If you’re a senior citizen who is planning to renovate your bathroom, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, and it’s also one of the most dangerous. Every year, thousands of seniors are injured in bathroom accidents. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to make your bathroom safer and more comfortable. Here are four ideas to consider.
Adding Grab Bars
One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your bathroom safer is to add grab bars. Grab bars provide support and stability when you’re getting in and out of the shower or bathtub. They can also be used to help you sit down or stand up from the toilet. There are a number of different styles and sizes of grab bars on the market, so you should have no trouble finding ones that suit your needs and taste.
Installing a Walk-In Shower
Another great way to make your bathroom more senior-friendly is to install a walk-in shower. These products eliminate the need to step over a high threshold, which can be very dangerous for seniors. If you have a tub installed, there are companies that specialize in tub to shower conversion. This step is a wonderful help to prevent slips and falls.
Adjusting the Water Temperature
If you’re concerned about accidental scalding, you may want to consider adjusting the temperature of your water heater. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is much too hot for many seniors. You can reduce the risk of scalding by setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will still provide sufficient hot water for bathing and cleaning purposes.
Replacing Your Toilet Seat
If you find it difficult to sit down or stand up from your toilet seat, you may want to consider replacing it with a raised toilet seat. Raised toilet seats add 3-5 inches of height to your toilet, making it much easier (and safer) for seniors to use. There are a number of different styles on the market, so you should have no trouble finding one that suits your needs and taste.
By customizing your bathroom to your needs, you can avoid fall risks. By adding grab bars, installing a walk-in shower or tub, adjusting the water temperature, and replacing your toilet seat with a raised toilet seat, you can help ensure that your bathroom is safe and comfortable for years to come.
About the author:
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.