If you’re living with a senior, or are older yourself, make sure you follow these tips to ensure the safest environment.
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house. We start our morning there and we finish our night in it before going to bed. It’s also where we take care of ourselves to remain clean. However, the bathroom can actually be a dangerous place as well. There’s plenty of opportunity for someone to slip on the floor, or even trip over a shower threshold. These problems are heightened if it’s a senior citizen using it, as they are much more susceptible to a fall. According to the CDC, approximately 80% of all bathroom injuries were caused by falls, with the highest injury rates in the oldest age groups. If you’re living with a senior, or are older yourself, make sure you follow these tips to ensure the safest environment.
Assess The Bathtub
A primary cause when it comes to injury here, the bathtub is an important, yet dangerous part of the room. One can easily suffer a fall trying to navigate in and out of it. You need to make sure it’s functional, but the goal is to have incredible accessibility as well. Especially for seniors, easily entering and exiting the tub is key. That’s why a walk in bathtub might be the best way to go. A walk-in bathtub is closer to the ground, and sometimes they even have a small door to go through. It comes with a seat built in, so there’s no worry about standing for too long or even slipping.
Lighting
It might not be the case with everyone, but senior citizens may have difficulty with their vision, as it could be impaired. You need to make sure you have strong lighting to offset this possibility. Stronger, more consistent lighting will minimize any and all risk.
Grab Bars
Installing grab bars is a must, as it will provide more support if any slips occur. However, you need to make sure the bar can support a heavier amount of weight. If a senior is falling and grabs on, most of their body weight will be transferred to the bar. You don’t want a flimsy grab bar that may not be able to withstand the force. Grab bars can be placed in the shower, tub, and even against the walls of the bathroom.
Looking To Upgrade To A Senior Friendly Bathroom? Contact Albaugh & Sons!
If you are looking for a Senior Friendly bathroom or a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Frederick, you’ve come to the right place! Please contact Albaugh & Sons at 301-964-9379 or fill out the contact form found on our website. We are based in Frederick, Maryland and service all of Frederick County and parts of Washington and Carroll counties.
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