Stylish Bathroom Updates for Aging in Place

A large percentage of time is spent at home, and most often it is decorated and furnished for comfort. Over the years, wall colors change, flooring is updated and remodeling can be considered inevitable. For many years, kitchens were the primary renovation project. However, the trend for master suite bathroom remodeling is on the rise. People generally want to stay in their home as long as possible, and many updates make aging in place easier, enabling them to do that.

At one-time grab bars and walk-in showers were only for the aged. Today, these and other universal design features are stylish as well as functional. For example, design firms and home builders have started adding elements such as wider doorways and nonslip floors in high-end bathrooms for a luxurious, spa feel. Here are a few more modifications that can make the bathroom more user-friendly.

• Raise the sink to countertop height. The additional height can reduce the need to bend, which can cause back pain, affecting the ability for aging in place. Installing a wall-mount unit leaves the area underneath open for a wheelchair or standard chair.
• Install a curbless shower. Also called a walk-in shower, it can make bathing easier for individuals with mobility issues. The opening can be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or a person on crutches. A handheld showerhead with a six-foot hose can be installed on a shower rail (also known as a grab bar), for accessibility.
• Update or add to existing lighting.  A transom window above the shower can bring natural light into the room without worrying about modesty. Sconces on either side of a mirror can illuminate the area more effectively. Lighting in vanity drawers and medicine cabinets can make it easier to find contents.

Preparing for aging in place can help homeowners stay in their homes for many years. Small changes can make a significant impact on accessibility. Specialists in bathroom remodeling can provide ideas for functional updates, without the need for a full renovation.