How to Make the Bathroom More Senior-Friendly

Home Care Evanston IL - How to Make the Bathroom More Senior-Friendly

In an effort to keep aging loved ones as independent as possible at home, there may come a time when you have to make some important additions to the bathroom. Whether your aging loved one is capable of self-care in the bathroom or a home care assistant is needed for hygiene and grooming, putting some senior-friendly bathroom additions in place can make daily tasks easier for everyone. Of course, living as independently as possible is the goal for many elderly people and their loved ones, with as little assistance as possible. However, that isn’t always how it happens and seniors need help from time to time. 
 
Seniors are more likely to experience a slip and fall accident in the bathroom than anywhere else in the house. The combination of being off balance, water, steam and slippery surfaces all add up to a hazardous location that can be made better and safer with some affordable additions. There are lots of different things you can do to transform your loved one’s bathroom from high risk to low risk. Most of these suggestions can be installed easily, while a few may require a professional. 

• Add non-slip bath rugs on the floor so there’s less of an opportunity to slip and fall. 
• Install support bars and grab bars in key locations throughout the bathroom for extra leverage. 
• Find bath stools and shower stools that are the right height for the aging loved one. 
• Get long handled soap holders, bath sponges and scrub sponges for hard to reach places. 
• Put in wall-mounted shampoo and soap dispensers that can be triggered with just one hand. 
• Purchase a portable toilet frame that provides handles and grips for seniors to raise and lower themselves. 
• Install a bidet toilet seat for easy hygiene. 
• Use a shower caddy that mounts on the wall to put all bottles, brushes and more within easy reach. 
• Place adhesive stickers or non-stick tape on the tub or shower floor for extra protection against slips. 
• Replace knob-style faucets with lever-style faucets because they are easier for seniors to turn on and off and adjust. 
• Attach a raised toilet seat to the existing toilet that is chair height. 
• Buy a flexible shower head on a wand so seniors can direct water exactly where they want without twisting around.  
• Include a toilet paper storage tower near the toilet so backups are within easy reach. 
• Install a wireless medical alert device that is waterproof near the shower or toilet in case of emergencies.  
• Turn down the water heater temperature so that it is no hotter than 110 degrees F or seniors could accidentally scald themselves.  
• Install a no-scald faucet to ensure temperature will never accidentally be too hot. 

 
Making these simple bathroom changes will definitely improve the day-to-day living for aging loved ones. It will also allow family caregivers and home care aides to provide better care for the seniors. When these and other bathroom additions are put in place, the make it easier for seniors to care for themselves and more importantly, reduces the risk of falling. You can have real peace of mind knowing that your elderly loved one is benefitting from increased safety and mobility in the bathroom.  
 
Source:  http://accessiblebathsolutions.com/accessible-modifications/remodel-a-bathroom-for-the-elderly/ 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Evanston IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.
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