5 Bathroom Safety Upgrades for Aging in Place

Our homes should change to accommodate our evolving demands as we get older, and the bathroom is one space that needs extra care, especially during the winter months in Northern Michigan. Michigan is a very snowy state – and you need to weatherproof the house, especially if you have elderly living with you.

Seniors who have limited movement and slick surfaces in the bathroom run a serious risk of injury, especially when the bathroom is cold and wet. But you can make your bathroom a safe, usable space for aging in place with the appropriate safety enhancements.

This post will discuss five bathroom improvements that can support seniors in keeping their independence and preventing mishaps while using the bathroom.

1. Walk-In Tubs or Curb-less Showers

Traditional bathtubs with high sides might be a big safety concern. People’s movement and balance can deteriorate with age, which increases the risk of accidents in the restroom. Thankfully, there are substitute bathing options that improve senior citizens’ safety and accessibility in the bathroom.

For elderly people and those with restricted mobility, walk-in bathtubs are an excellent choice. Users of these specialty tubs can enter without having to climb over the high tub edges, thanks to a door that swings open. This design reduces the chance of slips and falls and removes a significant obstruction.

For seniors looking for safer and more convenient ways to take a shower, curb-less showers are a great solution. Elderly people can access and exit these showers much more easily in wheelchairs because there is no threshold to cross. 

Professional bathroom remodeling experts can help you design the layout, choose materials, and plan the overall aesthetic of your new bathroom, all according to your functional needs. So, for the best Bathroom remodels in Northern Michigan, you need to hire a reputable local company.

2. Grab Bars

When making a bathroom senior-friendly, installing grab bars is an essential component. These solid, handrail-like pieces are vital for improving older people’s safety and independence. They provide essential stability and support, especially while getting in and out of the shower and moving around the frequently slick bathroom area. This helps in making the process of using the restroom easy for elders.

To help with balance, they can be placed next to the toilet, next to the shower or bathtub, and even in the corridors or other transitional spaces of the bathroom. Seniors will always have something to hold on to, thanks to its adaptability.

Moreover, to support the user’s weight and motions, grab bars need to be firmly fixed to the wall. To ensure that they are securely fastened and positioned at the ideal height and angle to offer the most support, it is advised to have them professionally installed.

Remember that selecting the right materials for grab bars is important. The best materials that resist rust, such as stainless steel, can survive the moist conditions of bathrooms and prolong the life of these safety features.

3. Non-Slip Flooring

Slippery bathroom flooring is a common and possibly dangerous problem, especially for people who are more likely to fall or have limited mobility. It is essential to take precautions to lessen the possibility of slips and falls.

Bathroom safety can be greatly improved by non-slip flooring alternatives, such as rubberized flooring or specifically engineered non-slip tiles. The traction provided by these materials allows for safe walking even on damp bathroom floors. They are perfect for bathrooms where dampness is a constant since they are designed to offer grip and avoid unintentional slips.

Furthermore, to ensure effective water drainage, the bathroom floor must have a slight slope. By allowing water to flow towards the drain, this slope helps to avoid puddles and standing water, which can cause hazardous circumstances. Enough drainage is essential to keeping the bathroom floor dry, which is critical for safety.

Using non-slip materials and ensuring good drainage may reduce the risk of accidents. 

4. Elevated Toilet Seats

Seniors experience a high rate of toilet-related mishaps, which are frequently caused by their inability to sit comfortably and stand up from a low toilet seat. These difficulties may cause pain, discomfort, and, in rare instances, major physical accidents. The usage of elevated toilet seats, which have shown to be a vital help in improving bathroom safety and increasing independence for older adults, is an efficient and workable solution to this problem.

Elderly who use elevated toilet seats benefit from a higher toilet, which eases the strain on their joints and muscles when they sit or stand. These seats simplify the process of doing these necessary activities for seniors without running the risk of falls or accidents by increasing the seating level to a more pleasant and accessible position.

Moreover, there is a suitable choice to meet the unique demands of every person thanks to the availability of raised toilet seats in many different heights and styles. 

5. Accessible Storage

Clutter in the bathroom not only looks disorganized, but it may also be dangerous, especially for elderly people. It can increase the chance of trips and falls and make it challenging to find necessities when you need them most. It’s critical to consider implementing storage changes according to the particular requirements of older adults to improve bathroom safety and accessibility.

Installing open shelving or cabinets with pull-outs is one practical tactic. While adjustable pull-out shelves ensure that elders can reach their stuff without having to bend over or reach too high, open shelving provides a visually open and conveniently accessible storage solution. This reduces the possibility of mishaps while also making daily tasks more convenient.

Conclusion

It is essential to make the bathroom safe for seniors who want to age in place safely and comfortably. Simple improvements like raised toilet seats, grab bars, and non-slip flooring can make a big difference in promoting independence and reducing the risk of accidents. 

By making these changes, we can create a bathroom environment that allows seniors to maintain their well-being and dignity while still enjoying the comforts of their own homes.