Photo by La Belle Galerie from Pixabay
We all gotta “go”, but as we get older, this everyday event becomes a little tougher. From standing to sitting, bending to reach, the standard bathroom becomes more difficult to navigate. That’s why it’s helpful to understand your options for renovating a bathroom for seniors. Keep reading to the reason, cost, and tips for a senior bathroom renovation.
Why Seniors Need a Bathroom Remodel
Photo by Sabine van Erp from Pixabay
Mobility becomes more difficult as you age. For seniors, tasks like showering or preparing for bedtime can become a challenge. Luckily, lots of innovations have come to light through the years to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for seniors. Some of the top reasons why seniors need a bathroom remodel include:
- Mobility concerns
- Fall risk
- Difficulty reaching fixtures, switches, and cabinets
- Difficulty standing/sitting
There are certain products you can buy to create an environment that is safer and easier for seniors, but sometimes a renovation is necessary.
Renovating a Bathroom for Seniors, 5 Pro Tips
Renovating a bathroom for seniors can involve a range of considerations to ensure safety, accessibility, and ease of use. Once you’ve considered your needs, you’ll want to know your options. Here are some tips to consider when renovating a bathroom for seniors:
1. Reduce the Chance of Slipping
Fall-related injuries are some of the top causes of injuries and death in seniors. Some of the go-tos for preventing slipping is grab bars and slip-resistant flooring. Grab bars are installed in the shower, bathtub, and near the toilet. They provide extra support for seniors and help prevent falls. Slip-resistant flooring on the other hand can come in the form of mats, or installed flooring. Choose slip-resistant flooring options such as non-slip tiles or textured flooring. This will reduce the risk of falls, especially in wet areas.
On top of grab bars and flooring, a walk-in bathtub or shower with a low threshold can make it easier for seniors to get in and out without having to step over a high barrier. Tubs vary by size, the material it’s made from, the type of door, the number of jets and controls, and additional features such as heated surfaces, air jets, and chromotherapy lighting.
2. Make Standing and Sitting Easier
Raise the toilet height: Consider raising the toilet height by a few inches to make it easier for seniors to sit and stand up. It’s important to consider the height and weight capacity of the raised toilet seat when choosing one, as well as whether it is compatible with the existing toilet.
Professional installation is generally not required for raised toilet seats, but it’s important to ensure that they are securely fastened to the toilet and can provide the necessary support for seniors. If you’d like to replace or repair/reset your entire toilet, a professional installation is recommended.
3. Install Lever-Style Faucet & Cabinet Handles
Lever-style faucets are easier for seniors to use than traditional knobs, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand mobility. Some bathroom cabinets may not include handles, or may even be heavy to open and close. Fix this by installing easy-to-grab knobs or handles.
4. Brighten Things Up
Ensure that there is adequate lighting in the bathroom, including near the shower and toilet areas. Consider adding motion-activated lights that turn on automatically when someone enters the room. Some motion-activated lights can even be purchased online and fixed to the wall, or plugged into an outlet.
5. Adjust Storage and Shelving
Make sure that storage and shelving are within easy reach for seniors, and avoid placing items in hard-to-reach places. Consider adding portable or built-in shelves in easy-to-reach, open areas in the tub, near the toilet, and around the vanity.
Overall, when renovating a bathroom for seniors, it’s important to consider their unique needs and challenges. By making these adjustments, you can create a safer, more accessible, and more comfortable bathroom for seniors to use.
Average Cost of Bathroom Renovation for Seniors
depending on a range of factors, such as the scope of the renovation, the materials used, and the location of the project. However, according to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for a bathroom renovation in the United States is around $10,000 to $15,000.
When renovating a bathroom specifically for seniors, additional costs may be incurred for features such as…
- Grab bars – Avg $20 to $100
- Slip-resistant flooring – Avg $2 to $15 or more per square foot
- Walk-in tubs or showers – Avg $1,500 to $5,000 (can exceed $10,000 for high end models)
- Raised toilet seats – Avg $20 to $100
Depending on the specific needs of the individual, the cost for these modifications can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
It’s important to budget for unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process, as well as to factor in the cost of hiring professionals such as plumbers, electricians, and contractors. Ultimately, the cost of an elderly bathroom renovation will depend on the specific requirements of the project and the materials and features chosen.
Senior-Friendly Bathroom Renovation in West Bloomfield, MI
You need to trust the pros with a sensitive job like renovating a bathroom for seniors. For this, a plumber is a great source for information and the right skills to upgrade your bathroom for yourself or a loved one. Contact Premier Plumbing in West Bloomfield for your bathroom renovation needs.
*This article contains partial AI-generated content
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