Bath Remodels for Aging in Place
Courtesy Home Town Restyling, Inc., Linn County LIVING WELL Magazine
Bath remodel projects with aging in place specifications are a large portion of the remodeling business for Home Town Restyling, Inc. People have been updating bathrooms to accommodate living in their own home longer.
The easiest changes to make are installing grab bars in the tub and toilet areas. A bath tub with lower sides may be the answer. Lever or single handle faucets are easier to operate with not so nimble hands. Comfort height toilets and vanities that are 33-36” in height also make it more comfortable with less bending.
A more extensive bath remodel may involve expanding existing doorways to accommodate a walker or wheelchair. Replacing the traditional tub with a low threshold or barrier free shower with a seat is a popular solution. Installing a standard shower head plus a hand held unit within easy reach of the seat is helpful. Grab bars are located at entry and back wall for ease and safety.
The ultimate option is the walk-in tub. It fits into the space of a standard tub with some modification. This tub is not only for the person needing assistance with bathing, but anyone of any age who enjoys relaxing in a jetted tub. Hydro jets give deep massaging action to soothe sore muscles and joints and the air jet option is for tender skin and stimulating blood circulation.
The Best Bath Systems are made of sturdy composite fiberglass, and are easy to get in and out of. Elsie D. of Cedar Rapids, has enjoyed her Best Bath walk-in tub for four years and says hardly a day goes by that she doesn’t use it. The hydro jets ease her arthritis pains and when positioning her feet at the lower jets, they give relief to painful heel spurs. But what this active 81 year old enjoys most is the relaxation it gives her to enjoy a good nights sleep. “A 20-minute soak in that bubbling tub and I sleep like a baby.” She even admits to bathing at 3 in the morning if she’s having a restless night. “I just love it, I can’t say enough about that tub!”
Home Town Restyling, Inc. offers free estimates. You may reach them at 319-378-1221, or via www.hometownrestyling.com.
