For seniors, the bathroom can be a potentially hazardous place in the home. In recognition of National Bath Safety Month, we’re sharing the information that you need to know about bath safety for seniors. Just a few easy modifications can transform the bathroom into a safer space for the elderly.
The National Council on Aging reports that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and over fall each year. These accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which can be fatal. Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in the bathroom, where the conditions can be slippery. The risks for seniors are real, but luckily there are effective ways to reduce them. By making some changes to create a more functional space for those with mobility and stability issues, seniors can avoid slip and fall incidents in their bathrooms.
A walk-in tub makes bathing a much simpler and safer experience. Having one professionally installed can be one of the keys to helping a senior stay in the comfort of their own home longer. Walk-in tubs are both stylish and functional. Seniors and their loved ones can have greater peace of mind after installing this type of tub.
Standing in the shower can be difficult, if not impossible for some seniors. A comfortable, durable shower seat is an ideal fix. Shower seats can be installed in an existing tub or stall, and there are also movable options, too.
Grab bars make it much easier to sit comfortably on the toilet and to enter and exit the tub and shower. They’re simple to install and provide essential support for individuals with mobility problems. Many grab bars are movable and can be easily and conveniently transferred to other areas of the room and other bathrooms. Others are mounted securely to the wall, making showering safer.
The pathway to the bathroom and the floor of the room should be kept clean and free of clutter. Consider removing small rugs and bath mats that can be trip hazards. Be sure that any rugs that are used have a secure rubber grip on the bottom to keep them in place. This prevents the rug from shifting around on tile and laminate floors.
Entering a dark bathroom is dangerous for seniors. A basic night light is ideal to keep the room illuminated in the evenings for safety. Consider using an LED light with a sensor that will automatically turn on after dusk.
A safer bathroom is easy to achieve with just a few simple modifications. For seniors planning to stay in the comfort of their own homes for years to come, installing a walk-in tub with a seat is an excellent option. Removing clutter, adding grab bars, and keeping the room well lit are all necessary and helpful. Take the steps to transform the bath into a safe room that can remain functional and provide the comfort that individuals with mobility issues need.
Contact us to start planning your safe bathroom remodel today!
Thousands of people are injured in bathroom accidents each year. Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable if homeowners follow a few simple safety tips. January is National Bath Safety Month, and a good time for homeowners to look for tips on how to design a safe bathroom. Below are some helpful suggestions on how to prevent bathtub injuries and avoid slipping while taking a bath or shower.
Installing specific accessories can make your bathroom significantly safer than it is currently. For example, grab bars are an excellent addition to any bathroom. Many falls occur simply because there is no practical area to grab onto if you lose your balance or trip. Grab bars can be installed on the sides of the shower, at its entrance, or in both areas, depending on the design of your bathroom. Such bars also make it easier to navigate the shower overall, as they provide a place to grip when stepping in and out of the bath.
Many people have quickly entered a shower or bathtub assuming that the water is at the appropriate temperature, only to discover it is much hotter than desired. This sudden exposure to hot water may cause you to become injured by a burn or by falling if you attempt to hastily exit the shower. Therefore, make sure you have a way to control water temperature or check to make it is a desirable temperature before entering. There are devices available that monitor and control the temperature of the water and prevents it from exceeding a certain degree, so this may be an option for you if you frequently have water temperature concerns.
If your shower has doors, glass fixtures, or similar components, you should make an effort to cover sharp edges in order to avoid cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. This is an important aspect of bath safety, as clothing is not present to provide extra protection when bathing or showering. In addition to covering sharp edges in showers and baths, be sure to cover them on counters as well.
If you or other residents of your home are elderly, you should consider the addition of accessories such as a shower seat and a hand-held shower head. Such devices make it easier and safer for seniors to bathe or shower, particularly those who have balance issues or take medications that may cause dizziness or an unsteady gait.
In certain cases, it may be necessary to plan a remodeling project in order to design a safe bath for you and your loved ones. When remodeling, your contractor can create a floor plan with safety in mind. This way, you can avoid slipping, control water temperature, cover sharp edges, and have the contractor install accessories such as grab bars and seats during the bathroom remodeling process.
Although it is not always possible to completely prevent every minor accident, designing a safe bathroom is a great place to begin. Contact Columbus Bath Design to receive a free estimate and talk to a professional about making your bathroom a safer place.
When remodeling your bathroom, one important factor you should take into account is safety. Falling in the bathroom is a common and dangerous occurrence. It is also one that can be avoided. With summer gone, fall is now upon us. The changing colors of the leaves make fall the most beautiful season, but a fall in the bathroom is not so pretty. Cuts, bruises, broken bones, and even death can occur as the result of an accidental fall.
Columbus Bath Design is dedicated to bathroom safety and beauty. All of our shower systems can be created to oblige each customer’s needs by the addition of numerous potential life-saving products. Grab bars, shower seats, handheld showers, doors, barrier-free shower bases, walk-in tubs, and hand-held shower heads are some of the products Columbus Bath Design offers.
The bathroom can be a beautiful, yet dangerous, place. Hard surfaces, perilous edges, and slippery floors are all common hazards. Handicapped and elderly people are especially vulnerable to bathroom falls. The experts at Columbus Bath Design can greatly reduce the risk of bathroom perils.
Accidents can happen to anyone at any time, whether winter, spring, summer, or fall. Avoid the consequences of a bathroom fall, and contact Columbus Bath Design of Central Ohio to discuss the safety features available for installation in your bathroom.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
