5 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Safer for the Elderly

1. 5 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Safer for the Elderly If you care for someone elderly, you start seeing their environment in new ways, realizing there are obstacles all around them every day — things that younger, more able-bodied people don’t even think about. This is especially true in the bathroom. Getting older often means the body isn’t as strong as it was, and mobility and balance have become compromised. It’s important that this doesn’t get in the way of their self-confidence, and providing some tools so they can continue to take care of their daily needs is one way of maintaining their independence and confidence. With this in mind, here are five bathroom safety options that you can install to make the bathroom safer for the elderly and handicapped. #1: Non-slip Floors When balance is already compromised, you should take every precaution to make sure the elderly can stay on their feet. Getting non-slip surfacing on the floors of your bathroom will help seniors navigate it better. Additionally, non- slip floors make them feel safer and more sure of their footing, helping to boost their confidence. #2: Lever Faucets Faucets that involve a lot of grabbing power and wrist action are a challenge for people with a weak grip — they can’t tackle difficult faucets on their own. The better choice would be installing faucets with a lever that can be turned with a simple push. This will require less energy to be exerted for a simple task, and it makes the bathroom safer. #3: Grab Bars and Rails Grab bars and rails can be installed in the bathroom in areas where someone needs to get up or sit down, like the toilet or the bath. These bars will give them the added support they need to more easily navigate the bathroom. It would also be beneficial to have grab rails around the sink to help stabilize balance when leaning over. #4: Walk-in Bathtubs Barrier-free bathtubs feature simple mechanisms to help the elderly and handicapped get in and out of the bathtub. Rather than having to step over the edge of a low tub, they can open a door, sit at a more accessible height, and close the watertight door behind them. With a walk-in tub, getting in and out of the bath can be done without assistance. #5: Thick Rugs Thick rugs in fall-prone areas ensure that, in case there is a fall, it is cushioned to some extent, thus preventing any serious injuries to seniors. In this way, the last bit of risk is reduced. The bathroom is often the one place where it is hardest for someone to need your help. It can be demeaning to require assistance in this private place. Consider implementing these five tips in their bathroom to give them back some independence, increase their confidence, and keep them safe.