Aging-in-place bathroom remodeling in Nashville
When the subject of aging in place comes up (and it’s a very popular remodeling topic in the Nashville area these days), the room that probably receives the most attention is the bathroom. Although the risk of slipping and falling can exist anywhere in a house, the risk of a fall-related injury may be greater in the bathroom than any other room.The AARP makes this quite clear in their blog post Beware: The Most Dangerous Room In The House.
No-curb showers
Here’s an example of a no-curb shower. This is just one of the many bathroom remodel features which make the bathroom much safer and much more suitable for older folks who want to age in place.
A no-curb shower eliminates the need to step over a barrier to get in and out of the shower. Barrier-free showers are also perfect for anyone in a wheelchair since they will be able to roll right into the shower.
Related: Nashville bathroom remodeling trends
A no-curb shower is also known as (or very similar to):
- Low-curb shower
- Low-dam shower
- Low-threshold shower
- Walk-in shower (“Walk-in” shower usually means it is doorless as well as curbless.)
- Curbless entry shower
- No-dam shower
- Barrier-free shower
- Level-entry shower
- Zero-threshold shower
- No-threshold shower
Low-curb showers typically have a curb, but they are usually only a few inches in height. There are several terms for the curb at the edge of a typical shower: Barrier, ledge, dam, threshold…
Comfort-height toilets
Comparison of standard toilet height to comfort-height toilets that meet ADA standards, designed for aging-in-place bathroom remodels – Broderick Builders of Nashville
A toilet that sits higher than a standard commode makes it much easier for older folks and those with mobility issues or disabilities to sit down and get up.
This type of higher-seated toilet is known as:
- Comfort-height toilet
- Chair-height toilet
- Disability toilet
- ADA toilet
Related: Nashville bathroom remodeling services by Broderick Builders
Standard-height toilets vs comfort-height toilets
Standard toilets sit at only 14-15 inches high. ADA comfort-height toilets are from 16 to 18 inches high. Toilets made for tall folks and also disabled persons are usually from 19 to 22 inches high.
Grab bars
Grab bars are handles or bars affixed to the wall to help support a person, greatly reducing the chances of slipping and falling – ultimately making it much easier to get in and out of the tub or shower. Bath grab bars are mounted around the bathtub. Shower grab bars are installed in and around the shower. Toilet grab bars are installed beside the commode and around toilets in general help a person onto and off of the toilet.
Grab bars are one of the most economical ways to make your bathroom safer for everyone, not just older folks.
In our professional opinion, the installation of bath grab bars, shower grab bars, and toilet grab bars should be strongly considered in ALL bathroom remodels – not just bath remodels for aging in place – mainly because grab bars make bathrooms safer and more appealing to buyers when the time comes to sell your home.
Call us or use our contact form today to see how we can help you drastically improve the safety of your bathroom.
Step-through tubs
Step-through tubs are bathtubs featuring an opening that makes getting in and out of the tub much easier.
There are several terms used in the home construction and remodeling industry that are basically the same thing as a step-through tub:
- Low-barrier tub
- Safety tub
Hand-held showerhead
A hand-held or adjustable shower head will allow anyone, including those in wheelchairs, to be able to control a showerhead. (They are also wonderful for giving your dog a bath!) You can move a hand-held showerhead around to wherever you need it, and you can change the spray type and spray strength. With these showerheads, it is much easier, safer, and more comfortable for virtually anyone to use.
Other terms that mean the same (or very similar) to hand-held showerhead:
- Adjustable showerhead
(NOTE: For those English majors and readers who notice such things, shower head (two words) is the same thing as showerhead.)
Sensor lights, automatic lights
An automatic light (or sensor light) is simply lighting that turns on automatically when motion is sensed and then turns back off again after a certain period of inactivity. Automatic lights/ sensor lights are not just convenient; they’re also a green feature that uses less energy and can even save you money.
Improve home security as part of your next Nashville remodel
Did you know that most residential entrance doors can be kicked in without too much effort? If your home still has standard front and back doors, let us help you improve your security.
Whether you’re putting in a new mudroom, building a master suite, remodeling the attic, or renovating the entire house, there’s no better time to improve the security of your home. As a long-dedicated, deeply experienced Nashville remodeling contractor, we know the local building codes and the home security products and features that really work.
Now is the time! Let Broderick Builders help you protect your loved ones and your property by making affordable home security improvements along with any other remodeling. [ Contact form ]
Non-slip floors
The best option is to install showers and tubs with non-slip surfaces or apply a high-quality, non-slip coating to the floors of existing tubs and showers. (Non-remodeling tip: Avoid throw rugs of any kind as they cause many older adults to fall. Even non-slip pads for the tub or shower can bunch up and cause a fall.)
Non-slip floors can make a huge difference!
Remember, one fall in the bathtub or shower is one fall too many.
Built-in seat or bench in bath and shower
As I write this article, I’m 53 years old with no mobility issues. However, since experiencing the safety and comfort of a shower with a bench, I now strongly prefer to use showers with a built-in bench. I have come close to slipping and falling more times than I can count. It is so much easier to wash your legs and feet when you have a safe place to be seated in the shower.
Like grab bars, the bathroom remodeling feature of having a bench or seat in your tub and/or shower improves safety for everyone who stays at your home. It makes cleaning so much easier. Once you have experienced it, you don’t want to go back to a dangerous, old-school, seatless shower or tub! And why should you? Broderick Builders is ready to give you a free bathroom remodeling consultation at your convenience… just call us at 615.385.3210 or use the contact form.
And let’s not forget the added value to your home as well as the increased appeal your house will have to potential buyers when/if it comes time to sell.
Resources: Bathroom remodeling for aging in place
- Important Facts about Falls – Home and Recreational Safety – CDC
- The Most Dangerous Room in the House? – New York Times
- Beware: The Most Dangerous Room In The House – AARP
- What To Do When You Redo Your Bathroom – AgingInPlace.org
- Getting Your Bathroom Aging in Place Ready – Retirement Living
- Aging in Place Bathrooms – Home Ideas for Elderly Seniors
- The Aging-in-Place Bathroom – Consumer Reports
- Home Modifications for Aging in Place: Safe Bathroom Remodeling Options for Seniors – Home Climates
