Maintaining a bathroom with enhanced safety and hygiene is a slippery slope figuratively. Especially with elderly people extra care and attention should be given while making the bathroom area easy to use securely. Let us look at a few details in achieving that intent!
1) Optimal lighting
Lighting should be adjusted appropriately so that it is neither too glaring nor too dull in the bathrooms. Poor lighting can lead to risk of tripping and falling. While flashy, bright lights can too blinding throwing them off balance. This issue can be addressed by installing night lights to produce a subtle effect. Motion sensor lights can also act as guide lights
2) Installing equipments for immediate aid
Grab bars and safety rails are essential equipment to be installed at appropriate height and within reach for easy access. This can be made available for toilets, bathtubs and showers
3) Shower safety
Coming to shower safety, installing handheld showers provides flexibility of use making it less strainful on elderly people’s joints. Adding shower chairs/seats can be helpful for them while bathing. Adjusting the water temperature using a thermostat at 120 degree Fahrenheit or lower can prevent accidental scalding. This can be ensured by installing anti-scalding devices on faucets and showerheads. Also adding shower curtain weights
can prevent splashing, thereby reducing slippage
4) Bathtub protection
Using slip resistant textured strips that adhere tightly to the floor provide enough traction for smooth mobility. Installing a bathtub transfer bench which are also waterproof can be easily moved in and out of the tub without much effort
5) Toilet precautions
A raised and wider toilet seat can come in handy especially when the height is increased to 17-18 inches higher than a normal toilet. Such seats are easier to install and cheaper than buying a new toilet
6) Organize and declutter bathroom space
An important aspect to consider while making bathroom access convenient for the elderly is to keep items properly placed and easily accessible. When toiletries are placed between shoulder and waist height unnecessary over reaching or bending can be avoided. Regular checking of toilet products and stocking and discarding them based on their expiry dates should be done meticulously. Shower caddies or wall mounted trays can be fixed to sort through shampoo, conditioners ,soap, loofah, scrubs and other toiletries. Metal racks can be used to store
bath towels and bathrooms. It is also essential to bifurcate the bathroom floor properly into wet and dry areas. Proper ventilation through appropriately placed windows can prevent mold formation leading to slippery surfaces.
7) Additional features
Installing motion activated lighting gives an added sense of security while making nighttime visits. Medical alert necklaces can be used to call out for help during emergency situations. Grooming oneself and maintaining proper personal hygiene is vital for elderly in preserving their independence and self-reliance. This can be provided by a safe bathroom which we ergonomically designed can protect them for secondary health issues like joint pain, weak muscles, pressure clots and arthritis