Senior Bathroom Modification is Vital
The very homes that we know and love can actually become dangerous as we age. Slips and falls in the home are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults and can lead to broken hips and worse. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home making an elderly shower modification vital to keeping the area safe. While other improvements may also be needed to make the room truly safe, let’s take a look at 3 steps you can take to create an elderly shower that minimizes injury and improves mobility.
Step 1: Install Slip-Proof Flooring in Shower
Slip-proof flooring is designed to both provide more traction while in the shower and a must have for any senior bath modification. Most slip-proof flooring includes firm yet pliable rubber-like nubs or grooves that are elevated to make contact with your skin above any water that might be pooling below. While not a perfect substitute, they are also smaller slip-proof mats that can be used both in the shower area and also on the bathroom floor itself adjacent to the tub or shower.
Step 2: Install a Shower Chair
A shower chair is a very good idea for any senior bath renovation project. In senior showers, the chair can provide a place to rest for those with trouble standing for long periods of time. In addition, for seniors with balancing issues, the chair can provide much-needed support. It is important to properly install the shower chair so that is secure and doesn’t move when in use.
Step 3: Install Hand Rails in Elderly Shower Area
Water greatly reduces friction in the shower area making hand rails absolutely vital to senior safety. Rails should be installed both in the senior shower itself and ideally on an adjacent wall. Even in showers with a senior chair, the rails are there to provide support getting into and out of the area. It is very important for the rails to be completely secured to the shower and the wall studs behind the fixture to prevent slippage and injury.
Concluding Thoughts on Elderly Shower Safety
Elderly bathroom modification prevents falls and injuries. Installing just a few simple safety features dramatically reduces the risk of seniors falling while preserving dignity. Follow the simple steps in this guide to make any shower area safe for seniors but be careful: Improper installation can greatly increase the risk and eliminate the benefit of the safety device.
Accessable Bathrooms is Perth’s exclusive senior bathroom renovation specialists and all projects begin with a free, no-obligation audit and 3D plan of your completed bathroom.