Planning For Your Future – Adapt Your Bathroom
Your bathroom should provide a safe, relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, as we get older everyday life can start to present new challenges and as we become less mobile, the bathroom is often the first room in the house that becomes unsuitable. Along with kitchens, bathrooms are one of the spaces you use the most, they also happen to be the most common room where a slip or fall will occur in the home. Although it can seem daunting, making adaptations is an easy way of maintaining independence and helping you stay in the home you love for longer – it just takes planning explains Alan Kingdon, Architectural Surveyor at Living Needs who has over 30 years’ experience of adapting and extending peoples homes
“There is a lot to take into consideration when planning an accessible bathroom. It is important to remember there are many bathroom variations or alterations available and there is no such thing as a single fix. We work with each customer to create a bathroom that is bespoke and meets their personal requirements – both in terms of style and need. Ultimately, the bathroom experience needs to be safe easy and comfortable. Everything we look at revolves around independent living and quality of life.
Living independently as we get older requires us to do something that we are generally not very good at, which is to plan for the future! Planning a bathroom can be complex, so rather than trying to develop the layout yourself, it may be beneficial to engage an expert that has industry knowledge of the latest products with installation experience. It can save stress and money in the long term. A specialist should carry out a measured survey and work with you to identify any potential future needs.
The typical bathroom often offers less than optimal design for almost everyone! Sinks may be too low or high, baths and showers may be difficult to enter and exit, space and lighting can be very limiting. Here are some key areas to consider when planning your bathroom adaptation….
Reduce Trip and Slip Hazards;
Remove steps and shower trays to create an easy access shower for complete independence. A Level access shower means you don’t have to worry about having to climb over the side of a bath to get in and out. Soft shower trays can now be built flush with the floor, so if you do slip you can be sure of a softer landing. Stylish slip resistant floor coverings are also available as are walk-in baths.
Let The Wall Take The Strain;
One of the most difficult things about getting older is losing the ability to stay steady on your feet. Sometimes we need a little extra something to hold on to in the bathroom. Installing strategically placed stylish grab bars throughout, can make it easier and safer.
Are You Sitting Comfortably?;
One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom more accessible is by providing sturdy seating options, Adding a built-in shower seat helps alleviate the potential of falling, and choosing some alternative seating outside the shower presents a safe place to rest while getting dressed afterwards.
Whatever your reason for needing to adapt your bathroom, we can find the solution for you. We can also direct you towards grants or other funding options available.”
Planning in advance can mean you stay in control, making decisions based on the full range of options Contact Living Needs for a free survey and no obligation quotation. With over 15 years experience in providing showering solutions Living Needs completes all installations – with all work being backed by TrustMark (The Government approved scheme).
To view an extensive range of showering and bathroom options visit the Living Needs showroom half way down Mill Road in Barnstaple; just look for the sign over the door. They’re open Monday to Saturday with free parking, just pop in or call 01271 374600 www.livingneeds.co.uk