6 Bathroom Changes To Consider As You Age

If you are looking at bathroom remodeling in the near future, you may have looked into the latest trends. You may know that a midrange remodel can provide an approximate 70% return on your investment (ROI), which makes for a good investment if you are considering selling soon.

However, if you are remodeling a home where you are planning to stay in as you age, there are some less valuable but more practical changes you may want to make. Here are a few to consider.

1. Widen Your Bathroom Doors

The average width of most bathroom doors is 34 inches. While this is more than adequate when walking upright and without assistance, will it be acceptable if you are on a walker or in a wheelchair? Most standard wheelchairs measure 24 to 27 inches wide, but oversize, custom or bariatric wheelchairs are much larger. If you needed a lift to assist you from the chair to the commode or bath, your doorway would need to accommodate that as well. 

2. Examine the Layout of Your Bathroom

What does the interior of your bathroom look like? Do you have space between your vanity, commode, bath, or shower that would allow you to move around even if you were using a walker or in a wheelchair? Once you enter your bathroom, would you have enough floor space that would allow you to transfer from a wheelchair to the commode?

Consider the layout of your bathroom. Will the design of your bathroom work for an older person? Would you be at risk of injury navigating the space? The time to make necessary changes is now. 

3. Change out Your Faucets

Many bathroom faucets require you to twist and turn, which are motions that sometimes become difficult as you age, especially if you develop arthritis in your wrists. Consider installing lever or no-touch faucets. As you age, many new types on the market would be much easier to operate. 

4. Raise the Height of Your Toilets

Getting up from a squatting position can be difficult if you have trouble with your hips, back, or knees. Rising becomes much easier if you do not have to stand from such a low position. Raising the height of your toilets can make a huge difference. 

Numerous models on the market now come in "comfort or right" height. These models are 17 to 19 inches high compared to the 15-inch size of a regular toilet. Make sure you try to sit on them and try them out before installing them. They are only comfortable for some, especially if you are height challenged or have young children who regularly use them. 

5. Eliminate Shower Curbing and Step-in Tubs

The shower and bathtub can become dangerous obstacles for seniors. Many times these dangers are amplified by the fall risk they present. You can eliminate some of this risk by installing curbless showers and walk-in bathtubs. 

Curbless showers eliminate the need to step over the bathtub's edge or a shower lip when getting in and out. They also will make a transfer much easier from a wheelchair to a shower seat or built-in bench. 

6. Consider Your Flooring

During your remodel, also consider what flooring is in your bathroom. Consider some of the non-slip and stain-resistant options on the market. You can find vinyl, porcelain, ceramics, and others with non-slip options. 

Oak Creek Plumbing would love to work with you on your bathroom remodel. We have more than 50 years of experience and can help you choose the suitable options that will allow you to age in place. Give us a call today so we can get started on your remodeling project.