comes to the senior population. One slip and you can end up with a bruised body. According to statistics, falls account for over 60 percent of injury-related emergency department visits and more than 50 percent of injury-related deaths annually for those aged 65 and older, with up to 80 percent of home falls occurring in the bathroom.
At this age, things are already difficult enough. We need to make things easy for the elders in our homes. Let’s not forget the holiday season calls for a lot of guests, and among those are, of course, elderly people. In order to make our home a safe, welcoming space for our aged fellows, we need to work on our bathroom design game. Here is how you can have your Bathroom Remodel Contractor remodel your bathroom, so it is senior-friendly.
Install Grab Bars
Installing grab bars in key areas of the bathroom, such as near the toilet and in the shower, can provide support and stability for seniors. Ensure the grab bars are securely anchored and able to support their weight. Not only do grab bars look aesthetically pleasing, but they are also easy and inexpensive to install.
Raise The Toilet Seat Height
Raising the height of the toilet can make it easier for seniors to use. Consider installing a raised toilet seat or a new toilet designed to be higher. Get your Bathroom Remodel Contractor to get a toilet that is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. Additionally, a bidet would make things easier for adults that are not very flexible and help improve overall hygiene.
Get A Shower Seat
A shower seat can make bathing easier and safer for seniors with trouble standing. Consider installing a built-in or fold-down shower seat that is adjustable in height and can be easily removed if necessary. Make sure you get a seat with handy grab bars for better support. A comfortable shower bench would also ease the shower experience.
Lose The Slippery Floors
Slippery floors can be a major hazard for seniors. Consider installing non-slip floorings, such as textured tiles, to prevent falls. They might be expensive, but they will mitigate many slipping accidents, making them great for all ages. Remove the mats that slide out under your feet and replace them with non-slip mats.
Put In A Walk-In Bathtub
A walk-in bathtub can be a great option for seniors who have difficulty stepping over the edge of a traditional bathtub. These tubs have a door that opens and closes, allowing the user to step directly into the tub. The tub fills up after you have entered, and you can leave the tub when the water is drained. Although expensive, it is a very safe option for seniors. If you have a flexible budget, consider installing jets to provide some relief to their aching body.
Work On The Lighting
Good lighting is important for seniors with vision problems or difficulty seeing in low light. Not to mention, our vision gets blurry with age. Seniors need all the help they can get. Bathrooms normally just have one light in the middle of the ceiling. That is not enough. Add additional lighting, such as task lighting near the mirror and brighter overall lighting in the bathroom. Add a separate light in the shower to ease their shower time. It is ideal if you get your Kitchen Remodel Los Angeles to install automatic lighting to aid bathroom breaks in the middle of the night.
Motion Activated Faucets
A motion-activated faucet can be a great option for seniors with difficulty turning knobs or handles. These faucets turn on and off automatically when they detect motion. Keep in mind that the elderly are not very flexible, therefore, ensure that everything is kept within easy reach.
Conclusion
Consider widening the bathroom doorway and installing lever-style door handles that are easier to grip and operate. Also, ensure that there is enough clearance around the toilet and sink to accommodate a wheelchair or walker if necessary.
You can do a lot to ensure that the bathroom is a safer place for all ages, but especially for elders. The glitz and glamor are useless if your bathroom is not fully accessible.
