How safe are the bathrooms in your home? We’re guessing your immediate response is likely to be “pretty safe, I’d think”. Maybe that’s because there’s never been an injury in any of the bathrooms you have. If so, that’s awesome! The truth, however, is that bathrooms are known for the many slips and falls that occur within them. Especially in homes where senior citizens live, the safety of the bathrooms is a huge concern.
Are your bathrooms designed to keep everyone safe from slipping and falling? It might be time to give them another look. Here are three signs it’s time to remodel your bathroom for safety:
1. The lighting is fairly dim.
For many elderly people, impaired vision is an issue. If your elderly loved one requires glasses, be sure to that he/she always has easy access to them. A missing pair of spectacles can many an accident make. In addition, it’s wise to improve the lighting situation in your bathroom. Ensure that all bulbs are in good working order and that the room is easily well lit. It’s also important to make sure the light switches are easy to access for the older adult in your home.
“Place nightlights in the corridor and bathroom,” suggests Emma of Sunrise Specialty, “These will stop your seniors from stumbling around in the dark. You can also put touch-sensitive lights along the hallway so that your elderly housemates can easily turn them on and off at will. Use multiple lights in the bathroom too.”
2. The surfaces are too slippery.
Instead of a traditional bathtub, you may want to renovate your bathroom so that it has a tiled shower. Many older adults much prefer this bathing option as it gives them much more room for their bath chairs. Sitting down during a shower is a great way to avoid a slip and fall. Of course, the tiled surface also helps one to remain steady on his/her feet in the event standing up during the shower is preferred. The slippery surface of a traditional tub is one you’ll want to avoid going forward.
“Choose a small, textured shower tile,” recommends Anabelle Bernard Fournier on TheSpruce.com, “The texture and the extra grouting will keep your feet from slipping once the floor gets soapy and wet. Most modern bathroom tiles are easy to clean and they use grouts that resist mould, humidity, and stains.”
3. There is nothing to grab on to.
We’ve long heralded the use of grab bars because they are excellent, cost-efficient ways of safeguarding bathrooms. By installing strong and sturdy grab bars in your bathroom, you give its users extra leverage and balance.
As Andréana Lefton points out on BobVila.com, “installing slip-resistant grab bars in the shower/bath area is a nonnegotiable safety measure. Choose bars that are bolted to the wall, ideally to a stud, rather than models that use suction cups.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we offer grab bars and bath chairs among numerous other bath safety products. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!