It might be shocking to learn that out of all the rooms inside your house, one area is generally considered more dangerous. If you thought it was your Ottawa kitchen, you’re wrong and realize that most accidents in the home result from falls in the bathroom.
You may be shocked to discover that of the rooms in your home; there’s one that is thought to be the most dangerous.
If you believed that it was the kitchen, you’re mistaken because most home accidents stem from falls in bathrooms. These accidents are typically due to slippery and wet surfaces. These surfaces pose several risks when you get into bathtubs and showers. Bad bathroom design can cause alarm for the elderly when they are worried. Seniors with limited mobility can result in severe and often fatal injuries. Safety equipment for bathrooms for older adults is crucial to provide a secure space and decrease the chance of serious injuries, such as fractured bones or broken bones.
Do you realize that 80 percent of senior falls happen at the toilet in the National Institute on Aging estimation? It’s an unfortunate fact of everyday life that our ability to maintain balance decreases, resulting in more frequent accidents and falls as we age. Thanks to the latest medical advancements, individuals across the US are getting more aged than they ever have before. The lifespan of an average American has risen to about 80 years old. Based on the current forecasts the figures are not showing any signs of decline.
Be cautious regarding the bathroom. Safety in the bathroom and shower for seniors is a must in every household. Not only is it beneficial for those who are older, but it lowers the risk of injury among younger individuals also. A variety of modifications can transform the most hazardous space in your home into one of the most secure.
Common Pitfalls in the Bathroom
Although water-based and slippery surfaces appear to be the most frequent cause of bathroom accidents, other obstacles also cause injuries. With less movement, diminished vision, and slower reactions, seniors have a higher chance to encounter problems dealing with bathroom settings and the conditions. Common hazards that could result in injuries are:
- The bathroom floor is flooded with water.
- The tile is polished and slippery.
- Bathmats that are not secured.
- Room lighting is either too dim or too low.
A few of these issues are easily fixed by making simple changes to the bathroom. You can rearrange the shelves add seating, or boost the lighting levels. Specific solutions could require a complete overhaul of the bathroom’s layout and may require significant changes. No matter how big or minor, any improvement families will help reduce the risk of injury for older people.
The first thing you need to take is to assess the needs of older people who use bathrooms. Are they having difficulty with their movement? Is eyesight a problem? Do you experience light-headedness frequently? Which areas in the bathroom do they require more accessibility? Once you’ve identified a few of the possible locations for trouble, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need to alter to create an environment that is safer for your bathroom.
Showers should have grab bars and safety handles
Bathrooms wouldn’t be complete without water! The slippery surfaces are always present in bathrooms. While the best way to do this is to eliminate all factors that can cause slippery surfaces, it may not be feasible in bathtubs and showers. It is possible to put grab bars and shower safety handles in every bathroom to balance. They are commonly used to assist users to move into and out of bathtubs or showers and bathtubs; grab bars can also be beneficial close to the toilet for aid when standing or sitting. Sometimes, getting within the bathroom could be more straightforward by using a bar to hang onto. It makes it less necessary to rely on slippery towel bars or sink tops for stability.
If you’re installing an accessible bar, be sure that it’s ADA conforming to provide you with peace of peace. Be aware that some grab bars don’t conform to the exact specifications needed to support the load of frequent use. The length of the bar and width, as well as its dimension and the bar’s location, are additional factors to take into consideration.
Consider Using a Shower Chair or Bathtub Transfer Bench
For those who have difficulty with balance or standing, an easy option is to get an inflatable chair that is waterproof in the bathtub or shower. They’re offered various sizes, sometimes known as bathtub chairs, stools, and shower benches. They’re typically constructed of plastic and a non-rusting steel frame. They can be carried into the shower by a wheel or placed in the bathtub and then removed when they are not being used. Be sure the chair is sturdy, and should it be required; include a non-slip mat beneath to ensure extra security. Certain chairs have additional safety features such as feet rests with safety straps, backrests, and armrests.
Of course, some seniors don’t require the standard shower chair. They may need the extra security of a corner chair or seat for the shower. Suppose they can take a step into and out of the shower without assistance.
The Installation of a Walk-In Shower
Although it isn’t the most economical option, replacing a bathtub with a walk-in bathtub is excellent to accommodate senior citizens or the disabled. A walk-in shower, often known as an accessible shower, is explicitly designed to make it easy to enter and exit. Since the edge of a bathtub can be challenging to navigate for people who cannot walk, Walk-in showers offer an ideal option because they are very narrow on edge. They can also have no boundaries, making it easier for wheelchairs to move through the shower.
Place Non-Slip Mats in the Bathroom Instead of Throw Rugs
Bathroom mats can give you an extra warm and cozy sensation when you come out of the tub or shower; however, they’re dangerous things in the bathroom. The chance for an unsecured rug or mat to slide is high, mainly if you include a wet floor in the image. To ensure safety for seniors, the most effective place to begin is to remove mats that aren’t slip-resistant or aren’t secured on the ground. Instead, choose bath mats with an elastomer backing that adheres solidly to the flooring. They must be smaller and lighter than conventional bath mats. Take extra care to ensure that the edges aren’t lifted enough to make it difficult to slip over, in addition to being easy on walkers and walkers.
Take a Look at Alternative Flooring Options
Tiles for the floor are standard in bathrooms, but it’s not often designed with seniors in mind. A tile with a glossy finish is highly slippery when it comes in contact with water. It is the reason why many floor tiles come with an unfinished look. However, this may not suffice to stop accidents. If you’re looking to avoid using tiles, there are various bathrooms flooring alternatives to consider: non-slip vinyl or linoleum or cork, and bamboo flooring. Non-slip tiles with texture are available now for shower and bathroom flooring. Another idea is to put non-slip decals on bathtubs as well as showers.
Invest in a Raised Toilet Seat
Seniors may struggle with showers and bathtubs; however, accidents often happen when you try to sit on or get up on the floor from the restroom. Grab bars near the toilet can assist with moving up and down; however, another good option is to put in an elevated toilet seat. A majority of toilet seats raised are built to be compatible with the standard US and Canadian toilets and can be placed quickly, reducing the expense of installing an entirely new bathroom. Depending on the specific nature of impairments a person has, you will be able to find an appropriate model that will meet your requirements: bare raised, secured, locked, equipped with arms for support, adjustable height adjustments, and when paired with a strong frame. Like all bathroom solutions, be sure to select an approved model for ADA. It means that the bathroom products have been thoroughly tested to avoid accidents.
Ensure Easy Access to Essential Items
Perhaps the most efficient and quickest method of making a bathroom safer is to ensure that all items required during a bathroom trip are readily accessible. Shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and other toiletries should be removed from high and hard-to-access places and put at body level. Utilize a simple shower caddy to keep soaps and shampoos. It can also make space on the lower shelves for brushes and combs. It’s also possible to make basic metal drawers easier to reach than tall cabinets.
Ensure Adequate Lighting
We all would like to have a less glaring light in the bathroom to create an elegant look; people with visual impairments generally have difficulty dealing with low-light situations. When you mix the dim lighting and other issues like steam, disasters are likely to occur. The ideal lighting system should be bright enough that the elderly can see what they’re doing, yet not so bright that it irritates or blinds them. It frequently leads to confusion and diminished balance. Replace low-light bulbs with brighter ones to create a comfortable and more visible space.
Using a Hand-Held Shower Head
The right shower equipment will reduce the chance of falling while in the bathtub or shower. Shower wands that are flexible and hand-held have several features designed specifically for older people to minimize the amount of effort and movement.
A hand-held showerhead is an easy-to-install option for more excellent safety in the shower. The shower’s on/off switch is difficult for people suffering from arthritis. Thus, installing a showerhead that includes buttons on and off is highly recommended. Inevitable showers have gentler spray patterns to adjust and customize the pressure of water, which assists seniors with sensitive skin. You can consider an extended-length shower hose to increase mobility.
Ergonomic Faucets
Another bathroom fixture typically difficult for arthritis-prone hands to operate can be the tap. Bathroom faucets that are commonplace may seem straightforward enough to use, but due to a decrease in hand and strength, they could be difficult for older people to turn on or off. Find faucets designed ergonomically with easy-to-turn, smooth functions. Keep in mind that cold and hot indications on faucets need be evident because many older people with poor vision are prone to mistakenly scorching hot for cold. It is also possible to avoid accidental burns by setting the water heater’s temperature to a lower setting.
Water-Weighted Shower Curtain
One simple but frequently neglected method to keep the floor dry is to use shower curtains. They are not much different from regular shower curtains. The weights on the hem of the curtain will keep the curtains in position and decrease the amount of water splashing on the floor, thus reducing the possibility of falls. If you own a shower with a glass unit, seniors need to be reminded not to lean or put any weight onto the door. When the door is made from breakable glass, you should consider replacing them with security glass. Glass doors should not be breaking and causing severe injuries.
Improve the Safety of Senior Bathrooms
Just a few of these suggestions could stop the bathroom from becoming a hazardous space for an elderly relative or friend. Consider the specific needs of seniors in the bathroom and develop plans to remodel or replace areas that could pose a risk. Remove old bath mats, change them with non-slip ones, and consider textured tiles within and around the shower. Install the most ergonomic and well-marked faucets, add more lighting, build shelves that are easy to reach, or install an outdoor shower. A few minor changes to the bathroom can make seniors’ lives easier, reduce the chance of injuries, and bring peace of mind to all the family members.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for your bathroom remodeling needs in Ottawa then get in touch with us today at (613) 288-9145 or email us at info@ottawahomepros.com.
