Aging in place is a major concern of members of the Baby Boom generation in or approaching retirement, as well as older Generation X members who are beginning to approach their retirement years as their 60th birthday comes closer. Many have started plans for an aging in place remodel of their homes by adding features that will become useful as their aging continues and mobility declines. Better yet, according to a 2018 cost vs value report by Remodeling, bathroom remodels typically return 70% on their investment when you sell your home. Let’s take a look at how making this investment will help you age in place in North Wales, PA.
Why Age-Proof Your Bathroom?
Bathrooms can be among the most dangerous spaces in the home for seniors. Bathrooms by nature have floors that become slippery when wet. The curb of the bathtub may present a barrier for people with limited lower-body mobility. Planning these remodels doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be done before you need the features for aging.
Widening Doors and Spaces
An underestimated need in age-proofing bathrooms is making the doors and spaces in the bathroom wider. This feature is a critical need for an aging in place remodel as older adults will often need to add pieces like walkers and wheelchairs as mobility declines in older years, or injuries require mobility assistance.
Widening doors by even as little as a few inches can improve the mobility of a walker or wheelchair user inside the bathroom, giving them space to maneuver without risking a fall by picking up and turning the device.
Grab Bars, Curbless and Nonslip Showers
Much more commonly understood than doors and spaces is the need for grab bars and handles around fixtures like toilets and showers. These critical fixtures help make life much easier for people with limited mobility in their legs to get on and off their toilets and avoid slips and falls in the shower.
In addition to grab bars, many adults lose the ability to lift their legs high enough to enter and exit conventional showers as they get older and can lose their balance on slippery flooring. Nonslip flooring and curbless shower stalls can make it much easier to maneuver.
The value of an aging in place remodel on the bathroom is not just monetary. It’s a crucial investment in your ability to remain in your home. To get started with your renovation, don’t wait to get in touch with our experienced team in North Wales, PA today.
