As you get older your body just isn’t what it used to be. It’s a lot more difficult to get around, you’re not as flexible, parts of your body aches, your bones aren’t as strong, and you’re even more prone to having slip and fall accidents. Instead of struggling to maneuver around your house all day or carry out daily functions, why not have renovations done to accommodate your needs? Here are some tips on how to design a senior-friendly bathroom.
The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home. However, it is also one of the most dangerous places. Should you happen to slip and fall in the restroom, you could be looking at serious injuries or even death. That’s why creating a senior-friendly bathroom is ideal. Work with bathroom renovation contractors and a Chicago plumber (or plumber located near you), to help you bring some of these ideas to life.
Widen the Door
If you or someone residing in your home has a wheelchair, getting it through the bathroom door is important. Depending on the size of your bathroom doorway, you may need to have it extended. Expanding it at least 34 inches wide should do the trick.
Install Grab Bars
Remember, falling is a serious risk for seniors. Trying to maneuver around in the bathroom on the hard, sometimes wet floors could be a disaster waiting to happen. Give yourself some additional support by installing grab bars in your bathroom. Installing one near your toilet, sink, and in the tub or shower is highly recommended. Grab bars are an essential when you design a senior-friendly bathroom.
Walk-in Tub or Threshold Showers
The curb right at the entryway of the shower or the side of the tub can be easy places for you to trip and/or lose your balance. To make your bathroom more senior-friendly, it may be best that you invest in a walk-in tub or a threshold shower.
A walk-in tub is a bathtub with a small door on the side for easy access. They also come with seats so you don’t have to try and squat too low. A threshold shower, on the other hand, is a shower that doesn’t have any curb at the entryway. You can walk right in without worrying about tripping. These would also be ideal for seniors who need to roll their wheelchairs into the shower.
Non-Slip Bath Mats
The carpeting in the bathroom can help prevent seniors from falling. This is especially true when the floors are wet. Be that as it may, it is important for you to select mats and rugs that are non-slip and have a good grip. If the carpet easily moves or flaps up, it can quickly become a tripping hazard.
Raise Toilet Height
Trying to squat down to use the restroom may not be as easy as it once was. Not to mention trying to get back up when you’re finished. When renovating your bathroom, you may want to consider your options to raise the height of the toilet. You can go basic with a seat extender or if you have the budget for it you can purchase a toilet that is more senior-friendly.
Adjustable/Handheld Showerhead
Feeling thoroughly cleaned when you leave the shower is a top priority. However, it can be hard to do with a traditional showerhead. You may not be as mobile as you once were to maneuver your body, or you may be in a wheelchair which makes it difficult for you to do a 360. Whatever the case is, having an adjustable and/or handheld showerhead makes it easier. You can adjust it to a position that is most comfortable for you without straining yourself, or you can grab it off the wall and direct the water wherever you’d like.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to live out your senior years in your own home. While you’re there, however, you may need to make some adjustments to ensure that your living is safe and comfortable. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in the near future, don’t forget to include these important elements when you design a senior-friendly-bathroom you’ll absolutely fall in love with.
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