If you’re like most Americans, you plan to live in your home as long as possible. According to an AARP study, up to 90% of respondents would like to live in their own home rather than going to an assisted living or nursing care facility.
This simple preference has practical implications: you should make sure your home is a good place for you to grow old. Although you might not have mobility or safety concerns yet, it’s wise to keep “aging in place” in mind as you remodel or update your home.
Whether you’re actively in need of a remodel that will help you remain independent in your home or you’re thinking about the future, know that you can age in place in style. Most bathroom fixtures and design companies have taken this trend into account. As a result, they offer some great remodel solutions so that your bathroom can be stylish, accessible, and safe. Here are some the stylish bathroom remodel solutions for aging in place you can choose from:
Hand-Grabs
Get the image of large, bulky hospital hand-grabs out of your head. Instead, imagine sleek hand-grabs that fit in with your bathroom color scheme and style. Almost disguised, these hand grabs can be attractive while also offering support in key areas such as by the bath and toilet. You can even opt for hand grabs that have double functions such as shower shelves or towel racks.
Walk In Shower
Eliminate stepping over a lip and opt for a walk-in shower with an elegant glass door set up. This type of shower is attractive and perfectly functional. As you age, you can simply add a safe, but stylish shower stool to reduce the risk of falls in the shower.
Also, make sure you include a hand-held attachment to your shower head for easy bathing whether you’re still able-bodied or using a wheelchair.
Walk-In Tubs
Prefer baths? If you love a nice long soak, but are concerned about a fall, you might consider installing a walk in tub. Both attractive and practical, they also feature seats, making them very accomodating for people with mobility challenges. All you have to do is open the door, step in and sit, no balancing involved.
Non-Slip Floors
Another safety concern for the elderly in the bathroom is the floor. While tile is attractive and easy to clean, it’s also quite slippery. One solution are non-slip mats, which are available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Alternatively, install non-slip vinyl tiles.
Hardware
When considering new hardware, make sure you think about how easy it will be to handle. One major concern is arthritis, which makes hardware like knobs difficult to handle. Instead, opt for levers to operate your sink and shower or bath.
Aging in place doesn’t mean your bathroom has to lose its style. With the many options available today, you can make sure that your bathroom is safe while also reflecting your design preferences.