6 Ways to Make the Bathroom Senior Friendly

by Kevin Smith Author

Bathrooms are places where you can truly relax while taking a lovely bath after a long day. But, for elders, this place has plenty of hazards. It has slippery surfaces and there are only a few reliable things to grab on when someone slips. To make it safer for them, consider the following:

Install Handlebars

Grab bars are always essential for elders with a poor balance that makes getting in and out of the tub incredibly difficult. Others that don’t have these in the bathroom just use towel bars, but they can only support a few pounds of weight. If you lean on them too much, they might break and cause an accident.

Place Non-Slip Mats

Falls from slipping on wet surfaces is one of the main causes of elderly injuries. To minimize the risk of it happening, it’s best to put non-slip mats or rugs around the area, especially in tubs and tiled floors. This will allow people to navigate the bathroom faster and safer.

Aside from its function, it can improve your bathroom’s look as well. There are plenty of available colors and designs you can use to make a statement. For those who want a clean aesthetic, there are non-colored options too.

Use a Raised Toilet Seat

As people grow older, knee and back pains start to develop. This makes it incredibly hard for them to sit on traditional toilets. You can make things easier for them by installing a raised seat.

This elevates the seat by 3 to 4 inches, which allows seniors to sit more comfortably. It also has grab bars to provide better balance and reduce the risk of falling.

Put Essential Items Within Easy Reach

When in the shower or bathtub, seniors should be able to reach their toiletries without having to bend over or overstretch their arms because these can strain them. So, place a shower caddy in an accessible spot. It should be mounted on the wall because those with suction cups can easily fall off.

Upgrade the Lighting

Remember that poor lighting can also increase the risk of slips because of reduced visibility. Even if you have the right safety materials, if you can’t see at night, then they won’t be able to help. Nightlights are a great solution to guarantee that your bathroom and the path to it stay well lit.

Invest in a Walk-in Tub

Getting a walk-in tub is a great option for elders who don’t want to risk having an accident while going in. These fixtures have doors that let users walk in and sit down without having to worry about climbing a ledge. If you have limited space, go for one with a tub shower combo.