How to Ensure Greater Safety for the Seniors by Remodeling Bathroom

A recent study has revealed that more than one in every three individuals aging over 65 get injuries by falling in the bathroom. The simple reason for this statistic is that most of the modern bathrooms are designed for ecstatic value as a trade off for accessibility. Designing a bathroom for seniors requires a greater amount of attention to materials used and fundamental universal design practices.

As the baby boomer population enters their mature years things are changing and home designers have introduced more care in design and components for senior citizens, so that they can enjoy the use of their bathroom at a much less rick of slipping and falling. Take a look how you can increase safety for the seniors by remodeling bathroom.

Install Grab Bars and Rails

Grab bars are essential in today’s senior bathrooms. They should be located near toilets, bathtubs and showers to assist in standing from a sitting position and balancing. You should consider this as one of the most important and cost-effective measures that you can take to easily ensure the safety of seniors. Grab bars are even being designed as attractive bath hardware these days. Grab bars should always be installed by a qualified mechanic to avoid separating from the wall during use.

Install a Tension Pole

A tension pole can be a great alternative to grab bars as you can install it on the shower or tub or dressing areas. These devices are very practical when installed in an area where a grab bar cannot effectively be used. The tension pole will be placed from floor to ceiling and provide support to a person when they require assistance in balancing themselves.

Use Non-slip Mats

Most accidents occur from slipping on a wet surface in the bathroom when entering or exiting a shower or tub. It is very common for hard surface floors to be slippery by nature and the non slip surface materials are not always as attractive as there alternatives. When the use of non slip surface materials is not an available option, the use of non slip mats is a wonderful option. These rugs and mats either have a built in backing or can be placed upon a material designed to adhere to stone or tile surfaces. They also help prevent the rug from bunching up and becoming a tripping hazard. These options are widely used and commonly available in many colors and fabrics.

Install a Senior-Friendly Toilet

A senior-friendly toilet will assist the elder in sitting or standing from a toilet by lifting mechanically. This reduces the required effort on behalf of the senior to physically use the toilet. An additional benefit that is commonly overlooked is that a senior who would normally require assistance from someone in the water closet, will not need their assistance and can independently use the toilet as needed.

Shower Benches and Seats

Shower seats or benches are very practical to add to any shower. They provide a seated area to rest or balance instead of bending over to clean ones lower body. Shower seats or benches also reduces the risk of slipping on shower floors and make it much easier to stand when exiting a bathtub.

Hand Help Shower Heads

A hand held shower spray head is a very convenient device for seniors for a more comfortable process of showering. They are also easier for seniors use in combination with a shower seat. The senior user can sit comfortably and shower reducing the risk of most showering hazards.

Communication Device

Apart from fixing grab bars in every place inside the bathroom, placing handrail next to the shower or bathtub and toilet can be a good option. Arranging a telephone or alert system can also be a good idea so that a senior can reach assistance in the event of an emergency. These devices should be made available in all rooms when possible.

Lighting

Good home lighting is often overlooked in the planning of aging in place. As someone’s eye sight weakens over time, the need for supplemental lighting becomes increasingly important. Hallways, bathrooms and especially kitchens require greater illumination for safer and more effective use of the home.

Hire Professionals for Effective Bathroom Remodeling

As discussed there are many hazards to assess and provide solutions for in the bathroom area. It would be wise to hire a NAHB Certified Aging in Place Remodeler to provide you with a full assessment and evaluation of the homes bathroom. A NAHB CAPS Remodeler has been trained in recognizing risk and implementing the best practices of universal design. Aging At Home is CAPS Remodeler and one of the leading bathroom remodeling expert in Houston. They have the right mix of experience and training to transform your bathroom into a safer and more luxurious oasis. For more information Call at 713-819-1814