Bathroom Remodeling for Seniors

Bathroom Remodeling for Seniors

Many seniors consider a bathroom remodeling project for safety reasons but hesitate because they don’t want their bathroom to look institutional. It is possible to remodel your condominium’s bathroom without compromising style, it just takes hiring the right contractor with experience in bathroom remodeling. Your remodeled bathroom can provide you with the space, comforts, and conveniences that you need in you later years.

When you begin to research bathroom remodeling companies, one of the first questions to ask is their experience remodeling for seniors. Next, you should enquire about their experience remodeling condominiums, assuming you live in one. It’s vitally important that your remodeling contractor understand the constraints that a condo association may impose and your special needs.

Safety Elements

One of the most installed safety element is a grab bar. No longer do grab bars need to look like they belong in a public restroom. Manufacturers today are making stylish grab bars for all areas of your home. Integrating adaptable design, grab bars that double as shower head slides or towel bars are available, some even have towel bars and toilet paper dispensers that double as grab bars. Your contractor should make sure that they are securely fastened into a stud. If that isn’t possible, they should recommend removing the drywall and installing bracing wherever they will be needed. This will greatly increase the stability and functionality of your grab bars.

Another common safety element includes removing a bathtub and replacing it with a specifically outfitted walk in shower. Depending upon the space available and your specific needs there are several options. The most popular is to convert the space into a step in shower with a bench that is either built in or raises up and down with a sliding door. If the need requires that there be no lip on the edge and there is enough space, it is possible to completely remove doors and have a walk in shower. Experienced bathroom remodeling companies know how to lay the floor properly to keep the water in the shower.

Comfort Elements

By far one of the most requested, and perhaps easiest change, bathroom necessity is adding a comfort height toilet. A comfort height toilet is about two inches higher than a standard toilet. This makes it easier for someone with stability issues to lower themselves or get back up. They look just like any standard toilet and come in a variety of colors.

A more expensive change that may aid in comfort is changing the height or layout of the vanity. There was a time in the 90’s when condos were built with low vanities, about 30” in height. If you are in a wheelchair this is an excellent height for a vanity. If you have balance issues, a standard height vanity is closer to 35” and may be a better option.

Whether you are investigating bathroom remodeling for comfort or safety reasons, you don’t have to sacrifice style. Silver Palm Remodeling works with seniors in duplexes, homes, and condominiums to ensure that their bathroom has the right elements that look great. We have worked in many of the Tampa area condos and understand the limitations and rules set forth by the associations. We’d love to discuss with you your unique bathroom remodeling needs and let you know how we can solve your comfort and safety issues.