Several coincidences thread through this Paul Jablow-authored Philadelphia Inquirer story about a Glenside couple who, though only in their 50s, designed and built a senior bathroom for their aging years. They include the facts that:
- The fix-it pair, Amy and Steve, have the last name Carpenter
- Amy is an architect
- They now have a shower that Amy says is “big enough to dance in,” meaning they can now sway to “We’ve Only Just Begun” while getting clean
The Carpenter bathroom situation had been burbling for years.
Eventually it could be ignored no more: Its leaky shower upstairs finally caused the collapse of the ceiling below it.
Amy, using the design skills she professionally applies to senior residences and nursing homes, proposed an ambitious overhaul. She sought not just to fix the leak damage but concurrently to add in amenities the pair would need as their 50s gave way to 60s and beyond.
The re-do gave them a larger shower with a safer step, grab bars, and wand shower head; an illuminated mirror; baseboard heating; and a toilet-adjacent night light.
“It doesn’t stimulate our circadian clock and wake us when we get up in the night,” said Amy.
Best of all, the refresh added a layout that improves the privacy factor of its forebear, a much needed and appreciated plus.
More on the senior bathroom installed at the Carpenter home is at The Philadelphia Inquirer.