Aging-in-place design, a tactic used to help your home meet and serve your needs as you get older, is a vital element to include in your bathroom renovation or build. Including these pieces in the blueprint of your bathroom is a small way to make a big difference for your future self. Since you will not need to remodel your space again in the coming years, you will be able to age peacefully, and save yourself some money along the way.

Three popular aging-in-place practices for your bathroom include:

Grab Bars
By installing grab bars throughout your bathroom, you will give yourself a steady helping hand. These bars attach to the wall and should be strategically placed around and inside of your shower, as well as near your toilet. Adding grab bars to your bathroom sooner rather than later helps to alleviate the hassle overtime, and keep your family members and visitors safe.

Doorway Width
Whether the future has you in a wheelchair, needing a walker, or simply wanting a little extra elbow room, it is good practice to install wide doorways to your bathroom. Your bathroom is one of the most-used spaces in your home, so make sure access will always be easy.

Shower Seating
Even though open, oversized showers are trending all across the Kansas City area, it is best practice to include some sort of built-in seating option in your shower. As you age, there is a safety benefit to having a small ledge that can serve as a seat, plus, this area allows for extra storage space until then.

By incorporating aging-in-place elements into your bathroom, you will not only add functionality to your future, but you will also increase the overall value of your home. Be smart about your bathroom and opt for aging-in-place design today and reap the benefits for years to come.

To learn more about aging-in-place design for your bathroom, visit Mission Kitchen and Bath.