Do you enjoy an elaborate bathroom with a spa tub and walk-in steam shower? Have you thought about how these might accommodate you in your later years? Assuming you are staying in your current home and won't be moving for a long time, your bathroom might need adjustments before you reach that age. I personally love ergonomics. Ergonomics are the studies of human interaction with the world around them and how we can adjust to fit our world to the people in it. For instance, one of my favorite ways to make a spa tub more accessible is to find a tub with a step and raise the tub on a platform ever so slightly as to accommodate a comfortable entry without slipping.
Another up and coming favorite of mine is the walk-in tub. Long to be thought of as geriatric and boring, you can really spice it up with a custom teak surround or stone work. Also you can switch out the plumbing fixtures for a truly unique feel.
Yet another item that is necessary is a grab bar. Not to name names but Moen does have an attractive grab bar that is almost pretty enough to be a decorative element. It serves a function but not everyone is ready for a grab bar. What? In my home? Never! You won't be saying this when you are in your 70's. For now placing the proper wall bracing and blocking inside your wall can prepare your bathroom for this vital step without installing the bar.
Other ways you can make your bathroom more comfortable would be varying height countertops to accommodate sitting and standing positions. I like to make one counter at least 36" in height if there is a couple in the home. Most of the time men enjoy a countertop that meets them on their level. Strategizing your cabinetry for varying levels of organization also helps keep the back aches away. A product I am longing for at the moment is the hot tool under-cabinet organizer. If you have not seen this product please Google it. The drawer consists of a hot tool pull out shelf that pulls out from the bottom cabinet and rises to meet the counter height. The container keeps all of the hot tools organized and is tough enough to take the heat if you know what I'm saying. Last but not least I'll give you one more tip. Make sure your tile work is 6x6 or smaller if you don't have a non-slip surface. The small tile will give you a better grip and better chances of staying out of the ER.
Another up and coming favorite of mine is the walk-in tub. Long to be thought of as geriatric and boring, you can really spice it up with a custom teak surround or stone work. Also you can switch out the plumbing fixtures for a truly unique feel.
Yet another item that is necessary is a grab bar. Not to name names but Moen does have an attractive grab bar that is almost pretty enough to be a decorative element. It serves a function but not everyone is ready for a grab bar. What? In my home? Never! You won't be saying this when you are in your 70's. For now placing the proper wall bracing and blocking inside your wall can prepare your bathroom for this vital step without installing the bar.
Other ways you can make your bathroom more comfortable would be varying height countertops to accommodate sitting and standing positions. I like to make one counter at least 36" in height if there is a couple in the home. Most of the time men enjoy a countertop that meets them on their level. Strategizing your cabinetry for varying levels of organization also helps keep the back aches away. A product I am longing for at the moment is the hot tool under-cabinet organizer. If you have not seen this product please Google it. The drawer consists of a hot tool pull out shelf that pulls out from the bottom cabinet and rises to meet the counter height. The container keeps all of the hot tools organized and is tough enough to take the heat if you know what I'm saying. Last but not least I'll give you one more tip. Make sure your tile work is 6x6 or smaller if you don't have a non-slip surface. The small tile will give you a better grip and better chances of staying out of the ER.
