As people age, there will be problems with mobility and balance that will arise. This makes it difficult to deal with slick surfaces, stairs, and high shower ledges that usually lead to falls, injuries, and worse, even death.
To eliminate such risks, making some practical bathroom improvements can help to make ageing a lot safer. These improvements will also allow the elderly to enjoy bathing without difficulties and chances of accidents. Below are some of the upgrades you should invest in to meet the needs of the elderly.
Grab bars
Bathrooms have a high possibility of having slippery surfaces. Installing grab bars is one of the simplest ways to improve a bathroom. This does not require major renovation, but it can significantly increase the safety of your space. In addition, it is best to install grab bars to support the elderly when stepping in and out of the shower. The grab bars might not be used regularly but adding this to a bathroom provides a way for users to find balance in case of a fall.
Shower seat
Ageing can impair a person’s sense of balance, too. Since bathing requires standing for an extended period, a shower seat is beneficial, particularly for seniors. Aside from that, shower seats are also helpful for seniors and those who feel unsteady at the time.
Anti-scald faucets
Unlike those who are younger, seniors usually have more sensitive skin. Therefore, installing anti-scald faucets helps prevent scorching hot water from coming out of the faucet. This type of faucet typically utilises temperature or water pressure to regulate the water flow from the tap into the shower.
No-slip flooring
To make a bathroom safe for the elderly, make sure the floor has no-slip flooring. This type of flooring is made from slip-resistant material that usually has grooves or other characteristics that provide more traction. Placing a slip-resistant mat as an alternative to non-slip flooring also works the same way, and it costs less than no-slip flooring.
Why should you install a walk-in shower?
Walk in showers reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom by discarding the idea of high steps and slick surfaces. This type of shower is highly recommended for senior homeowners as it has additional features that support better mobility and safety, such as grab bars, no-slip floors, and a lot more.
Additionally, walk-in showers fit almost any size of bathroom. It means that you don’t need to expand the area of your existing bathroom to have one installed. For homeowners with small bathrooms, this will be good news for you. You will end up having more space if you replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower.
Investing in a safer bathroom can help ward off your worries of falling. In addition, if you’re planning to remain in your current home for a longer time, making this bathroom improvement is a way to begin transforming your home into a safer place to grow old.
