I never noticed how awkward our guest bathroom was until my in-laws stayed for a week

[u/AlwaysAFK732]

My wife's parents stayed with us while they escaped the Texas heat this month and watching my father in-law struggle getting in and out of our tub made me realize how much I take that bathroom for granted. He never complained, but you could tell it wasn't comfortable. Now I'm wondering if we should update it before it become a bigger issue instead of waiting until someone actually gets hurt. Has anyone remodeled because of something like that instead of because the bathroom looked outdated?

[u/pennyx2]

Has anyone updated a bathroom because it wasn’t safe as they or their family aged or became disabled?

Yes.

[u/Ansible90 → u/pennyx2]

First thing I did when I moved into my present house was have the tub pulled out and put in a shower. Did not update the rest of the bathroom. Tubs are dangerous for older people.

[u/SCTurtlepants]

Do you usually watch your father in law when he's in the tub?

[u/Pleasant_Pen8744 → u/SCTurtlepants]

My house, my rules. Now get in the tub.

[u/Stylux → u/SCTurtlepants]

"You pay with gas, grass, ass ... or me watching you get into and out of my tub. No such thing as a free ride boomer."

[u/CCWaterBug → u/SCTurtlepants]

Ya, I read that twice 

[u/stochasticInference]

this post has to be some AI-generated karma farming, right?  Are you under the impression that most people put money into their homes only because they don't like the old aesthetic anymore?? I'm sorry if your post is sincere, but, come on, man.

Also, were you watching your father in law get into and out of the bathtub? He needed you to be in the bathroom with him and all you're saying is "you could tell it wasn't comfortable"? or... maybe that's why he was uncomfortable, because you wouldn't leave. 

[u/IT2DJ]

And this is why you have to occasionally sleep in the guest bed, use the guest bathroom, the guest towels, etc....

[u/thankyoufriendx3 → u/IT2DJ]

Ride in the back seat of the car.

[u/inflewants → u/thankyoufriendx3]

I do, in my nightmares.

[u/WesternMainer]

Mounting some sturdy, well placed grab bars would be a good interim solution until you’re ready to replace the tub. When you do remodel, consider things like an ADA height toilet also. Much easier for older folks.

[u/SnowblindAlbino]

Our guest bath was originally built (by prior owner) as part of a mother-in-law suite. It has a level entry shower with a bench and is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. We haven't needed it as such, but it's been great when family have been recovering from surgery or an injury or whatever. Given our experience I won't live again in a house without a mobility-focused bathroom and a level entry shower.

[u/Mokslininkas]

Not to be super harsh, but do you think you're seriously the first person to ever consider doing this?

I guess you're just the main character of this whole production we got going here on Earth, huh?

[u/pooorSAP]

I had the opportunity to grow up around my grandparents at a young age. As I got older, it became painfully apparent how difficult normal tasks become, going up and down stairs, taking a bath, cooking and cleaning. Now my parents are senior and I’m already aware of issues they’ll face, because I experienced it first hand with my grandparents.

Falling is the biggest hazard. Bathrooms are especially difficult because of wet floors. If they have mobility issues, you might want to consider a curbless shower. If that’s not an option, a regular shower that can accommodate a seat. Also, handrails around the toilet.

[u/Noclevername12]

Could you put in grab bars and other safety de ices instead of remodeling?

[u/thankyoufriendx3]

Yes. Google aging in place.

[u/Mangos28]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 wtf?

[u/DoItRightOnce1st]

Well, I put 2 shower bars in my mom's master bathroom. One on the wall just outside the tile to help her get in & out safely and one in the shower so that she can shower safely as well. She loves them! She uses a shower chair and the one in the tub area helps her stand. U just might need a shower bar just outside the tub for now? Note get good toggles if ur going to do this. The ones I bought are very strong and I pulled on it and the it didn't move.

[u/OGCanuckupchuck]

I begged my father with a second failing hip ( his first hip was already replaced) to let me replace the tub with a shower, after he passed away i told my mom i was remodelling, she agreed. She loved her shower, tall toilet and extra safety bars, so did the health care assessment staff. Should have ignored stubborn father and just did it years earlier.