Renovations that make Bathrooms Safer for Senior Citizens
Many senior citizens prefer to remain in their homes as they age. However, the homes may require renovations to improve accessibility and make them safer. Bathrooms pose a high risk since seniors become prone to falling. Therefore, the following are some renovation ideas with senior safety in mind.
Bathroom floors and surfaces can become slippery. Thus, reinstall floors using non-slip materials, such as cementitious boards, epoxy, ceramics, and rubberized floors, ideal for bathrooms. If individuals use rugs, ensure they consist of rubberized feet to increase friction with the floor to avoid slips. In addition, re-paint the room with contrasting colors, including the walls, floors, and sanitary ware, to prevent confusion, especially for seniors with reduced vision.
Next, install shower and bathtub grabs or shower seats to boost comfort and improve accessibility. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) recommends using compliant toilet seats with raised and fitted seats with grab bars to make sitting and standing off the toilet easier.
Install bathroom doors that quickly open to 30 inches wide using lever knobs as opposed to twist handles or install sliding doors. In some instances, the removal of door locks makes it easier to access bathrooms in the event of an emergency. Finally, lower the risk of accidental burns by adjusting water heater settings to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit in line with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).