As your loved ones age, their needs change. This includes their need for safety in their daily environment. The bathroom, in particular, can be a hazardous place, which is why it's important to create a safe and comfortable space for elderly relatives. If you're planning a bathroom remodel for your elderly loved ones, you'll need to pay close attention to certain aspects to make sure the new design is safe, comfortable and accessible. Here are five key aspects you need to consider when designing a safe bathroom for elderly relatives.
Install Grab Bars and Handrails
Grab bars and handrails are essential safety features in any bathroom. They make it easier for your elderly loved ones to stand up or sit down, prevent slips and falls, and provide additional support with moving in and out of the tub or shower. Install grab bars in strategic places, such as near the toilet, shower and bathtub, and make sure they are securely mounted to the wall.
Replace the Bathtub With a Walk-in or Roll-in Shower
Stepping over the side of a tub can be a difficult and dangerous task for elderly individuals. Replacing your tub with a walk-in or roll-in shower will make showering easier and safer. A walk-in shower provides a low threshold for easy access and a built-in bench for comfortable seating while washing. A roll-in shower is an accessible option for those who use a wheelchair or a mobility aid.
Choose Slip-Resistant Flooring
Bathroom floors can be a slipping hazard, especially when they are wet. When remodelling your bathroom, choose slip-resistant flooring materials such as textured tiles, rubber mats, and cork flooring. These materials provide more traction than traditional bathroom flooring options like smooth tile and polished concrete.
Install a Raised Toilet Seat and Bidet
Toilet seats that are too low can cause discomfort and difficulty for elderly individuals. In addition, using toilet paper can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Installing a raised toilet seat and a bidet can make it easier for your elderly loved ones to use the toilet comfortably and safely.
Increase Lighting and Add a Night Light
Poor lighting can cause slips and falls in the bathroom. Make sure to install bright lighting throughout the bathroom and include a night light for added safety during nighttime bathroom visits. You can also consider installing motion sensor lights that turn on automatically when entering the bathroom.
Contact a company like Deluxe Bathrooms & Tile Centre to learn more.
Remodelling your home can be a big task. You've most likely stopped by this blog because you are looking for information which will help you to remodel your property. You've certainly come to the right place as this blog contains articles which cover almost every aspect of the remodelling process. I will be exploring remodelling ideas for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and communal areas of your home. I will also look at inventive ways in which you can transform areas of your home and make use of dead space. Although I'm not a professional remodelling contractor, I have recently finished doing a lot of research by speaking to people who work in the trade and reading magazines.