Forward Thinking: Plan for Safer Bathrooms

It's never too early for safety-minded bathroom upgrades, says Elinor Ginzler, director for livable communities in AARP's office of social impact, who shares suggestions in this photo gallery. "The earlier you do them," she says, "the longer you have to appreciate them." (The Washington Post covered this topic in the Feb. 18 article "Adapting Your Home to Maximize Mobility.")

For more information, try AARP's interactive Bathroom Checklist. Also, AARP and the National Association of Homebuilders certify contractors with expertise in aging and disabled housing issues. Nearly 70 such contractors in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia have this certification, according to the NAHB web site.