Innovative Bath Remodel Franchises Meet the Needs of an Aging US Population

As people age, their needs change. And the American population is aging at an unprecedented rate. The median national age rose by more than 20 percent between 1980 and 2022, and experts predict that 82 million people—nearly a quarter of the population—will be 65 or older by 2050.

We’re living longer, but we’re remaining active and healthy as we age. That means more and more Americans will choose to stay in their own homes longer. But successfully aging in place requires some adjustment. 

Seniors who want to remain independent without sacrificing safety must consider a range of factors as they prepare to age in place. In addition to health care, transportation and financial matters, the design and layout of the home can determine whether someone can stay in their home throughout their advancing years.

Professionals and experts increasingly recognize the importance of accessible bath design, in particular, for successfully aging in place. A thoughtful remodel of an existing bathroom can play a critical role in helping seniors retain their independence and mobility throughout their later years.

The following features can transform any existing bathroom to fit the needs of those who are aging in place:  

• Accessible showers and tubs: Tall, steep-sided tubs can pose risks for people of any age. Walk-in tubs and roll-in showers reduce the risks associated with tall, steep-sided tubs. Grab bars and textured floors or anti-slip mats are essential to maximize the safety of these options. Built-in shower seats and easily accessible storage can further enhance safety and convenience.
  
  
• Elevated toilet seats: Higher seats can make using the toilet easier and reduce the risk of fall or injury. The safest options are securely attached to the toilet and feature bars for additional support.
  
  
• Accessible storage: Cabinets and vanities should be placed three or four inches lower than standard height to be easily accessible. Large, easy to grip handles and knobs, pull-out or pull-down shelves, and secure fastening ensure safety and convenience.
  
  
• Lighting: Bright light and maximum visibility help seniors identify safety risks, such as spills or debris, and ensure they can safely and comfortably navigate the room and its fixtures.
  
  
• Low maintenance: Modern materials and seamless design can protect surfaces from water, mildew and mold for easy maintenance without exertion.

Bath and plumbing professionals increasingly incorporate features such as these into the design of homes that will likely be occupied by older Americans. More often, bath designers create spaces that can be easily adapted to include walk-in showers, bars and senior-friendly shelving.

The Franchise Advantage

But many older homes will require renovation to accommodate the rising number of people who choose to age at home.

Lasting demographic shifts and the evolving needs of homeowners aging-in-place help explain why the bathroom remodeling industry is rapidly growing, and why bath remodel franchise opportunities offer a proven path to financial freedom and flexibility. 

Homeowner investment in remodeling and renovation projects continues to grow. You don’t have to be a plumbing, construction or design expert to provide them with convenient, modern design and advanced materials that can transform their lives. Innovative bath remodel franchises can empower entrepreneurs to deliver world-class bath improvements along with exceptional value.

A franchise offers access to a range of important resources, assets and services. The powerful tools franchise owners can leverage include brand awareness, buying power, existing vendor relationships, marketing resources, operations support and training.

In a fast-growing market such as bath remodeling, a proven franchise system can serve as a powerful boost to the built-in benefits of the franchise model. Franchise systems are designed to help anyone quickly launch and operate a new business by liberating owners from the time-consuming administrative tasks that can overwhelm independent operators. Streamlining operations and administration is a proven method for kickstarting lead generation, sales and revenue. With more time and energy to think about the big picture, franchise owners are empowered to focus intently on sales and customer experience.

Like the best franchise opportunities, bath remodel franchises offer an accessible path for entrepreneurs to be their own boss and take charge of their financial future. Franchising is one of the best ways for many people to quickly build and grow wealth, and accessible bath remodel franchises help make those opportunities widely available.

As brand president of Five Star Bath Solutions, Dean Hartley directs franchise systems and processes to assist franchise owners in growing successful, profitable businesses. Dean brings over 15 years of experience in the one-day bathroom remodeling industry and a vast knowledge base to assist in building the Five Star Bath Solutions franchise system.