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How to Make Your Bathroom More Friendly for Elders Residing in Your Home
The bathroom is one of the most used areas in the household but it’s also one of the most dangerous spots — especially for senior citizens. Elders often have trouble traversing through the room; let alone use the facilities. They’re often at risk of slipping and sustaining injuries that might even result with death. Fortunately, there are plenty of safety features that you can add to your bathroom to make it more user-friendly and safe for elders.
Add grab bars and rails for safety and easier movement
Moving around the bathroom is very difficult for elders who have impaired movement and balance. Installing safety rails and/or grab bars is one of the simple ways you can improve their mobility in the bathroom space. The rails and grab bars can also serve as a safety mechanism; since it can be used as a sturdy handle in the event of a slipping accident.
Set-up lever faucets
Elders who have hand-grip issues often have trouble using compression faucets or dial-types. Make it easier for them to use bathroom facilities by installing lever faucets. The reason why lever-type taps are ideal for seniors is because they don’t have to struggle in twisting the taps. All they have to do is pull the lever and use the flowing water with ease.
Be careful with temperature settings
Raising the hot water temperature during cold or winter season may seem ideal, but you need to be careful if there are elders in your household. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive; which makes them easily prone to scalding. For your water heater, set the temperature at 120℉ to avoid skin burns and other hot water accidents. It’s highly recommended to use temperature-controlled valves for added safety.
Use non-slip bath mats
Some homeowners love using expensive mats or rugs to make their bathroom look more luxurious. However, you may need to sacrifice aesthetics for safety and functionality if you have elders in your home. To make it less risky for seniors; you need to add non-slip bath mats or rugs. What makes this a practical method is that you don’t have to tinker with plumbing fixtures or taps. You just buy a high quality non-slip mat and strategically place it in the bathroom for optimum safety.
Reduce the height of a shower stall or just completely remove it
Shower stalls are pretty common in old houses. The stalls we’re referring are the small blockages on the floor. They’re essentially borders on floors that stop the water from flowing throughout the entire bathroom. Although it has a practical use, shower stalls can actually be the cause of falling in the shower. Reduce the height of the shower stall or you can just remove it for complete safety. If you plan on taking out the entire shower stall; you can opt with a water absorbent rug to address the water problem on the floor.
Increase the height of the toilet
Standing after sitting a toilet can be a difficult undertaking for the elderly. The solution for this problem is to raise the height of the toilet by at least three inches. You don’t have to purchase another toilet. The height can be increased by removing your toilet seat and replacing it with a bulky or high one.
Katies Jones is a writer and editor at Your Neighbourhood Newtown Plumber. She has 10 years (and counting) of knowledge and relevant experience in home improvement and plumbing. Katie is always enthusiastic in providing blogs that contain helpful information for improving houses and plumbing systems.
