Stay Independent Longer: Smart Bath Remodels for Aging in Place

Independence takes planning, and that’s true for everyone, at every stage of life. Later in life, the things you’re most likely to overlook also sometimes have the most immediate practical applications. Case in point? Bathrooms.

Not all the scary bathroom injury statistics you see online are true. (No, 80 percent of seniors don’t slip and fall in the bathroom, and the bathroom also isn’t where 80 percent of falls happen.) CDC data says only 2.5 percent of non-fatal injuries happen in the bathroom, but when they occur, the risk of serious fractures that require prolonged hospitalization is very real.

That doesn’t need to happen to you or your aging loved one. Smart bathroom remodels, and they don’t even have to be all that elaborate, can keep people aging in place safer for much longer.

Bathtub and Shower Remodels That Protect You in the Riskiest Spots

Bathtubs and showers are the center of your threat model. They’re where most bathroom injuries in seniors happen. The riskiest portions are stepping in and out — and getting out is slightly more dangerous. Slippery floors and tabs, bare walls, and trouble balancing don’t work well in combination.

Some of the best remodels aren’t even that expensive. You can:

• Have grab bars installed inside and outside of the tub or shower, or use tub rail grips — the CDC actually recommends those for all ages. Make sure they can actually handle your body weight. You’ll usually need to have the wall reinforced.
• If getting in and out of the shower is hard, curbless options work wonders.
• Add a sturdy, easy-clean built-in or wall-mounted shower seat or bench. No more sliding around on a plastic chair. Believe it or not, some of these systems look like they belong in a high-end spa.
• Get a hand-held sprayer to give yourself more agility by proxy — cheap and very DIY-friendly, but also more practical than you might imagine.

Anti-slip mats don’t qualify as any kind of “remodel,” but they absolutely complete this aging-in-place-friendly update.

Fall-Proof Your Toilet

Toilets don’t sound like an obvious danger zone, but up to 37 percent of bathroom injuries among 65+ folks are related to their use. Fainting and postural hypotension (that’s low blood pressure related to standing up and sitting down) explain why. Grab bars help, but standing up very slowly is another practical tip. ADA-height toilets can make a big difference right away. Bidets are hygienic and comfortable — just another option to think about.

Think About Getting Anti-Slip Flooring

Non-slip flooring, especially with an R-rating of R12 or R13, doesn’t remove the risk of falling in the bathroom altogether. It does lower the odds significantly, by taking a good portion of falls related to slippery floors out of the equation. If you’re already thinking about remodeling your bathroom for aging in place, anti-slip tiles should be on the agenda.

Let There Be Light

You need bright but balanced white light that helps prevent slips related to not being able to see, but also deals with glare caused by glossy tiles. The upgrades that make the biggest difference the most quickly include motion-controlled lighting along the bathroom floor or smart switches. A really bright new light bulb can, however, do more on its own than you might think.

Look for and Remove Obstacles

You’ll already be more or less familiar with most of them. Towel hooks, shower racks, and other hardware can lead to scrapes and cuts. The loose items you habitually store in awkward places are just as dangerous, though — mop buckets, laundry baskets, and even that shower seat you got to help you be safer. Prepare to replace hardware and find better organizing systems for large and small loose items, and aging in place already becomes safer.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to give the route from the bathroom to the bedroom and living room a good once-over, either.

Is That All?

No. More extensive bathroom interventions for seniors with mobility issues exist, but these smart remodels do give you a bathroom that works with you, not against you. For many, they’re the start of a new phase in a life that’s still gloriously independent. Start early, and you’ll be prepared when you truly need those upgrades.

North Country Windows & Baths in Lincoln, NE, and the Surrounding Areas

At North Country Windows & Baths, our Windows are backed by a Lifetime Warranty giving our customers peace of mind. Each window is custom-made to fit your home with state-of-the-art engineering by design, and energy efficiency enhanced by style. Our windows are made to last for years of maintenance-free beauty.

Whether you want a soaker tub surrounded by subway tile or a low threshold shower with granite-like walls, you can customize your BathWraps space and even add accessories like soap dishes, caddies, seating, grab bars, and more Contact us today.

More information about our Bathroom Remodels process: Click Here!