•Create a bathroom with features that go the distance.
•Learn about bathroom design that is suitable for all ages.
A growing number of healthy, active couples nearing retirement are making smart plans
for their future and they have the blueprints to prove it.
These savvy seniors are remodeling the baths in their current homes with the goal of
"aging in place" well into their advanced years.
"Active older adults are beginning to decide to stay in their homes for the long
term," says Susan Duncan, RN, principal of ADAptations, Inc., in Seattle. "They're looking ahead,
and planting the seeds, to figure out how to stay at home."
The last thing health-conscious seniors want, however, are bathrooms that suggest old age or anything
remotely institutional. Fortunately for them, it's possible to add features that can help them stay comfortable
in the future but that don't detract from and in many cases enhance their bathroom's beauty and elegance.
Here are some ideas that can help ensure they do so in style.
Adaptability
Designers from across the country agree that bath products must be able to adapt to changing
health care needs, yet be suitable for people of all ages.
A spacious, curbless shower with a handshower may be a luxury
item for an active senior today, but can become a necessity for an older adult using a mobility
device or needing assistance. One such product that bridges the gap between luxury and practicality
is the WaterHaven® shower tower. Its multiple shower heads delight users
of all ages and can adjust low enough for a person in a wheelchair to use.
Another option is the wall-mounted sink, which Kohler offers
in a variety of beautiful styles and colors. The current trend toward an open, airy space beneath the
sink is a bonus for aging seniors, since the space accommodates a wheelchair or other mobility device.
Invisible integration
Other features that aid in mobility can be seamlessly integrated into the bathroom. Open space under
and around the vanity area can be elegantly accentuated with glass countertops, floating drawers and under-sink lighting.
Or an imposing blank wall near the toilet that aids with balance can be visually softened by incorporating a recessed sink.
Hidden, structural changes made during renovation can give consumers the option of adding features later, when they're needed.
For instance, adding plywood reinforcements in bathroom walls gives consumers an option to install grab bars for fold-out arms
anywhere in the room at any time.
Universal appeal
Meanwhile, products designed to be easy to use for everyone can be of special benefit to seniors, particularly those who have
problems with their joints or balance.
KOHLER Comfort Height™ toiletsis a prime example. Seniors often opt for toilets with
this chair-height feature, which helps avoid excessive bending and is generally comfortable for most average-height adults.
Faucets are another important consideration. Older adults may find a smooth, round faucet knob difficult to use, Peterson says.
Kohler has a large selection of faucets, including the Purist® bathroom sink faucet with its low
gooseneck spout and low-lever handles, that are easy to maneuver. What's more, they're beautiful--an essential requirement for
aging baby boomers.
Age-appropriate materials
Colors and textures in the bath take on special importance for older adults facing visual and mobility impairment.
To aid with the diminished depth perception and general deterioration of eyesight that comes with age, use contrasting colors in all
areas of the bath, including countertops, showers and commodes, Duncan says. Too many neutrals near the sink, for example, can camouflage
smaller items like toothbrushes.
Non-slip surfaces also are a must. Designers agree that tile is the surface of choice for floors and showers because of its traction,
easy maintenance and good looks.
Designing bathrooms with an eye toward the future is a trend that looks likely to grow, as homeowners plan for the needs of their
elderly parents and younger people consider remodeling to increase their home's resale value.
"If your house can meet older people's needs without the stigma, you've vastly expanded your resale market," she says. |
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Bathroom
Bathroom
