When most people think of their ideal home, they imagine a place where they can relax and feel safe. For seniors, this means having a bathroom that is safe and easy to use.
On that note, here are twelve ways you can make your bathroom more secure for seniors, so they can feel relaxed and at ease in their own homes.
1. Get Rid Of Slippery Floors In Your Bathroom
One of the most dangerous things in a bathroom is a slippery floor. Most elderly accidents happen when they slip and fall, so it’s important to get rid of anything that might cause them to lose their balance. Get rid of any loose rugs or carpets, and make sure the floor is dry after baths or showers, whether you have tile or linoleum floors. Even though bathroom linoleum floors tend to be pretty grippy, it’s still not wise to leave them wet.
2. Install A Shower Seat
A shower seat can be a great addition to any bathroom, but it’s especially useful for seniors. The elderly have a hard time standing as it is, let alone while they’re moving around, showering, holding a shower head etc. With a shower seat, they can shower without having to stand for long periods of time, which can be taxing on their bodies. Even some of us younger folks could use a break from standing while showering and especially when washing long hair, so you can imagine how grandma and grandpa feel.
3. Use Non-Slip Mats
Non-slip mats are a must in any bathroom, but they’re especially important for seniors. These mats will help prevent slips and falls, and they’re relatively inexpensive, so they’re probably the first thing you should invest in – if we can even call that an investment. A great thing about these is that you can even find them tailor-made, so you can cover the entire bathroom floor and make the whole thing grippy and slip-free.
4. Add Handrails And Grab Bars Around The Bathroom
Check this out – a safety grab bar is a must-have for a senior-friendly bathroom. If your senior struggles with balance or mobility (like most of them do), handrails and grab bars can be a huge help. Install them near the toilet, shower, and bathtub so they can easily get in and out of these areas without assistance. Not only will this help them feel more independent and happy, but it will also prevent dangerous falls and offer you peace of mind.
5. Have A Telephone Nearby In Case Of An Emergency
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have a telephone within reach. This way, your mom, dad, grandma or grandpa can call for help if they need it. Many will argue that you don’t need a phone in a bathroom because, well, there are smartphones, but just how many seniors are watching TikTok while sitting on a toilet? Not many we’d say.
6. Invest In Motion-Activated Faucets
There are many different types of motion-activated faucets on the market. These faucets are great for seniors suffering from arthritis. Basically, these handles allow them not to have to twist any handles to turn the water on or off, which can be painful for those dealing with arthritis and other similar conditions.
7. Add A Bidet Toilet
Bidet toilets are becoming increasingly popular – for good reason. They’re much easier to use than traditional bidets, and they can be a real lifesaver for seniors who have difficulty keeping themselves properly clean. A good bidet toilet will drastically lower the chance of seniors (especially women) developing any infections from improper hygiene. Sure, using a bidet toilet will feel a bit strange in the beginning, but once you get used to it, you’ll realize how practical it is.
8. Install A Walk-In Shower Or A Bathtub
If your senior has difficulty getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, a walk-in shower or tub can be a great solution. As a matter of fact – it’s the best solution, if not the only one. Walk-in showers and bathtubs are an absolute lifesaver for seniors with mobility or hip issues, and they can make showering or taking a bath much easier and safer. Just make sure that if you go the walk-in shower route, you make sure the entrance is safe and anti-slip coated.
9. Set Up A Raised Toilet Seat
Getting up from a seating position is a difficult task for many seniors. This is why a raised toilet seat can be such a great addition to any senior-friendly bathroom. A raised toilet seat will make it easier for your loved one to get on and off the toilet, and it will also make using the restroom much more comfortable. If you want, you can couple a raised toilet seat with a handrail or a grab bar and make the whole thing that much more effortless.
10. Ensure The Bathroom Is Well-Lit
It’s important to make sure the bathroom is well-lit so your senior can see clearly. This will help prevent falls and accidents. Another thing you can invest in is the motion-activated lights. Motion-activated lights are a great option because they’ll turn on automatically when someone enters the bathroom, which can be especially useful during the night.
11. De-Clutter The Bathroom
The bathroom can be a dangerous place if it’s cluttered. This is because your senior could trip over things that are lying around, and they could hurt themselves in the process. So, make sure to declutter the bathroom and get rid of anything that’s not absolutely necessary. This will help reduce the risk of accidents by a great margin.
Conclusion
Making your bathroom senior-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a few simple changes, you can make the space much safer and more comfortable for your loved one. Just remember to take things one step at a time, and don’t try to do too much all at once. Small changes can go a long way!