Accessibility Made Beautiful: Bathroom for Now and the Future

Everyone agrees—there’s no place like home, which seems to hold true especially true as we get older. According to AARP, 85% of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age. Among younger people age 50 to 64, 71% are already thinking about how they might age in place. Planning ahead will not only allow you to stay in your home as you age, it can make your home more functional today. In fact, accessibility features can come in very handy at any age should you have a sports injury, accident, or surgical procedure.

Plan Your Upcoming Project Accordingly

The time to ask about accessibility options is when you are beginning to plan a remodel. It is easy for a designer to add such specifications before construction begins. One inexpensive option is to have your contractor install “backing” in walls surrounding the shower or toilet area. This framing support is simple to add when the walls are exposed and will allow easy installation of grab bars during finish work or at a later date.

One of the most functional options for a bathroom is a flexible hand-held shower head. This feature functions well for all users including those who are tall or short, children, and even for pets. Users can also be seated and enjoy a full and convenient bathing experience.

When remodeling, the goal should be to include features that can make life easier as we age. Zero-threshold showers are popular because there is nothing to step over when entering the shower and makes it possible even to roll-in. A door that swings both inward and outward offers added convenience. Fold-down benches, handrails, comfortable faucet handles, and nonskid floors are essential and can be easily specified during the planning phase.

Remember, it is much easier to plan and remodel prior to a life-changing event rather than during or after. And such events don’t only happen to the aging populace. Accidents and sports injuries can alter your routine at any age so preparing for such possibilities is a smart move.