Most Common Bathroom Modifications for Seniors
By ProMatcher Staff
10 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Safer for Seniors
Every year, millions of older people require medical attention as a result to accidental falls. The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Use the information below to learn more about different ways you can remodel your bathroom.
1. Move it to the first floor
If you or your loved one have trouble going up and down the stairs multiple times a day, it may make sense to move the main bathroom to the first floor of the home. This may mean converting a half-bath or powder room into a full bath with a walk-in tub.
2. Install grab bars
Installing grab bars in the shower or around the toilet is great way to provide additional stability. You will have something sturdy to hold on to while getting in and out of the shower. Using a towel rack or towel bar to support yourself is dangerous. Grab bars are specifically designed to support your the body weight of a full-grown adult. Worried about how they look? Grab bars come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes that can match the existing look of your bathroom.
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3. Replace faucets
Some faucets, especially those that need to be tightly gripped, can be difficult for older people to operate. Replacing old faucets with simple lever faucets is an easy way to improve the functionality of the bathroom. Looking for something even easier? Some newer faucets will turn on with a simple touch or wave of your hand.
More from ProMatcher:
Facuet Installation Cost Report
4. Choose a walk-in tub
Walk-in tubs are very popular for many reasons. If mobility is an issue for you, getting in and out of the bathtub can be a real challenge. With a walk-in tub, you won’t have to rely on the assistance of others to enjoy a nice bath. You simply open the side door, walk in, and take a seat. Many walk-in tubs will also have a non-slip coating on the floor to help prevent any accidental slips while exiting or entering.
SEE ALSO: Cost of Bathtub Installation
5. Add a shower seat
Standing up in the shower for an extended period of time can be difficult for those who suffer from knee pain or back pain. Using a shower seat or bench can help alleviate some of the stress on your joints. The seat can be taken in and out as needed. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can have a bathroom remodeling contractor design and build a custom shower with the a built-in bench.
6. Go curb-less
If you or your loved one relies uses a wheelchair to get around, a roll-in or curbless shower is a great bathroom upgrade. A curb-less shower is just what it sounds like. There is no lip or edge keeping the water in. However, the floor is slightly angled to prevent water from flooding the rest of the bathroom while the shower is running.
7. Raise the height of the toilet seat
Over time, it may become harder to get low enough to reach the seat. Purchasing an elevated, seat extension (or removable seat riser) is often a first good step. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, many brands specially manufacture toilets with higher seats. If your toilet is getting older, this may be a good replacement option.
8. Buy a new showerhead
Handheld showerheads, in particular, provide much more control over the flow of water. If you plan on sitting down on a seat or bench, this is especially important. A bathroom contractor can easily replace your current shower head or add-on an additional handheld unit to your existing shower.
9. Lay down rugs and mats
Tile floors can become very slippery when they get wet. Even worse, older adults are more likely to experience accidental slips and falls. This can be a recipe for disaster. Covering tile floors with the appropriate rugs and mats can help improve the safety of the bathroom. You should make sure that these mats have no-skid bottoms to prevent them from moving around too much.
10. Improve lighting
Make sure your bathroom has plenty of light. People are less likely to hurt themselves when they can see everything well. This may require installing new fixtures or you may just need to replace burnt out light bulbs.
Related: Cost of In-Home Senior Care
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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