorporated into a bathroom that allow you to continue living independently and keep your home appealing to the average homeowner.

What is Aging-In-Place?

The number of people living at home and avoiding assisted living is on the rise. This trend is expected to continue, as more and more people want to live out their retirement in their own homes. Whether it’s for health reasons or simply for the joy of  being independent, more people are choosing to stay at home, renovating to accommodate their new lifestyle. One of the most important areas in aging-in-place remodeling is bathroom design due to safety issues.

Recent studies have shown that nearly 90% of seniors plan on staying in their homes rather than investing in retirement facilities. As we age, it’s important to think about how to stay active and independent in our own homes longer.  This usually will require remodeling, giving us the ability to stay in the home we love and with which we are familiar.   This means adding more functionality and convenience while not yielding  beauty & fashion. Reaching out to an aging-in-place contractor can help you assess what changes need to be made.  If you don’t know where to begin, here are a few aging-in-place bathroom design ideas to get you started:

Curbless Shower

Curbless showers, also known as zero-threshold showers, are showers that you can simply walk into without worrying about  a small wall barrier. These barriers can be a tripping hazard, so being without one can minimize the risk of slipping and falling. The floors of these showers have a slight incline so water can drain appropriately.

Since there is no need to step over a barrier, these showers are beneficials for seniors and for varieties of needs.

Non-Slip Floors

Although the bathroom can be a comforting place to relax,  certain flooring options can pose a safety hazard for aging adults. This is when it’s crucial to use non-slip bathroom flooring. Stone tile, ceramic tile and natural stone are some of the best options that are eye-catching and ensure a safe environment that enable simple day-to-day tasks like walking to the toilet or taking a shower.

Shower Seating

A shower seat is an important feature to include in your aging-in-place bathroom design. It provides the ability to sit when bathing, adding an element of independence, as moving around is not needed as much and water does not find its way onto  the entire shower floor.  This allows you to shower safely and comfortably. Shower seats come in a variety of sizes and lengths, allowing you to customize to fit your needs as well as the shape of your shower.

Toilet Height

The toilet can be easily overlooked when considering an aging-in-place remodel. The height of your toilet could be a limiting factor in considering bathroom safety.  Sitting and standing can be challenging for those with limited mobility, so a higher toilet may be necessary.

Grab Bars

When you think of accessibility, grab bars may be the first thought you have for your remodel. Bathrooms can get slippery from water and soap making the floors slick. Grab bars in the shower and throughout the bathroom will help you maneuver safely while adding a modern feel due to the variety of styles and colors.

Start Your Bathroom Remodel with Re-Builders

Re-Builders holds the designation Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS). This program is designed to give us the technical and customer service skills required to service the needs of those homeowners who choose to stay in their homes as they age instead of making other housing accommodations. Our professionals learn how to adapt homes to changing needs, lifestyles, and abilities.  If you’re looking to redesign your bathroom to withstand the years to come, you can trust Re-Builders with your vision.

From design to acquiring permits to project completion, Re-Builders can handle it all!  We are here to help through your Grand Strand renovation journey. Contact Re-Builders to learn more about our home renovation options. Please give us a call at 843-448-0041 or request a quote here!