Adapting a bathroom for a senior’s needs

For a senior, the bathroom can become a dangerous place. The bathroom floor is often covered with tiles and can be slippery. An accident in the home can therefore happen very quickly. The limited space in the bathroom can also make it more challenging to use a walker, for example. It is therefore not unusual for seniors to start using the sink rather than the shower or the bathtub for bathing. There are adjustments that can be made to the bathroom for seniors with less mobility so that they can shower or bathe in a more autonomous way. If you didn’t think of making these adjustments when you were building your bathroom, it’s not to adapt it to suit your needs.
Bathtub or shower?
If your bathroom has a bathtub, consider investing in a shower because for seniors, climbing into the bathtub isn’t easy. A walk-in shower, meaning one with no ledges so that you can get in without exerting yourself too much is preferable. It’s also a good idea to invest in a non-slip mat and hand rails to avoid falling on a slippery surface.
Today, there are bathtubs that are adapted specifically for those with limited mobility, such as a walk-in tub that combines the pleasure of taking a bath with the convenience of a shower. A person with reduced mobility can then enter the tub without having to lift their legs or climb in because the door makes getting inside very easy. This kind of bath is more expensive than a shower, but they are very convenient for a person who would need or want to take a long bath.
Essential Accessories
Here are a few things that will ease the movement of seniors in a bathroom:

• A shower seat so that the senior doesn’t have to stand or to bend down to reach objects that have fallen on the ground. Choose a drop down seat to optimize space.
• Faucets that can regulate temperature to avoid burns.
•  Handrails on the walls that allow for gradual movements in the room.
• Suspended toilets that make access easier.

Who should you hire?
Don’t skimp on quality of products or the professional you hire. It’s not unusual for builders to make mistakes like an insufficient slope in the shower that doesn’t drain water properly. This type of flaw may cause delays in work and make it impossible to use the bathroom for an undetermined period of time, which is even more inconvenient when the person is a senior. Make sure to research your contractors before hiring them.