Seniors are often at higher risk of having trouble taking baths due to mobility and strength issues. Because of this, it’s important to make the bathroom as safe and as easy as possible, which requires making some modifications to the bathroom and changing the ways you bathe.
Check out these three ways to make your senior parent’s bathing experience safer and easier by making some small bathroom modifications and the way they take their baths.
Add Grab Bars
Grab bars are one of the best modifications you can make to a senior’s bathroom. They provide support and stability when getting in and out of the tub or shower, and can help prevent falls. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Be sure to choose a design that fits with your style, so that it blends well with your bathroom.
The only downside is that grab bars take up some space. If you have a small bathroom, it may be difficult to find room for them. You can also choose an alternate placement for them, such as along the wall on either side of the toilet or sink.
You could also purchase these racks that hang from over door frames and act as both towel hooks and supports for grabbing onto when exiting or entering the shower or bathtub. They come in many styles and designs, which means there should be something that suits any bathroom decor.
The final modification we recommend is installing a bar across the back of the tub or shower. It provides excellent support while standing to bathe and prevents slipping. Again, this is another great safety measure. But keep in mind that this type of modification will block off most of the water at the bottom of the tub or shower.
That means if someone slips and tries to catch themselves by grabbing onto this bar, their weight will cause it to pull away from the wall. That could cause serious injury! With all that said, modifying a senior’s bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated- but it can drastically increase safety and make life easier!
Buy Shower Seats or Shower Stools
One of the best modifications for a senior’s bathroom is to buy a shower seat or shower stool. This can make bathing easier and safer for seniors, as they will not have to worry about slipping and falling in the shower.
Shower seats or stools also provide a place to rest when bathing, which can be helpful for seniors who are tired or have limited energy. When purchasing a shower seat or stool, there are many different features that you may want to consider.
Some options include arm rests that fold up out of the way during use, as well as height adjustments so that you can get into and out of the bathtub more easily. They also come with wheels, making it easy to move them around if needed. If you purchase a fixed shower seat, it is important to make sure that it is installed properly. The last thing you want to do is take a tumble while trying to bathe!
Install a Walk in Tub
A walk in tub is a great modification for a senior’s bathroom. It can make bathing easier and safer. Walk in tubs have many features that can be beneficial for seniors, such as grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and built-in seats. They can also be equipped with showers, so seniors don’t have to worry about getting in and out of the tub. These bathtubs are available at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. If installing a walk in tub isn’t an option, another suggestion would be to install a hand held shower head.
That way they could easily use it without having to get up from their seat or bed. Make sure you get one that swivels, though! Finally, replace your toilet seat with one designed for people who need help sitting down. There are plenty of styles to choose from and they can be installed quickly.
Remember, when shopping for one of these products, you may want to find one that has a rubberized ring around the outside edge. The ring will give them more traction when trying to sit down on the seat. You should also buy an elongated bowl because there will be less chance of slipping off if they slide forward while seated. You should always follow all manufacturer instructions when installing this type of product.
A Quick Wrap
As we age, it’s important to make sure our homes are safe and accessible. One area that often needs attention is the bathroom. Some common modifications for a senior citizen include installing a shower chair or bath bench for support when sitting down or standing up from the tub; installing handrails on both sides of the toilet; and lowering your faucet so you can wash your hands without bending over.
These simple changes can reduce falls in the bathroom, which is an especially significant risk factor for older adults. In addition, they can increase independence by making it easier to bathe alone.
