Accessible Bathroom Renovations for Seniors
Our homes are our haven, a safe place to shelter from the storm and enjoy the creature comforts we so enjoy. Unfortunately, as we age, some rooms in our homes pose more risk than others. The bathroom is one such room that can be a risky space for seniors and those with accessibility issues.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bathroom is the most common space for seniors to suffer a slip-and-fall causing injury. In fact, millions of older people – those 65 and older- experience falls while in their homes. Falls can cause broken bones, like wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures, as well as head traumas that are linked to serious injury and death.
Thankfully, there are some straightforward physical changes that can be made to a bathroom that can make the space safer and more accessible to seniors as they age. Take a look at some of the renovations we have been a part of and how they can make this room safer for all who use it.
Zero Threshold Showers
When designing an accessible bathroom for a senior, one of the most common things we hear from family members is how hard it is (and scary) to get in and out of the shower for their loved one.
Lifting a leg to get over a tub wall or stepping into a shower stall can be terrifying when balance and mobility are issues. One wrong movement can spell disaster and a fall at a vulnerable time and place.
Zero threshold showers are a great solution for those who want to walk directly into an enclosed shower without fear of losing balance or tripping over a threshold. The idea of a zero threshold is that there is no “curb” to the shower and no shower door needed as the floor slopes down to the drain.
These shower concepts are great for people in wheelchairs and for those who want a little peace of mind that there is one less obstacle to taking a shower. If this style of shower is not possible in the space allotted, consider a walk-in tub that allows seniors to sit and enjoy a bath/shower in the safety of a high-seated tub bench.
Grab Bars & Shower Benches
Within a bathroom shower enclosure, there are other components that can also decrease the risk of falls – grab bars and shower benches.
Grab bars can be easily installed on the walls of a shower, near a toilet, or on the walls surrounding the bathroom as a last-minute place to steady oneself when balance is off.
Showers with a built-in bench are also helpful for those who need extra support while bathing. There are a variety of benches that can be helpful including transfer benches and movable benches for families who share bathrooms.
Raised Toilets
Standing up after being seated on a toilet can be challenging for many seniors. Having a toilet that is raised (at least 17 inches off the ground) in conjunction with grab bars can be extremely helpful in allowing for stability and ease of maneuverability.
Space to Move
While not always possible in New England homes, space is a key factor in allowing for safety and accessibility in bathrooms. Open space allows for wheelchair or walker accessibility as well as room to move and balance.
Talk to our team about designing a bathroom for your senior family member that will allow for peace of mind and safety as top priorities.
