The luxury of a bubble bath or a long soak in the tub may be one thing you will want to trade in for greater home safety. According to Consumer Affairs up to 80% of falls in the home are in the bathroom. Aging and poor strength and balance increase the likelihood of falls. A fall in the bathroom is dangerous since there are few things to grab that will support the weight of a falling adult. A walk-in shower is a safety feature many homeowners consider installing once children are grown. You can pro-actively prevent the falls that become a greater risk as people age.
With more than one bathroom, exchanging one tub for a walk-in shower is an easier decision than giving up the home’s only bathtub. Even if you do not need a walk in shower yet, visiting guests may have trouble managing a bathtub, and you’ll be prepared when the time comes that the bathtub is no longer safe for you. If your home has another bathroom with a tub, it will not affect your resale value.
Consult a realtor to determine if a home with a shower but no bathtub, will affect resale value in your area. If most of the homes in your neighborhood are owned by people 55 and older, the impact will be negligible. A trusted realtor familiar with properties in your neighborhood is the best person to answer this question.
Aging in Place
The aging in place trend is exploding as more seniors are choosing to adapt their homes to changing needs instead of spending an average of $3,500 a month on assisted living or a similar facility. The desire to remain in one’s home has always been high among seniors.
There are more products than ever to make sure this is possible. According to Retirement Living, the best place to begin to prepare your home is the bathroom. Aging in place depends on a safe way to bathe. The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places for people as they age. Fortunately, it is the place you can make the most changes and the most cost-efficient ones.
AARP recommends these additional shower safety features:
- Non-skid mats or strips on the shower floor;
- Professionally installed grab bars for maximum safety;
- A shower seat or bench that does not slip;
- A handheld or adjustable-height shower head; and
- Set the water heater no higher than 120 degrees F to avoid scalding.
When Is the Right Time?
The best time to install a walk-in shower is before you need it. Consider the health of household members and the years you plan to stay in your home. Another consideration is the needs of non-resident family members whom you may need to accommodate for short or long periods of time. Most homeowners make long-range plans for household use and install bathroom safety features as the years go by.
If a household member becomes nervous about stepping over the tub edge, it is time to be proactive in preventing bathroom falls. The best way to begin is with a walk-in shower.
Choosing the Best Walk-In Shower
Visit our FreedomShowers.com to see the many options we have for roll-in and Easy Step showers to replace bathtubs. We also offer grab bars, shower seats, and other accessible home modification products that add additional safety features to your shower and bathroom.
Please contact us toll-free by phone or by or email with your questions. Our Customer Service Representatives are knowledgeable, friendly, and located in North America.