March 15, 2024
Improving Bathroom Safety for Seniors
October 27, 2021
The bathroom can be especially dangerous for seniors. There are hard surfaces, small spaces, plenty of corners, and slippery water. With all of those obstacles, the bathroom is the place where accidents and falls are most likely to occur in the house. So, here are some tips for improving bathroom safety for seniors.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars are safety devices that are designed to enable a person to maintain balance, lessen fatigue while standing, and use as a last resort to prevent a slip and fall. Install grab bars in frequently used places around the bathroom ーsuch as outside the shower, close to the toilet, and inside the shower. By installing grab bars throughout the bathroom, seniors can be more independent.
Install Tension Poles
If grab bars aren’t suitable for your shower a tub, tension poles are another great option. Tension poles reach from the floor to ceiling and provide a fixture for the elderly to hold onto for balance while bathing. These poles will give you and your senior peace of mind knowing that the pole will prevent slipping and falling.
A Bathtub Transfer Bench
Getting in and out of a tub can be dangerous for seniors. One miscalculated step and can mean trouble. A bathtub transfer bench can help make getting in and out of the tub less dangerous. This type of bench extends beyond the edge of the bathtub, and users simply slide and shift their weight from one end of the bench to the other to get inside or out of the tub.
Install New Faucets
Ordinary twist faucets can sometimes be difficult for the elderly to grip and turn. That is why your ordinary faucets should be replaced with ADA-compliant faucets. That way, seniors don’t risk spraining a joint or losing their balance since they don’t have to gain leverage to turn the water on and off.
Build a Walk-in Shower
Instead of seniors struggling to get in and out of the bathtub, replace the tub completely and replace it with a walk-in shower. Although not the cheapest solution, replacing your tub with a walk-in shower is one of the best ways to accommodate seniors and ensure that the bathroom is safer for them. Walk-in showers also make it easy for seniors who use a wheelchair to shower.
Improve Bathroom Safety with Bath Doctor
Bath Doctor has a wide selection of bathroom safety products and services that can keep your seniors safe. As a mobility equipment store in MD, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer high-quality safety products and services. Contact us today to speak to one of our specialists for more tips and suggestions on improving bathroom safety.