One area of the house that can be especially dangerous for the older members of the family is the bathroom. The small spaces, sharp corners and edges, hard surfaces, and slippery floor pose a threat to many seniors, increasing the risks of accidents and falls. All these make it extremely difficult for older adults to use the bathroom, as many of them have lost mobility and their strength. Even seemingly simple tasks, such as standing in the shower for a long time and safely getting in and out of the bathtub, can be a cause of many problems.
Thankfully, there are many effective products and bathroom improvement options out in the market today that make it easier for older adults to look after themselves and take care of their daily needs. With all these simple additions in the bathroom, you’ll be able to reduce the risk of falls and help the older members of the family stay as independent as possible.
Here are some of them:
Walk-in Bathtubs
A walk-in bathtub for elderly is a popular option in many homes due to the fact that they’re not only easier to access than regular tubs, but most of these come with built-in seats as well. You have several options should you choose to have this, as well as a curbless shower, in your bathroom. You can purchase and have a prefabricated unit or you can go the DIY route. Installing a new unit is highly recommended as it’s specially designed for senior care.
Lever Faucets
With a lever faucet, you eliminate the need to twist and turn, which can be challenging for the elderly. These come in a number of styles, even foot-operated ones. While installing a new faucet isn’t exactly a difficult task, when you’re dealing with your plumbing system, it’s always best to consult a professional before taking on the task yourself.
Shower Chair
These chairs don’t only provide those with balance issues some stability, but these also let those with difficulties standing for a long period to rest while they’re taking a bath. Before you purchase one, make sure the legs come with non-slip rubber tips.
Grab Bars
Install these types of bars in easy-to-reach places. Doing so can help family members maintain their balance and stability while going in or out of the shower or tub. Compared to suction cup bars, those that are bolted to studs in the wall are more preferred by many. Also, instead of a glossy finish, grab bars should come with a slip-resistant surface feature.
Tension Pole
This is a great option if grab bars won’t work in your shower or tub. This fixture reaches from the ceiling to the floor, providing the elderly with something stable that they can hold on to for balance and avoid slipping while they take a bath.
With a safe bathroom especially designed for them, older members of the family will have the confidence to safely perform everyday personal tasks such as bathing and using the toilet. When you know they’re safe, you have less to worry about.
