More and more people want to live at home for the remainder of their lives, or as long as they are physically able to do so. Making renovations to your home can allow you to age in place safely and for as long as possible. One of the spaces that you will likely need to renovate if you plan on aging in place is your bathroom. A traditional bathroom can be a hazardous place for an elderly individual and may not meet their specific needs. Here are a few of the bathroom renovations that may need to be made in your home for those who plan on aging in place.

The Location of the Bathroom

One of the things that you need to think about if you want to age in place in your current home is the bathroom location. Many two-story homes only have a half bath on the first floor. If you plan on aging in place, you need to keep in mind that not every senior citizen can navigate stairs. You will want a full bathroom downstairs, and you will want to ensure this bathroom is aging in place friendly.

Widening Doorways and Bathroom Space

As you age, your mobility may change, so it’s important to make sure that doorways are wider to meet those changing demands. Once inside the bathroom, it is also important to leave more space to make sure that everyone in the family can easily navigate the bathroom, regardless of their mobility.

Making Toilets a Comfortable Height

It can be harder to bend down as you age. As such, you should consider adding toilets that are higher up off of the ground if you want to age in place. This makes it easier to squat down on the toilet and also reduces the chances of you falling forward when you are trying to get off the toilet in your senior years. If you do not want to install a completely new toilet, there are toilet seat options that can increase the toilet’s height.

Getting in and out of the shower can be dangerous for seniors. The floor can be slick if your feet are wet. Having to step over a ledge can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. As such, you may want to consider a curbless or zero-entry shower to help improve bathroom safety.

Curbless or Zero Entry Showers

Getting in and out of the shower can be dangerous for seniors. The floor can be slick if your feet are wet. Having to step over a ledge can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. As such, you should consider a curbless or zero-entry shower to help improve bathroom safety. Additionally, consider installing handrails, benches and handheld showerheads to increase safety and ensure you have everything you need to shower safely.

Swapping Out Your Bathtub

The last change you may wish to make in your bathroom to age in place is swapping out your bathtub. Stepping in and out of a bathtub can be dangerous, if not impossible, as we age. Many people aging in place remove their bathtubs, but if you love to soak in the tub, consider swapping out your bathtub for a walk-in tub or bathtub cut-out option.

If you are looking to age in place in your home, you will want to make renovations and changes to your home before actually needing them. This ensures that your home is accessible and ready should you have any accidents, health conditions, or other unexpected medical events. Here at Quality Craftsmen, we can help you get your home ready for the future. We are certified aging in place specialists helping families throughout the East Cobb area create a checklist and make recommendations of changes you may need to make to ensure you can continue living in your home today, tomorrow and well into the future. Contact us today to get started.