How Bath Remodel Has Become an Integral Part of Aging in Place Home Renovations

Posted by ContractRemodelingTX on January 12th, 2022

Life after a certain age becomes challenging. Things are more complicated, significantly when one’s mobility is compromised. The truth is, not everyone looks forward to spending the rest of their retired lives in some assisted living facility cooped up in a room. The flavor of living a free life in the comforts of their home is something that many senior adults don’t want to give up. Things, however, are always not easy as it seems. One’s home can quickly become hostile when one’s physical strength diminishes. Taking the stairs can become challenging, along with the bathroom becoming inaccessible. Chances of falling and getting injured increase, pushing many to rethink their decision to stay on their own.

The picture does not need to be so grim. Things can be changed for the better with simple lifestyle changes. Aging-in-place is a concept that is much in practice now. Simple changes around the house can go a long way in making life simple for every senior adult. Accessing the floors can become easy with stairlift installation, while the bathroom can be turned user-friendly with a bath remodel in Austin, TX. Simple planning and discussion with a home remodeling contractor can turn a bathroom safe and easy to use as one ages in their house. Following are some of the simple changes that are done:

The first thing that needs to be taken care of is the entrance. Those who use a wheelchair need to ensure that the bathroom door has a minimum width of 32 inches. According to The Americans with Disabilities Act, a 5-foot turning radius should be for a wheelchair. Keeping this in mind, all the fixtures should be placed during the bath remodel. The tub, sink, toilet, and shower placement should be such that the user who uses a wheelchair can find it easy to maneuver. The toilet should be placed between two support bars that are 36 inches apart to make it easy to sit down and stand up. The toilet seat should be at least 17 inches off the floor. This is the ideal height for someone in a wheelchair.

Another significant addition can be introducing a curbless shower stall that is at least 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep. It is also good to add an in-shower bench to make the bathroom more accessible.

One can also install a hand-held shower head with a slider bar. This ensures increased accessibility and allows disabled individuals or senior adults to shower alone. This usually comes with a thermostat controlled and pressure-balanced valve that regulates the temperature and prevents any accidental burns. Adding a grab bar ensures better stability while getting in and out of the shower. For easy accessibility of those in a wheelchair, it is essential to maintain clearance beneath the sink. There should be at least a clearance space of 27 inches beneath the sink for enabling the wheelchair user to roll up easily. The top of the sink should be 32 to 34 inches off the floor.

It is better to opt for slip-resistant tile floors in the renovated bath. This is an integral part of home renovations in Austin, TX, and is often opted for in outdoor spaces and the kitchen area. Textured flooring makes it easier for senior adults to move around easily. It increases the grip of the feet and helps prevent trips, slips, and falls. The textured mosaic tiles are also aesthetically pleasing and are available in various colors and styles.

Growing old does not mean that one has to give up on living an independent life. Instead, it can be turned around with simple changes around the house, which are budget-friendly and come with good ROI.