Bathrooms for empty nesters

UPGRADING the kitchen or bathroom is a number one priority for empty nesters looking to improve their homes after their children move out.

A survey by Lloyds Bank reveals that 43 per cent of those who stay on in the family home carry out some kind of improvement once their offspring leave, while also turning spare bedrooms into home offices, guest rooms or hobby rooms.

Making the bathroom a safer, more relaxing place to be is a good idea, and it’s worth considering how you can futureproof it. Research shows that one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 now suffers from osteoporosis — and the bathroom is a major hazard for at-home injuries. Thinking about making it safer earlier rather than later means you can do the changes in your own time, rather than having to splash out on big alterations later in life.

An easy access shower can look very stylish — and as you grow older you won’t have to worry about how you get in and out of a bath or a more awkward shower.

Most offer the option of a folding seat, while some come with integrated seating for extra comfort when showering.

Alternatively, a walk-in bath is ideal for those who prefer a soak. There are stylish compact, compact upright or full-length full length versions with power seats, each with a low-level access door and slip-resistant surfaces and a grab bar inside. Add massaging bubbles and colourful chromotherapy and the bath becomes a home spa.

A band bath lift is a simple way to make a big difference to bathing confidence. This consists of a fabric band on a roller which retracts into a wall-fixed unit.

When in use, it will lower you gently into the bath so that you can lie back and enjoy a good soak, and then operate in the reverse direction to lift you up.