DETROIT, MI -- According to population projections by the US Census Bureau, the number of citizens aged 65 and above will rise from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, pushing this group's share of the total US population from 16% to 23%. Advances in medicine have allowed people to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles well into their golden years, and many senior citizens remain part of the labor force. Importantly, almost 90% of individuals aged 65+ want to continue living in their home for as long as possible, while 80% believe they will never leave their current residence, according to a survey by the AARP Public Policy Institute. "To ensure that people aging in place can lead a safe and comfortable life, certain precautions are required, most notably with regard to their home environment. As one of the most important but potentially most dangerous places in a house, the bathroom should be given priority in such considerations, and tub-to-shower conversions have proven an excellent solution to some of the most pressing problems for elderly people who have chosen to remain at home," comments Bath Planet of Detroit, a leading regional provider of bathroom remodeling services.
As defined by the CDC, aging in place is "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level." It is hardly surprising that senior-proofing plans for a home often begin with the bathroom as statistics show that emergency units treat an older adult for a fall every 11 seconds, with 80% of incidents taking place in the bathroom. Fortunately, a tub-to-shower conversion can eliminate most of the associated risks, according to the experts at Bath Planet of Detroit. "Not only is this type of renovation incredibly fast, but it can also deliver tremendous benefits for people aging in place. With safety being a top concern for seniors, tubs are hardly a good choice given the necessity to step in and out of these fixtures. Replacing a tub with a shower greatly improves mobility while minimizing the risk of slips and falls," the company's factory-trained installers point out.
Some of the benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion may not be immediately obvious, but they are nonetheless quite significant, according to Bath Planet of Detroit. For one thing, showers are associated with improved water usage efficiency, which is quite important for older adults with modest budgets. In addition, the convenience factor should not be neglected: compared to showers, tubs require significant effort and quite a bit of time to clean, on top of which they are more likely to cause bathroom damage (for example, mold). Last but not least, many seniors appreciate the perception of added floor space, and sometimes, the conversion can indeed result in a larger bathroom.
Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Bath Planet of Detroit is an established provider of premium bathroom remodeling services to homeowners in the Greater Detroit Area. The company is committed to customer service quality and fair prices. Its areas of expertise include bathroom conversions, tub and shower replacements, walk-in tubs, as well as bath and shower surrounds.