A forever home should be familiar and comfortable, which means that all of its living spaces adapt and age along with you. However, not everyone has the luxury of an accessible home right from the get-go. Fortunately, there are measures homeowners can take to ensure a forever home is safe and accessible.
One of the best places to start your aging-in-place home upgrade is the bathroom. In this blog post, interior and exterior remodeling expert STL Design and Build shares the important features to incorporate into your accessible bathroom renovation.
Walk-In Shower
A typical shower enclosure usually has a curb. Stepping over it, however, can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues or those who use walkers or wheelchairs. This is where a walk-in shower becomes vital in a forever home. By eliminating the barrier, anyone, regardless of age and ability, can enter and exit the shower with ease, promoting accessibility and minimizing fall injury risks. Make sure the shower floor is gently sloped towards the drain for proper drainage.
Grab Bars
A staple in aging-in-place bathrooms, these sturdy, wall-mounted bars offer support, stability and balance for individuals while using the toilet, bathtub, and shower. See to it that the grab bars comply with the guidelines set forth by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). They must be able to support a significant amount of weight and be anchored properly to the wall to withstand force.
Non-Slip Flooring
Walking on a slippery floor of a wet environment like a bathroom exposes users to a high likelihood of injuries caused by slips and falls. Installing slip-resistant flooring can help mitigate such risks, improving safety significantly and giving individuals confidence and stability while navigating the bathroom. Consider flooring materials with textured surfaces like vinyl and natural stone. Non-slip mats are a perfect complement to these types of flooring, providing excellent traction even when wet.
Get in Touch With STL Design and Build Today!
Creating a safe and accessible bathroom is a crucial step in ensuring that you can age in place comfortably and independently. By making thoughtful choices and investing in practical, functional changes, you can enjoy your golden years with peace of mind.
For all your bathroom and kitchen remodeling needs, turn to STL Design and Build. We are committed to providing efficient job execution to delivering a gorgeous bathroom with minimal disruption of your daily routine. We are also a reliable deck builder in Maryland Heights, MO. Call (314) 736-5800, or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
