How to Make Your Bathroom Senior-Friendly
Nearly 240,000 people are rushed to the emergency room each year with injuries sustained while using the bathroom. The usual victims are the elderly, who continue to reside in their old homes without senior-friendly amenities.
The truth is that such incidents could’ve been prevented with a few bath design changes. Many homeowners are reluctant to adopt the necessary improvements just to keep their bathroom looking aesthetically pleasing.
Fortunately, you can now do a senior-friendly bathroom remodeling project without making your space seem institutional. By putting a premium on an aging-in-place design, you can make your bathroom welcome to people of all ages and abilities with these modifications:
Eliminate Glare
When it comes to lighting, home improvement experts like Dreamstyle Remodeling would say that bright isn’t always right. Improperly placed lights can affect visual performance. Unlike overhead lighting fixtures, sconces flanking the mirror are easier on the eyes.
Broaden the Doorway
Widening the doorway to 36 inches makes the bathroom easily accessible to people on crutches. Losing the handle in favor of a knob is a small change that makes a world of difference in terms of ease of use.
Rid the Shower of Curbs
When doing a shower conversion, go curbless to free your space of any tripping hazard. Let go of the raised sill to make things safer for anyone using a walker to move around.
Bid Farewell to Slippery Floors
Some flooring materials are more slip-resistant than others, so be sure to ask your remodeler about your best options. For greater friction, choose smaller and more textured tiles.
Make the Tub “Walkable”
Say goodbye to high-sided tubs. Most walk in tubs are functionally convenient on their own, but consider optional accessories, like whirlpool jets, to bring the spa experience to all your baths.
Let Dreamstyle Remodeling help you improve your bathroom’s comfort, convenience, safety and access. Call us at (877) 721-1590 to schedule your free, in-home consultation. We serve clients in Albuquerque and nearby areas.
