Making your family bathroom ‘Grandparent’ friendly

*Advertorial Feature with Premier Bathrooms

Growing old is inevitable and it’s something we all will do. Sadly, it’s one of the things we cannot control and many of us grow older without even realising it. Before we know it, those around us will have grown older too and there may come a time when family will need your support and moving them in with your family may seem the sensible option. Here’s some ideas on what to consider if you need to make your family bathroom Grandparent friendly.

Flooring for your family bathroom

If Grandparents need to live with you, this may be because mobility has become an issue and you want to take care of them. As the bathroom is one of the most essential rooms in the home, you will want to consider the flooring so it is safe to for them to use. The flooring should be free from trip hazards, remove the rugs and the flooring should be easy to clean. Laminate is a fantastic option as it can be wipe cleaned easily and is smooth to walk on.

Walk-in Showers

If you have a large family bathroom, one of the ways of future proofing this room could be with the addition of a walk-in shower. These are separate to the bath tub and can be easily accessible for those with mobility issues. A walk-in shower is a great option for the whole family too. You can choose from a wide range of walk-in showers to suit your family’s needs including options with a choice of doors, integrated seated areas and grab rails. There are bathroom installation experts who can help you with all of these things. If you choose a bespoke solution, you’ll be able to put in place precisely the things you require.

Walk-in Baths

Dependant on your space, you could adapt your existing bathroom to accommodate a walk-in bath. Just because someone’s mobility is restricted doesn’t mean you should restrict their home comforts. Many people enjoy a soak in the bath to help their joints. Replacing a traditional bath tub with a walk-in bath is a great option and with the range of luxury spa options. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.  These type of baths can include a range of safety features including slip resistant surfaces, thermostatic bath fillers and grab rails.

Can they reach it?

One of the biggest barriers for elderly grandparents is accessibility. Independence is such a big deal for those with mobility issues so you may want to consider thinking a little like them. Is the toilet roll within easy reach in the bathroom? Are the hand towels easy to reach to dry hands on? Whilst elderly relatives rely on the support you can provide in their time of need, they’ll also want to do a lot for themselves. Supporting them to do so will help maintain their sense of independence and freedom.

Making a few changes in your current bathroom could future proof your home. Additionally providing a safe space for families to care for their loved ones as well.

If you enjoyed this post, maybe you’ll enjoy our bathroom renovation post too!