Aging in place is becoming more popular among modern homeowners. Perhaps it’s because of the high cost of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Or, maybe it’s because more people are realizing that there’s no place like home to kindle memories and keep the mind and body healthy. Regardless of the reason, many of our Sacramento and San Joaquin County remodels include renovations to make aging in place easier. One of the first things they look at is bathroom remodeling for seniors.
As we age, certain tasks that once seemed simple can become more challenging. This reality often leads seniors to consider ways to modify their homes to accommodate their changing needs while allowing them to maintain their independence. One area where this is particularly important is the bathroom. A well-designed bathroom can not only enhance comfort and accessibility but also significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. If you’re a senior looking to remodel your bathroom so you can age in place gracefully, you’ll want to consider the bathroom remodeling ideas below.
10 Bathroom Remodeling Ideas For Seniors
1. Install grab bars in appropriate places.
As we age, mobility often becomes restricted and balance problems can arise. This makes navigating a bathroom a challenging experience and can pose several safety hazards. Installing grab bars can improve safety, providing stability and support in all the right places.
Many homeowners picture the metal grab bars commonly seen in commercial settings. However, these are not the only options available. In fact, grab bars can actually be stylish and even blend in seamlessly with your bathroom’s overall theme. An experienced bathroom designer can help you determine the best fixtures for your space along with where they should be located for ultimate safety and function.
2. A walk-in shower makes aging in place easier.
Stepping over a high bathtub edge can pose a significant challenge for seniors with mobility issues. Consider replacing your traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower. These showers typically have low thresholds or curbless shower pans, allowing for easy access without the risk of tripping. Additionally, installing a built-in shower bench can provide a comfortable seating option for those who may need to rest while bathing.
3. Choose slip-resistant flooring for your bathroom remodel.
Bathroom floors can become slippery, especially when wet, increasing the risk of falls. When considering bathroom renovations for aging in place, choose slip-resistant flooring options such as textured tiles or non-slip vinyl. These materials provide better traction underfoot, enhancing safety without compromising style.
4. Upgrade to a comfort-height toilet.
Standard toilets may be too low for some seniors, making it difficult to sit down and stand up comfortably. Consider replacing your toilet with a comfort-height model, which is slightly taller than traditional toilets. This makes aging in place safer as this type of toilet is easier for individuals with mobility issues to use. Additionally, installing grab bars near the toilet can provide added support and stability.
5. Improve lighting inside and on the way to the bathroom.
Proper lighting is essential for seniors, especially in areas like the bathroom where slips and falls are more likely to occur. Adding overhead lights in the bathroom can increase the room’s brightness while enhancing safety. Similarly, motion-activated night lights can help to illuminate pathways during nighttime bathroom visits.
6. Create ample storage solutions to minimize clutter.
Having enough bathroom storage is important in any home for keeping countertops clutter-free and bathroom essentials organized. It’s especially key for aging-in-place seniors who need to be able to move freely throughout the space and find things easily. Consider installing accessible storage options such as wall-mounted cabinets, open shelving, or pull-out drawers. These will keep essential items organized and within reach without the need for bending or stretching.
7. Install lever-handle or touchless faucets.
Traditional knob-style faucets can be challenging to operate for seniors with arthritis or limited dexterity. Replace them with lever-handle faucets, which are easier to grip and require minimal effort to use. Or, make aging in place even easier with touchless faucets that are not only simple to operate but also more hygienic.
8. Make aging in place possible with universal design.
Universal design focuses on creating accessible and usable spaces that cater to all ages and abilities. Bathroom remodeling with universal design features makes aging in place not only possible but also safe and convenient.
We already touched on this idea with lever-handled or touch-free faucets but universal design applies to other areas of the bathroom as well. Think about widening doorways to accommodate walkers or installing a wall-mounted sink to allow space for wheelchairs. In addition, adjustable-height shower heads can accommodate individuals who sit or stand while bathing.
9. Work with a professional bathroom remodeling company.
Planning a bathroom remodel takes a great deal of time and consideration, especially when creating senior-friendly spaces. Enlist the help of a design professional or experienced general contractor to ensure your bathroom remodel meets safety standards and local building codes. They can also help you incorporate universal design features without having to sacrifice aesthetics.
10. Make aging in place more comfortable by personalizing your space.
Aging in place doesn’t just consider the modifications needed to account for aging-related mobility changes. It also includes designing spaces that can make a positive impact on your mental health, comfort, and well-being while you age with grace at home. Don’t be afraid to personalize your senior-friendly bathroom in a way that reflects YOUR style and preferences. Choose colors, finishes, and accessories that resonate with you while prioritizing safety and functionality.
Aging in Place Renovations Are Easy With the Remodeling Experts in Lodi, CA
If aging in place is important to you, consider the bathroom remodeling ideas above as a starting point. There are plenty of other things you can do to enhance your living space so it meets your needs now AND in the future. Plan your bathroom remodel with the future in mind and start thinking about other ways to include universal design throughout your home. It IS possible to create usable and beautiful spaces where you can maintain your independence and dignity for years to come!
At Schatz Construction & Restoration, we’re proud to provide some of the best remodeling services in Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. From kitchen remodels and bathroom renovations to outdoor living enhancements and more, we’re here to meet your home remodeling needs. Plus, our convenient location in Lodi, CA enables us to serve clients in Galt, Elk Grove, Stockton, Manteca, Folsom, Tracy, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a quote!
