When Seniors make plans to age in place in the home that they love, they want to do so on their own terms and with their dignity still intact. Having a safe and accessible bathroom allows them to do just that, but it is so important to find a company that knows how to make a bathroom safe for seniors.
When planning out a bathroom for a senior, it is important to take into account the following:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Medical Equipment
- Unsteady Balance
Falls are the #1 cause of ER visits among older adults and, unfortunately, the bathroom creates a lot of opportunities for a serious one. Think about how many times a day you raise up and down to use the toilet, or step in and out of a slippery shower. This creates a lot of situations that could result in a fall. Creating a bathroom that has prioritized eliminating as many of these hazards and risks is a must!
When a bathroom isn't laid out with accessibility in mind, that bathroom can become a burden and a hazard. Contractors and builders who aren't specialized in accessibility can actually do more harm than good if the bathroom is not remodeled the way it needs to be. A bathroom that is ideal for seniors has wide doorways for assistance devices, grab bars for additional support, an easy entry shower, taller toilets and raised vanities. All of these safety features allow for less bending, stooping, stepping over, etc.
If you are planning to age in place, the time to begin planning is now. Make a list of the dangerous areas of your bathroom that will be a problem in the future. Put together a budget and begin saving for the projects that will need to be completed so that you can safely age in the home that you love.
When the time comes for you to remodel your bathroom, make sure to give LiveWell Mobility a call! Our Accessibility Consultants can help you navigate through the process of designing and implementing your perfect, accessible bathroom! Our team of aging in place experts would love to meet with you and help to make your aging in place dreams come true!
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