Did you know that the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the home for seniors? Slips, falls, and other non-fatal injuries increase with age when it comes to the bathroom which means it’s a room that deserves attention where safety is concerned. For seniors that want to take actionable steps to help prevent injuries such as bruises, cuts and abrasions, bumps and broken bones, there are many tweaks and steps worth considering, and here’s a closer look.
Ensure the Bathroom Has Adequate Lighting – Even at Night
Because vision is something that can worsen with age, installing adequate lighting should be a top priority. You never want to find yourself stumbling around in a dark bathroom in the middle of the night. This means also installing night lights, or lights that can be dimmed during the overnight hours. There are nightlights you can plug into an electrical outlet, under cabinet lighting and even motion sensor lights specifically for the bathroom.
If your bathroom doesn’t have any windows, opt for LED lighting as the main source as this is brighter and more similar to natural light than incandescent lighting is. There’s also the fact they are energy efficient and will last much longer.
Install a Taller Toilet – Make Things Easier and Safer
The next tip is to install a taller toilet, which means you aren’t having to crouch as low. For seniors who have mobility issues, this can make a world of difference. Another tip is to install a grab bar on the wall next to the toilet. This should be used as you sit down and stand up to give you extra support and ensure you don’t fall.
Make Turning on the Taps Easier with Levers
Did you know that some taps can cause real issues for seniors, especially those who have joint issues such as arthritis? Being able to grip and then turn the knob can be quite painful. A simpler solution is levers that you simply raise and push down. This style of tap can be used on the sink, bathtub and shower. You can visit a shop such as beautifulbathroom.net which even offers foot-operated taps, doing away with knobs and levers altogether.
A Detachable Shower Head Works in the Bath and Shower
To ensure you’re able to wash all areas without reaching or having to stand in an awkward position, a detachable shower head in the shower and bathtub is a great addition. These are simple to install, look modern and stylish and add a huge level of convenience.
Get Rid of the Step into Shower
Finally, if you have a lip or a step that you need to step over to get into the shower, you may want to think about updating the design to something safer. Converting the shower to a walk-in that is flush with the floor means you don’t have to worry about tripping and falling.
These tips are great ways to remove all the typical bathroom hazards that can cause seniors issues.
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