As your parents age, their needs evolve. Hence, their home must cater to their changing needs. The first space that might need remodeling is the bathroom. Whether it’s a bathroom in that room where your parents stay when they come over or the one at their own place, it’s important to ensure their safety without compromising on aesthetics. Experience the epitome of home transformation with unparalleled precision and style through home renovation by Gentile Construction Inc, where dreams meet craftsmanship.
Moreover, changing needs is not the only motivation for a bathroom remodel. Homeowners should consider the perks of bathroom remodels in the real estate market. Depending on the scale of the project and your investment, bathroom remodels can give you a 71% return on investment. However, financial gains are just a cherry on top; safety is paramount.
Astonishingly, about 60% of emergency room visits by seniors (those aged 65 and older) result from falls, with a staggering 80% of these accidents occurring in the bathroom. With this in mind, let’s discuss some ideas to remodel a bathroom with the safety of our aging loved ones at the forefront.
Walk-in Showers
Walk-in showers offer a practical solution for older people, eliminating the common step-over barrier that can be a trip hazard. Their design is open and easily accessible, reducing the likelihood of slips and accidents that conventional showers might present.
Given that around 15% of Tucson’s population is aged 65 or over, the demand for senior-friendly bathroom features is undeniable. Homeowners need to recognize the need to move beyond standard showers, prioritizing the safety of their elderly loved ones.
Opting for a walk-in shower is not just about the installation but also ensuring it’s done right. So, always seek professional help. Engaging the best Tucson shower replacement company guarantees quality results, putting everyone at ease.
Slip-Resistant Flooring
Wet bathroom floors can pose serious hazards, often leading to painful falls. With the prime concern being safety, homeowners need to consider slip-resistant flooring options. This flooring type is crafted specifically to combat the dangers of wet surfaces.
Whether it’s due to water splashes from the shower or wet feet, regular tiles might become slippery. In contrast, slip-resistant tiles and coatings come with textured surfaces. These textures are meant to provide more friction, greatly diminishing the risk of slips and falls.
Grab Bars and Rails
One of the most straightforward yet impactful modifications to a bathroom is the inclusion of grab bars and rails. Especially in areas like the shower and bathtub, these installations can be lifesavers. They serve a clear purpose: providing additional support where needed.
Older people, or anyone with mobility concerns, often find these bars helpful. They can hold onto them when standing up, sitting down, or moving in the bathroom. This helps in preventing sudden slips or loss of balance.
Easy-to-Use Faucet Handles
Traditional round faucet knobs can be challenging, especially for seniors with weakened grip strength or arthritis. Upgrading to lever-style faucet handles can be a significant improvement. These handles are more ergonomic, requiring less force to turn on or off, making them an excellent choice for those with hand or wrist issues.
Additionally, they can be operated using the back of the hand or even the elbow in cases where the hands are full or not as mobile. Choosing faucets with clear hot and cold indicators also helps in preventing confusion.
Adjustable Shower Heads
Shower time should be both refreshing and hassle-free. One way to ensure this, especially for those with varied needs, is through adjustable shower heads. These fixtures are designed to change in height or direction, catering to individual preferences.
For instance, you can install hand-held showerheads. What makes them stand out is the control they grant to the user. Instead of being fixed in one position, they can be moved around, directing water exactly where it’s desired.
This feature is especially helpful for seniors or anyone with mobility issues, as they can shower comfortably without having to twist or turn excessively.
Seating in the Shower Matters
When designing a bathroom with seniors in mind, small additions can significantly impact their comfort and safety. Integrating seating within the shower is one such thoughtful feature. Whether it’s a built-in bench or a removable chair, having a place to sit can be invaluable.
For elderly individuals, prolonged standing can sometimes be challenging due to fatigue or balance issues. A seat allows them to sit down, relax, and continue their shower without strain.
Higher Toilets
Selecting the right toilet plays a crucial role in daily comfort. Traditional toilets have a typical height, but for some individuals, especially seniors, sitting down and standing up repeatedly can strain the knees and back.
So, what’s the solution? Higher toilets! They are often referred to as “comfort height” toilets. These are designed to be a few inches higher than the usual models.
This subtle elevation difference can make the process much more manageable for those with joint issues or mobility concerns.
Adequate Bathroom Lighting
Lighting’s significance, especially for seniors, cannot be understated. As we age, our eyes need more light to see clearly, and dimly lit areas can become potential hazard zones. For older people, not being able to see wet spots on the floor or objects in their path can lead to slips and falls.
Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that each corner of the bathroom is well-lit. Focus on crucial areas such as the shower, toilet, and sink, ensuring that the lights are bright but not blinding.
Open Shelving and Pull-Out Drawers
Traditional cabinets, while aesthetically pleasing, might not always be the best choice for our elderly loved ones. Why? Well, they often require bending or stretching, which can pose risks. Open shelving presents a practical solution.
Items are easily visible, eliminating the guesswork and the need to search through cabinets. Another smart choice is pull-out drawers. Instead of reaching into the back of a standard cabinet, these drawers bring items forward with a simple pull, reducing strain and potential mishaps.
Anti-scalding Devices
Scalding injuries are a real concern, especially among the elderly, whose skin might not detect extreme temperatures as efficiently as younger individuals. This reduced sensitivity can lead to accidental burns when using hot water. To counter this risk, integrating anti-scalding devices in bathrooms is essential.
These devices work by monitoring and adjusting the water temperature as it flows from the tap or shower. If the water gets too hot, the device intervenes, preventing it from reaching a temperature that could harm the skin.
Conclusion
Bathroom safety for seniors is crucial. From slip-resistant floors to adjustable shower heads, making small changes ensures a safer environment. Walk-in showers, higher toilets, and adequate lighting further minimize risks.
Handy storage options, like open shelving and pull-out drawers, can make daily routines easier. Additionally, safety tools like anti-scalding devices protect against potential burns. Implementing these modifications enhances comfort and safety, making bathrooms more accessible for everyone.
