Questions, Answers, and Everything Else About Plumbing

As your parents age, it becomes increasingly important to ensure their home is set up in a way that allows them to be safe. This means making sure the home is safe and accessible, with no stairs or obstacles that could cause a fall. It also means ensuring that the plumbing fixtures are suitable for an aging adult. Here are five bathroom renovation fixtures to consider adding to your parents' bathroom.

1. Walk-In Tubs

Bathtubs can be dangerous for seniors. Slippery surfaces and high walls make it easy to fall and injure yourself. That's why walk-in tubs need to be one of your bathroom renovation fixtures to consider. These fixtures have lower walls and doors that open and close so you can safely get in and out of the tub. These tubs also have built-in seats and non-slip surfaces to make bathing easier and safer.

2. Seat Shower

Another bathroom fixture to consider exploring is the seat shower. It provides a place for your parents to sit while they shower, which can be helpful if they have difficulty standing for long periods of time. Be sure to engage bathroom renovation services for the installation, as they'll ascertain that the seat is securely attached to the wall so it doesn't collapse under your parents' weight.

3. Handheld Shower Head

A handheld shower head would allow your parents to adjust the shower spray without having to turn the knob with their hands. This can be helpful if they have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to grip small objects.

This type of shower head also gives your parents the flexibility to bathe seated or standing, and it can be positioned so they can get water on areas of their body that are difficult to reach with their hands. Ensure to work with an expert to help you settle for a shower head with multiple settings so your parents can find the perfect spray pattern for their needs.

4. Grab Bars

Grab bars provide an extra level of safety in the bathroom and can be helpful for someone who has difficulty balancing or keeping their footing. Your contractor will install grab bars next to the toilet, bathtub, and shower, so your parents always have something to grab onto if they start to lose their balance. 

5. Lever Faucets

One of the easiest-to-use fixtures is a lever faucet. This fixture has a large handle that can be easily turned on and off, even if your parents have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to grip objects. Lever faucets are also less likely to break than knob-style faucets, so you won't have to worry about your parents struggling to turn the water on and off.

If you are thinking of remodeling your parents' bathroom, keep their needs in mind and work with a bathroom renovation contractor who will help you choose fixtures that will make your life easier.