Mobility. That is one word that can no longer be linked with your aging parents. Bathrooms can be a challenging place for older adults. Slippery floors, poor lighting, and tight spaces are the problems for aging parents with mobility issues. You can give them something practical or you can give something that will spoil them. For this year, a combination of both can make them feel extra special. A quick and easy win will be a bathroom remodel project. This can come in the form of a complete remodel or a small bathroom update that can be finished in a day. The downside during a full remodel will be that your mother’s bathroom will be out of service. Hopefully, there is an available guest bathroom for this temporary inconvenience.
Organizing such a project is a gift any aging parents would appreciate. They will not just appreciate it for one day but for all year long.
Here are some suggestions to think about:
Improve the Bathroom Lighting
Most bathroom ceiling lights are not enough. When your parents will use the bathroom it can provide difficulty for them. Some need to have an added extra bit of lighting. You can install a lighting fixture on each side of a mirror which will brighten all the parts of your parents’ face evenly. This will also help to make sure that when they need to read the medicine bottles, it’s clear enough to see.
A dim shower isn’t safe for someone especially one with their age. Steam usually occurs during a shower. This will cause fogging which will block the light in the bathroom. Be sure to check if the exhaust fan is still functional. A better idea would be to transfer the exhaust fan in a location near the shower. This will help to stop the building up of steam. Remember that this remodel is to suit your them as they will age. This is a good way to prepare their home so they could remain here their in the years to come.
Finally, you need to install a night light inside the bathroom. There are two important reasons for this. First, the bathroom will not be dark if she needs to use it during the middle of the night. Second, turning on the ceiling light will produce a harsh glare to someone who has just woken up. This will result in the inability of your parents to sleep again.
Adjust the Height
Old people have back problems and bathroom sinks are built too low. The result: your parents will need to bend a little when they will use the sink. This will give them an aching back. You can help ease this trouble by raising the height of the sink and the counter-top. A good alternative to relieve that stress will be a 36-inch model.
Go For a Walk-in Tub
Switch from a traditional bathtub to a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs have many safety features that will suit them well as they grow older. This includes safety bars and railings. It also has a slip-resistant flooring and even an anti-scald technology. Anti-scald technology is the process in which temperature will be controlled at a safe level. The anti-scald device used in the tub is a specially designed faucet. Turning on the hot water in your bathroom will steadily get it to become too hot for comfort. The valves in the faucet will prevent hot water from leaving the tap. Most will use water pressure to control the water flow. Having this feature will prevent accidental scalding and other burn-related injuries. Your parents can now shower without any worries.
Remember when your parents mentioned to you that all they wanted is “some peaceful and quiet place”? You will be giving them that once the renovation is done. You can consider what other gift options you might need to add for this project. Think of gift basket soaps for your mother. Consider adding a new robe and matching slippers for your father. Your parents will both love how you step-up their bathroom’s functionality and appearance.
Michael Nash Design Build & Homes is a world class, multi-awarded remodeler company which specializes in kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, basement remodeling Northern VA, and home improvement. Our expertise also extends to Addition Remodeling as well as Major Renovations, New Custom Homes, Outdoor Living Services, etc. For inquiries and in-home consultations, call us on our mobile number (703) 457-8684. You can also take advantage of our services through these areas: Northern VA | Aldie | Alexandria | Annandale | Arlington County | Arlington|Ashburn | Burke | Centreville | Chantilly | Clifton | bathroom remodeling Dunn Loring VA | Fairfax County | Fairfax Station | Fairfax | Falls Church|Gainesville | Great Falls | Haymarket | Herndon | Leesburg | Lorton | Loudoun County | Manassas | McLean | Merrifield| Oakton | Potomac Falls | Prince William County | Purcellville | Reston | Springfield | Sterling | Vienna | bathroom remodeling Woodbridge, VA
