Design for the Future… not just today!

Let’s face it, none of us want to entertain the idea of being moved into a single story retirement community years from now. It’s an undeniable fact that as we age, our bodies lose some of its strength and agility. Simple actions like stepping over a curb to enter a shower can turn into a devastating accident where we fall and break an arm, hip or worse. Many architects & designers are more focused than ever on “Aging in Place” solutions. They are creating environments that enable people to continue to live in their home as they age.

However, there is another problem, ME!  Ummm… let me rephrase, people like myself. I’m 51, in pretty good physical shape, run 15 to 20 miles per week, eat somewhat healthy food. By the way, my wife disagrees with the last statement. She feels pizza & beer do not qualify as a well balanced meal. Bottom line… though I know the reality, I deny that I’m getting older. Therefore, I would fight any suggestion of an institutional looking grab bar in my shower or bathroom area.  We “baby boomers” do not want anyone suggesting we are getting older and may want to think about an ugly grab bar in the shower to help us maintain our balance when entering or exiting. If you provide attractive, non-institutional solutions to us that make sense, then we are much more willing to listen and buy into your design concepts for us.

Quick Drain, Palmer & Great Grabz provide some of the solutions you and your clients are looking for. “The Power Three” of ADA compliant bath products meeting the needs of Aging in Place issues.  These three are definitely worth considering, dare I say, must be considered when you are working with your clients to develop an attractive Aging in Place environment.

More than a drain… a solution!

Quick Drain linear shower drains are installed in hospitals and health care facilities as well as private homes and luxury hotels where wheel chair or walker access is necessary.  The traditional four way sloped “bowl shaped” floor of a center drain makes it difficult for the user to keep their balance in the shower. Additionally, if there is wheel-chair access, the center drain can catch a wheel making it difficult to maneuver. Quick Drain uses a gradual, almost unnoticed two degree, one way slope and removes the hole in the middle of the shower floor. Eliminating the problem of maintaining balance in the shower with traditional four way floor sloping.

In hospitals and health care facilities, Quick Drain helps control infection with something no other linear drain has, a 100% sloped drain trough not allowing any sitting water. Ten standard sizes from 26” in. to 68” in. with custom sizes available from 10” in to 10’ ft. And what’s the icing on the cake? You can use larger format tile, less time to install, IAPMO listed and it’s attractive!

Elegantly handcrafted… and ADA compliant!

Palmer makes console sink legs for premade china tops or fabricated stone/marble tops and considered the finest on the market. Their understated beauty far surpasses others who offer less value. Palmer is considered the Mercedes of console sink legs.

Their ability to make the exact size YOU want set them apart from others who only offer a few sizes which may not meet your needs. Is that really good customer service? Unlike others, Palmer can easily be made in virtually any size you want. The ability to customize and adjust on the jobsite is priceless. Understanding the need of some homes, hotels and restaurants to be totally accessible, Palmer leg systems are available in an ADA compliant version.  The simplicity and elegance of Palmers product can be seen in all of the styles they offer.

Attractive… yet Powerful!

Sure, you can order the standard institution style of ADA compliant grab bars. And while you’re at it, why don’t you replace your customers beautiful tiled shower with an inexpensive fiberglass version?  Great Grabz ADA compliant decorative grab bars will set your design inspiration free!  When designer Abbie Sladicks client stated, "I would rather fall than have my friends think I have a grab bar!" It sent her on a fantastic journey of creativity and innovation in a seemingly dull industry of grab bars!

The “Splash” series and well known “Signature” series along with the award winning “Wave” style come in a variety of finishes. Great Grabz also has the “Sure Grip” textured finish. Decorative grab bars for those who “… would rather fall than have their friends think they have a grab bar.”