Almost 25% of Canada’s population will be over 65 years old by 2030, and more than 80% want to age in their own residence instead of moving to a retirement home. Seniors keen to remain independent may need to make modifications to certain areas of their property for safety reasons, particularly the bathroom.
Using the bathroom can become more difficult with age: getting into the bathtub, reaching high shelves, and walking on slippery surfaces all pose safety risks. But a few simple changes can improve bathroom safety for seniors and help prevent accidents.
In this post, we’ll explore six ideas for a safer bathroom.
Install Grab Bars for Simple and Secure Handholds
Seniors with mobility difficulties may find crossing their bathroom difficult, even if it’s a small space. But grab bars can be installed in multiple areas of the bathroom to help seniors maintain their balance when walking or standing.
Installing grab bars is one of the easiest ways to improve bathroom safety for seniors. While plastic grab bars are widely available, stainless steel is the best choice for bathrooms. Their resistance to rust is a major advantage when bathrooms are prone to condensation and moisture.
Switch to Non-Slip Mats to Reduce Risk of Falls
Improving bathroom safety for seniors can be as simple as replacing current bath mats with non-slip mats. They’re designed to stay in position when stepped on, even when the floor is wet, so seniors can walk out of their bath or shower with more confidence.
Here are a few factors to bear in mind when shopping for non-slip bath mats:
The underside of a reliable non-slip bath mat must have strong suction cups to grip the floor and stay fixed in place.
Make sure the mat is big enough to fit the intended space, or invest in as many as you need to cover the floor by the bath or shower. Reducing the amount of uncovered flooring makes it harder for seniors to slip.
Choose your material wisely: rubber mats are generally the best for non-slip mats, as they offer a strong grip and resilience.
Whatever mat you choose, clean it regularly to avoimoisture buildup and mold. Look for an easy-clean mat to make this as easy as possible.
Install a Walk-in Shower or Bath for Bathroom Safety and Convenience
Seniors may find taking a shower difficult, particularly if it’s positioned over the bathtub. Climbing over the edge of the tub can be dangerous, uncomfortable, and even impossible for those with injuries or disabilities.
However, walk-in showers can increase bathroom safety for seniors significantly. Walk-in showers have a low edge or none at all, which is ideal for wheelchair users. Furthermore, walk-in showers have no door or curtains to deal with.
Walk-in bathtubs work in a similar way. They feature a watertight door on one side that allows seniors to step in and sit down comfortably without climbing over the edge. Once the tub is drained, simply open the door and step out onto a non-slip mat.
Fit a Raised Toilet Seat and Toilet Frame
Trying to sit on a toilet or stand after using it can become more difficult for seniors. They may lose their balance or slip, which can be dangerous when so close to the toilet and other fixtures.
Fortunately, raised toilet seats make this essential bathroom activity much safer and simpler. Installing a raised seat improves bathroom safety for seniors in a simpler, more cost-effective way than installing a new one.
A raised toilet seat reduces the amount of movement and exertion required to sit or stand. Fitting a toilet frame also provides seniors with grips to hold onto while moving from a standing to sitting position (and vice versa). It also prevents falls while using the toilet.
Change Your Bathroom Lighting to Aid Visibility
Lighting has a huge impact on bathroom safety for seniors. If it’s too dim, seniors may struggle to navigate the space safely and miss obstacles (e.g. sinks, cupboards) that other members of the household can see easily. Additionally, water on the floor will be harder to spot, and that can lead to dangerous falls.
You don’t need to make massive changes to improve your bathroom lighting. Here are a few ideas:
Switch to LED lights to create brighter, balanced, more energy-efficient lighting.
Add lights around mirrors to improve visibility when brushing teeth or shaving. That can help prevent mishaps and encourage easier grooming.
Motion-activated lights can provide seniors with the lighting they need without being switched on manually.
Night lights can aid bathroom safety for seniors. They provide soft lighting that increases visibility without being too bright on sensitive eyes in the middle of the night.
Make Bathtime Safer with a Transfer Bench
If a walk-in bathtub is unviable or unnecessary, a transfer bench is a reliable alternative. The bench is moved into position over the bathtub, providing a stable surface for seniors to move along before easing themselves into the water. A transfer bench can also be used to get out of the bath in a safe and convenient way.
It removes the need to climb over the side of the tub and place both feet into the water, which can help prevent slips. High-quality models include non-slip feet and can be adjusted to a comfortable height.
How to Make Your Bathroom Safer
A few simple modifications will create a safer, more accessible bathroom for seniors. Whether you install grab bars, a toilet frame, a walk-in shower, or any of the other ideas explored in this post, it’s crucial that you use a supplier you trust.
Total Access Solutions offers barrier-free solutions to aid accessibility and safety in your own home. We serve Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area with an extensive range of products and solutions.
Our team can provide you with the accessibility aids to improve your bathroom safety, or we can help you with full conversations and renovations.
To find out more about our bathroom safety solutions, get in touch with our team today.
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