Growing older is a blessing. It means you’ve been given more time on this earth to enjoy life. But, it also comes with its own set of challenges that affects you not just physically and mentally, but also things like where you can call home. This is because wherever you choose to stay, your needs have to be accommodated whether it’s an assisted living facility or your child’s apartment.
The bathroom is one room in particular that poses difficulties with age. Here are a few tips on how to make any bathroom more senior-friendly.
Install Grab Rails
Do you have trouble getting in and out of the tub or standing up from the toilet? Joint muscles, biceps, thigh muscles, etc weaken with age.
Installing grab rails in strategic places around the bathroom will provide support as you move about, giving you the confidence to do things on your own without feeling like you’re going to fall.
They can be placed next to the toilet, in the tub/shower, and even outside the bathroom door.
There are all sorts of different grab rails on the market. You can find different angles and even ones that are padded for extra comfort.
Add a Handheld Showerhead
A handheld showerhead is a great addition to any bathroom, but it’s especially helpful for seniors. You likely have trouble bending over or standing for long periods, and a handheld showerhead will make showering much easier.
For example, you can direct the water spray exactly where you need it so that there’s no need to strain to reach certain parts of your body. You can also control the water pressure and temperature much easier than with a traditional showerhead.
There are different types of handheld showerheads on the market – such as ones that attach to your existing showerhead or ones that come with their own hose.
Add More Lighting
Old age plus screen addiction among the elderly equals bad eyesight. If you find yourself squinting to see anything in your bathroom, it‘s time to add some more lighting.
Start by adding a light above the sink and/or the toilet. You can also install lights in cabinets or shelves to help you see better when rummaging through them. And, if you have a lot of items in your bathroom, consider adding a night light in a central position so you can see where you’re going if you need to get up in the middle of the night.
There are generally three basic types of lighting you get to choose from. Ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting.
Making any bathroom more senior-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Even a few simple changes can make a big difference in your comfort and safety. So, start implementing some of these changes today!
