Southwest Florida is a huge attraction for senior citizens to move here and enjoy their lives here. But as we get older there are many issues that can begin to happen that can make the trip to the bathroom all the more difficult for seniors as well as disabled individuals. At Stone and Tile From Portugal in Fort Myers, FL we understand these issues and can help you design or remodel your bathroom to not only be senior friendly but still be a bathroom you love and enjoy spending time in.
Senior-related bathroom accidents can cause serious injuries so creating a safe environment is paramount. Here are some ways we have found you can improve the safety of your bathroom while maintaining the quality of life you deserve.
Put in a handicap toilet: For seniors the toilet should have a taller height which makes it easier for them to get up and down. The standard ADA compliant toilet height should be about 17-19 inches from the floor to the bowl rim. Installing some grab bars can help when having to sit down or get up off the handicap toilet.
Consider an emergency button: By putting in an emergency call button in your bathroom you’ll be able to alert one’s caregiver or outside service if something goes wrong. Falls account for more senior injuries than most other incidents in a home environment. The buttons sounds an alarm so that others either in the home or at an outside call service know that the senior needs some assistance. If your live alone, we suggest choosing an emergency button that will call local emergency services so they can send help right away.
Purchase a tub or shower chair: Bathroom chairs for the elderly come in many designs and will help them maintain balance while bathing or showering. These devices are typically waterproof, very stable, and sturdy for an enjoyable, comfortable, safe shower.
Keep it all simple: A minimalist bathroom remodel is the best choice for seniors so there isn’t a bunch of stuff getting in their way. We suggest looking for sturdy wall hooks or towel hangers that seniors can use to keep both towels and bathrobes up off the floor, where they can be a hazard if tripped over. Good rule of thumb is “the less clutter you have, the safer it will be”.
We build walk-in tubs or Shower area: Our beautiful walk-in tubs and shower areas work great for seniors, since they stop the person from having to “climb over” the edge of the tub or shower. These easy to get in and out of walk in tubs and showers are ideal for seniors who want to age in place and would rather live at home than be moved into an assisted living facility.
Install those grab bars: Nothing beats a simple grab bar. Install them on the shower and bathtub walls and especially near the toilet. It will give your loved one something easy to hang onto if they feel dizzy or help them up if they are weak. These grab bars do an excellent job at ensuring seniors with some extra stability in their bathroom.
Check the size and dimensions: Many seniors who use wheelchairs should have a bathroom door installed that’s at least 34-inches wide. The inside of the bathroom needs a minimum of a five-foot radius so they can turn around within the bathroom area. Also make sure that is at least 27 inches of clearance under the bathroom sink for the wheelchair to move up against. Place any mirrors low enough so that seniors don’t have try and stand or strain themselves in the bathroom mirror.
At Stone and Tile From Portugal we design luxurious, spa-like master bathrooms to a safety minded bathrooms for seniors. Our designs are custom tailored to fit your unique lifestyle and your needs. Keep these tips we’ve provided in mind to make sure you have everything you want, and watch your fixtures, tub styles, and colors come together in a gorgeous, and functional space you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
