Create the Bathroom of Your Dreams–Senior Style!
(ARA)
- When you were 20, you might have dreamed of a bath with
a surround sound stereo system and a large-screen TV. Now
that you're a little bit older (and a lot wiser), you realize
that while those ideas are nice, you have other thoughts
on how to best remodel your bathroom for the second half
of your life. Below, find ideas from quick and simple to
big and daring, on how to revamp your bathroom. These are
bathroom projects designed with America's seniors in mind
– ranging from those you can implement on your own
to ones for which you'll need to enlist the help of a pro.
Bathtubs
and Showers
Do-It-Yourself
If
you don't already have one, make sure you invest in a slip-resistant
mat for your tub's floor. Another quick and easy addition
you can make yourself is to place a tub grip on the side
of the tub wall for an easier time stepping into and out
of the tub, especially when you're wet from the shower.
Good for helping anyone easily enter and exit the tub, the
Dual Tub Grip, from the Home Care line of ADA-compliant
bath safety items, features a sturdy, no-wobble design and
two different handle heights for grasping. Designed with
textured grab areas that are shaped flat for better gripping,
it clamps easily onto the tub wall for a quick, tool-free
installation and removal without using any difficult or
twisting motions. The Dual Tub Grip also features nonskid
pads to prevent scratches on the tub surface. And its simple
design and neutral white color will make it blend smoothly
into the décor of your bath.
Another
good idea is to invest in a removable shower chair or transfer
bench. Whether they are used by someone who physically cannot
get over the tub wall alone or for just taking a load off
and enjoying the hot water a little longer, these items
are a quick and simple way to improve the safety of your
bath.
Pro
For
easier and more enjoyable showers, consider installing an
adjustable height showerhead with an extendable hose or
a hand-held shower. This allows you to bathe while sitting
on a chair or bench (and also helps in rinsing your hair
when taking a bath). You can choose from hand-held showers
that replace your existing shower or others that provide
you with an additional showerhead.
Grab
bars should be an essential item in everyone's bath, as
they give you something to grab onto when getting in and
out of the shower or tub and provide support for extra balance
while in the shower. Especially if your balance isn't what
it was as a teenager, grab bars are added support that allow
you to be more confident and secure. A grab bar should bear
the weight of up to 250 pounds, have no corners or edges
and have a diameter that is 1 and 1/4 to 1 and 1/2 inches.
Ask your contractor about installing the style-conscious
ADA-compliant decorative grab bars from Creative Specialties
International, a division of Moen. They come in a variety
of designs and finishes to fit any bath décor and
are designed to match the style and look of Moen's popular
faucets and bath accessories.
Small
Changes – Big Difference
Do-It-Yourself
It's
important as you grow older to make sure that all obstacles
in your bath are removed to prevent tripping or falling.
Old rugs should be replaced with styles featuring a nonslip
bottom. In a wet environment, this change can be beneficial
to every member of the family.
Another
quick change that can make a big difference is to the standard
doorknobs that require awkward turning or twisting motions.
Lever door handles are an excellent quick change and they're
much easier to use than their knob counterparts.
Pro
If
you're bringing in a contractor, you might want to think
about installing nonslip tiles to secure the entire floor
space. Additionally, it's also a good idea to ensure the
room has ample natural and glare-free lighting for enhanced
visibility. Adding a skylight or additional window is a
wonderful way to increase natural light. If you don't have
the room or budget for a new window or skylight you can
install glare-free track lighting.
Safe
Seating
Do-It-Yourself
If
you find that bending down to sit on the toilet seat is
more of a chore than you feel it should be, know that you're
not alone. Many people, especially seniors, have difficulty
with the standard 14-inch high toilet. A quick and easy
solution is installing an elevated toilet seat, which brings
the height of the seat up 17 to 18 inches. This height puts
much less stress on your legs, knees and back. The design
of these elevated toilet seats has come a long way from
the intrusive, bulky items they used to be. For instance,
the Locking Elevated Toilet Seat from the Home Care line
hooks easily onto the bowl via a bracket so the elevated
seat sits naturally on the toilet rim and its contoured
design makes it appear like a natural extension of the toilet.
The locking bracket gives the seat greater stability than
a standard seat, plus it has the added benefit of easy removal
for children or family members who don't require the extra
height.
Contractor
If
you're bringing in a contractor to replace your toilet,
then consider installing one with a higher ADA compliant
seat height. Just like the removable elevated seats, these
are a useful addition if you currently (or fear in the future
you will) have difficulty bending or sitting. Some manufacturers
even claim that elevated toilets work better than their
standard counterparts because they have greater water depth,
which aids the unit's flushing action.
With
the increased options available to you today, there is no
reason bath safety can't be beautiful and fit into your
own decorating style. Whether you're making improvements
yourself, or bringing in a contractor to do bigger work,
it's a good idea to focus on the bathroom -- and ensure
that this room continues to be a safe place of retreat and
rejuvenation throughout your entire life.
For
more information on Creative Specialties International and
the Home Care line of bath safety products, write 25300
Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-8022, call toll
free (800) 882-0116, or visit their Web site at www.moen.com.
All items from the Home Care line of bath safety products
are available nationwide at Lowe's and at select home health
and medical suppliers.
Courtesy
of ARA Content
EDITOR'S
NOTE: For more information, contact Wendy Glancy, Creative
Specialties International, (800) 321-8809 x 2245; or Jennifer
Morgan, Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations, (216) 696-0229
x 17.
Creative
Specialties International, a division of Moen Incorporated,
is a consumer focused, market leading organization that
provides creative and innovative solutions for today's bath.
The company designs and manufactures a complete line of
fashionable bath accessories and bath safety products in
a wide assortment of styles and finishes. Its products are
distributed throughout North America in the retail, wholesale
and home medical supply dealer channels under the Inspirations,
Moen, Donner and Home Care brands.
Moen
Incorporated is an operating company of Fortune Brands,
Inc. (NYSE: FO, www.fortunebrands.com), the consumer products
company.
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