What Are the Best Bathroom Updates for Aging in Place?
Aging in place can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to stay in your home and retain your independence. Senior-friendly bath updates like those offered by Bay State Bath for homeowners throughout New England are an essential part of this planning process to reduce risks and enhance comfort. If you’re building your forever home or are planning renovations to live in your house for as long as possible, here are the best bathroom updates to ensure you can feel secure, independent, and comfortable in your own space—now and for years to come.
Walk-In Tubs and Curbless Showers
Walk-in tubs or curbless showers eliminate the need to step over hazardous ledges, reducing the risk of slips and falls. These designs allow for easy entry and exit, making them an ideal choice for those with mobility challenges. Even if you’re still nimble, incorporating these designs now means easier accessibility later.
Built-In Seating and Handheld Shower Heads
Built-in shower seating offers a secure and stable surface for bathing, reducing strain and fatigue. This feature can also be paired with a handheld shower head for added convenience, making it easier to rinse without awkward reach. You don’t have to let mobility limitations restrict your comfort or independence.
Grab Bars and Comfort-Height Toilets
Installing grab bars near the shower, toilet, and bathtub provides essential support and stability. Choose options in contrasting finishes for enhanced visibility. Comfort-height toilets are another must-have. They sit two or three inches higher than standard toilets to reduce bending and pressure on the joints while making standing up easier.
Slip-Resistant Floors
Bathroom flooring is a common culprit for falls. Slip-resistant materials and textured flooring are excellent safety upgrades for accessible bathroom renovations. These materials improve grip, especially in wet conditions, reducing the chances of accidents, common for adults in bathrooms that lack safety accessories.
Proper Lighting and Accessible Storage
A well-lit bathroom ensures clear visibility, especially for those who wear glasses but may not have them when getting in or out of the shower. The proper lighting and brightness prevent glare and illuminate critical areas like the mirror and shower. Additionally, think about storage solutions that are easy to reach, making toiletries and essential items accessible without excessive bending or stretching.
Easy-to-Clean and Mold-Resistant Materials
Bathrooms should be as low-maintenance as possible. Our clients love the materials we use in our bath renovations, like mold-resistant flooring and bath surrounds, to reduce upkeep and help maintain a hygienic environment. These choices save time and effort while ensuring a clean and safe space for aging in place.
Plan Ahead and Stay Independent Longer
Incorporating safe bathroom upgrades for elderly convenience, even if you don’t need them yet, is a practical choice and wise lifestyle investment if you plan to age in place. By implementing these thoughtful changes now, you can avoid costly and invasive renovations later as needs arise. Bay State Bath is a woman-owned and family-run bath renovation company serving New England, specializing in accessible, stylish, and low-maintenance bathroom solutions that can be completed in as little as one day. With our founder’s background in the nursing field, we bring an experienced eye for thoughtful bath remodels tailored to the needs of older adults. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you design a bathroom that enhances safety, comfort, and independence.