(NC)—As people age, their housing needs to adapt to their changing needs. Renovating or managing a house for people who wish to age at home requires designs that anticipate mobility issues that homeowners and their guests might encounter. Whether your goal is to age in your current home or to renovate your bathroom for a senior member of the family that is moving into your residence, there are some practical tools, especially for the bathroom, that allow for better mobility and functionality.
Here are some smart tips for updating the bathroom to accommodate the changing needs of seniors:
• Put a built-in bench in the shower to prevent slipping and provide proper support. Also consider installing a walk-in shower with a door to eliminate the dangers of climbing into a tub.
• Choose a shower system with a handshower feature, like Hansgrohe's Aktiva handshower with wallbar, to make targeting hard-to-reach spots easier for the less dexterous senior. “Handshowers are a vital part of any bathroom,” says Ramsin Khachi, Toronto-based designer/builder. “They offer versatility and practicality in the bathroom as well as a luxurious shower experience.”
• Add a stylish bathroom faucet that will complement the décor. For example, Delta's traditional Victorian faucet with lever handle is designed for easy use for all ages and evokes a nostalgic design that gives a feeling of comfort in the room.
• Install well-supported grab bars in the shower for added stability. Grab bars do not need to look institutional – they can be matched with complimentary towel rings, robe hooks and tissue holders for a complete bathroom look.
• Consider putting a stylish stool or chair in the bathroom for seniors to sit while they change their clothes, put on makeup or style their hair. A chair not only adds some flare to an otherwise ordinary room, but is also extremely functional.
More information can be found online at www.deltafaucet.ca and www.hansgrohe-usa.com.
- News Canada