Plumbing Upgrades to Make a Bathroom Safer for Seniors
Accidental falls are dangerous for everyone, especially the elderly. Since many falls happen in bathrooms, it’s essential to take precautions and minimize the risk of accidents resulting in serious injuries.
Accidental falls are dangerous for everyone, especially the elderly. Since many falls happen in bathrooms, it’s essential to take precautions and minimize the risk of accidents resulting in serious injuries.
Please keep reading to discover ways to make a bathroom safer for seniors.
Reduce clutter
Instead of keeping bathroom supplies on the floor or in the bathtub, invest in cabinets or shelves to make the bathroom more organized and safer.
Regulate water temperature
Hot-water scalding can cause pain and damage the skin severely. Since many seniors have sensory impairments or reduced mobility, they can’t react fast enough to high water temperatures. Regulate the water temperature and ensure it can’t get heated past a specific limit. The safety recommendation against scalding is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but homeowners can choose the desired temperature.
Install grab rails
Navigating in and out of the bathtub can be challenging for seniors who have poor balance. While many rely on towel rails, these aren’t stable enough and can often break under pressure, potentially causing severe injuries. Installing grab rails in an area where the seniors need the most support can help them maintain their hygiene and reduce the risk of injuries. Such rails are usually bolted to the wall to ensure maximum stability and support.
Get a shower chair
Seniors with balance problems will appreciate a shower chair that gives them more stability and makes taking a shower much easier. Keep in mind that the shower chair should have rubber tips so it can’t move around. There are different designs to select from, depending on the bathtub’s size and the person’s needs.
Install a walk-in bathtub
Many seniors love taking a bath but don’t do it often because it’s challenging for them to get in and out of the tub. Fortunately, there’s a solution: walk-in bathtubs. These units have doors that allow seniors to walk in instead of climbing over the side. This reduces the risk of falls significantly and enables seniors to take baths without asking someone for assistance.
Get a raised toilet seat
Seniors who experience problems lowering themselves onto the traditional toilet seat can use raised models. These toilet seats are usually around 3 to 4 inches higher than regular seats, thus allowing seniors to sit down without difficulty. Moreover, many raised toilet seats feature arms that provide more support and help the seniors lower themselves.
Install hand-held showerheads
Those who have difficulty standing all the time while taking a shower will appreciate hand-held showerheads much more than the fixed ones because they offer more flexibility.
Consult a professional
Small but effective changes in the bathroom can help the elderly reduce the risk of accidents and use the toilet and shower or bathtub independently. If unsure what to do to help the senior at home, reach out to plumbing professionals. They can recommend specific solutions and install them to help keep the elderly safe.
Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.
