Plan Now for Retirement Living
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!
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
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.
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. 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.
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.
If you are planning to update your bathroom, Living Needs offer a full design and installation service and can advise you on a range of safe showering solutions and bathroom adaptations. Visit the Living Needs showroom on Mill Road, Barnstaple, for further advice, product demonstrations and a free quotation. Tel: (01271) 374600 www.livingneeds.co.uk