March 23, 2015

Whether you are planning for your own future or are looking to accommodate a senior family member with limited mobility, bathroom remodeling is a good place to start. The bathroom is one of those places we frequent on a daily basis, and it’s also where a large number of accidents happen, especially among seniors. At the Bath Doctor, we offer bathroom remodeling for Maryland seniors, among our other services. From our experience, here are some of the biggest challenges seniors face while using a bathroom, and a few ideas on how to overcome them.

Challenge #1: Space

It’s difficult for someone using a walker or a wheelchair to move around a small bathroom. There is not enough room to turn around, sharp corners are everywhere and there is insufficient leg room. Ideally, changing the layout of your bathroom or even gaining more space by moving walls would solve this problem. But not everyone has the budget, time or opportunity to do this. Here are some less invasive solutions to gain more space in a small bathroom:

• Widen the door frame
• Replace the swing-open door with a sliding pocket door
• Replace the vanity-mounted sink with a pedestal sink
• Convert your outdated tub into a wider shower  
• Remove unneeded storage cabinets

Challenge #2: Safety

There are many dangerous conditions in a typical bathroom, from slippery, wet floors to sharp countertop corners and numerous breakable objects. To improve bathroom safety for seniors, follow these steps:

• Replace flooring with textured tile to provide more traction
• Use non-skid bathroom mats
• Install grab bars both inside and outside of the tub/shower area
• Have the tub/shower area cleaned regularly to reduce soapy and slippery buildup
• Make sure the bathroom has sufficient lighting
• Put away the clutter, so that only necessary items are within reach

Challenge #3: Mobility

When you can’t move as freely and effortlessly as you used to due to old age, disease or injuries, using a bathroom can become a torturous experience. Climbing into a bathtub, lowering oneself onto a toilet seat and bending over a sink are painful tasks for many people 65 and older. To make using the bathroom less exhausting and more enjoyable, try these solutions:

• Replace your toilet or install a raised seat to minimize knee bending
• Replace your old tub with a walk-in bathtub that eliminates the need to climb over the edge
• Install a wall-mount sink at a desired height
• Install a hand-held shower head for more convenience

Need someone to help you with these or other bathroom remodeling tasks? Give Bath Doctor a call or contact us online to discuss your remodeling needs.

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