A recent survey caught my eye detailing what Americans most want in their homes. They surveyed 10,000 households and found one of the top things people desired was age related features for the bathroom. Between now and 2020, the number of households headed by a person 65 and older is expected to grow 10 times faster than other households, according to the report.
Bathrooms are among the most common areas cited for age related improvements. Research has shown that the danger of scalding increases with old age because of sensitivity to temperature extremes and slow reactions to turn down or shut off the hot water. If your water gets uncomfortably hot, call us to install a temperature and pressure relief valve at the showerhead, or a thermostatic mixing valve atop the water heater.
Some of you live in homes with combination tub-showers. Bathroom falls are among the most common cause of serious injuries to senior citizens. Climbing over the tub wall is no big deal for young people, but once you get up in years it takes more effort to lift yourself up and over. Strategically placed grab bars are among the least costly and simplest ways to make bathrooms safer.
One senior-friendly feature is a curb-less shower stall that can be entered without stepping over a threshold and has wider doors and many come with seats or flexible showerheads. This is important for people who may be wheelchair-bound or use walkers.
Another bathroom improvement to consider is replacing vanity cabinet lavatories with wall-mounted lavatories able to accommodate wheelchairs. If you want cabinets, have them mounted at least 9-12 inches off the floor, which will allow room for a wheelchair footrest.
Extra-tall toilets are also available to make life easier for elderly or disabled persons. These come with a height of 16 to 18 inches, compared with the standard 14-15 inches. (If both seniors and small children reside in your home, you may have to choose which ones to accommodate.)
Also consider replacing twist handles with levered faucets and door handles. This makes life easier for people with arthritis or other conditions that limit the dexterity or strength in their hands.
Some of the features described here require a complete bathroom renovation. That can be expensive, but compare the cost with what you would pay for assisted living or nursing home care and it becomes an option worth considering.