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Aging in Place Bathroom Design
With age comes change, and some of it is unwelcome. When a cherished home turns into a challenging obstacle course, the solution might seem obvious: move to an assisted living or other age-adapted residence. But, as we discussed in a previous article, Call Your House a Home for Life, age-in-place design innovations now afford older Americans the option of modifying their homes to suit their changing needs.
THE BATH: PRIME SUSPECT
This essential area is especially tricky, potentially dangerous, and sometimes totally inaccessible to those with impaired movement, weakness, or dependence on wheelchairs or walkers.
The quickest, cheapest way to begin accommodating changing needs is the installation of:
- reinforced grab bars (by the toilet, in the tub area)
- raised toilet seat
- load-bearing shower seat
A slightly higher investment – but with tremendous payback:
-
accessible shower (low or no threshold).
This adaptive remodel can be designed for beauty as well as practicality and is often done to address future needs while remaining beautiful and usable by all. This specialized project most definitely requires a trained expert: the drainage on a low threshold must be precisely configured for obvious reasons! -
walk-in tub
A pricier item for adapted living, but priceless for what it provides in comfort, relaxation, and sense of “normal living.” A true life-enhancer for those with limited mobility. There is an astounding selection of models and price ranges on the market. One that we use and recommend is the American Standard walk-in bath product line. -
accessible sink
For clients who use a wheelchair, nothing beats an accessible bathroom sink with legroom underneath. Without such a sink, a wheelchair user must roll sideways up to a cabinet and employ an awkward, potentially painful body twist just to use the faucet. -
rolling vanity
In this transitional plan, the bathroom maintains more of a conventional appearance. A simple but cleverly crafted rolling vanity cabinet can be designed to fit the individual space. The appearance is of a conventional, aesthetically appealing sink and vanity. When wheelchair users visit, the vanity cabinet rolls out of the way on its lockable casters.
We retrofit for accessibility, and also recommend the cost wise option of basement conversion. As a CAPS-designated contractor (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist), we are specially qualified to help you adapt your home for existing conditions or plan ahead with a thoughtful remodel.
Innovation Const.Co. is an A+ BBB-Rated home improvement contractor, GREEN CERTIFIED, member of the Greater Plymouth Builders Association, and A/Rated on Angie’s List. Keith is credentialed as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) through (NAHB), the National Association of Home Builders.) We are a local business with pride of workmanship and the experience and expertise to be your one-stop builder and remodeler.
For over three decades, we have successfully facilitated the remodeling dreams of homeowners across South Shore and Southeastern MA, including Duxbury, Wareham, Marion, Rochester, Kingston, Plymouth, Plymouth County, Barnstable County, and Cape Cod.
Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build is proud to offer Green Building options. We are dedicated to incorporating sustainable living solutions into our projects.
To CONTACT KEITH, click here.
Our work is guaranteed. And our consultations are always free.
Website: www.innovationconst.com Email: sales@innovationconst.com.
Phone: 508-291-4907
Check out our remodeling reviews on Angie’s List. And check us out on Facebook!
Chuckle of the Week
A contractor needed an extra laborer and two men applied for the same position. They had the same qualifications, so, in order to determine which to hire, he asked the applicants to take a test. Both men missed only one of the questions.
The contractor said to the first applicant, “Thank you for your interest, but we’ve decided to give the job to the other applicant.”
“But why?” said the rejected applicant. “We both answered 9 out of the 10 questions correctly.”
“We based our decision not on the correct answers, but on the question you missed,” said the contractor. “Your fellow applicant put down for #5, ‘I don’t know the answer.’ You put down, ‘Neither do I.’”