Adapting Home Environments: Creating a Senior-Friendly Bathroom
The National Institute on Aging reports that most falls among seniors at home occur in the bathroom. If you are an adult child caring for an aging parent, making sure their bathroom is safe is a crucial step in helping them maintain their independence. The majority of bathrooms are usually smaller spaces. It’s easy for seniors and their families to overlook this room when they evaluate the home for safety and fall prevention. However, with a quick scan, the bathroom can be transformed from a hazardous room to a much safer place for seniors. Below are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when creating a senior-friendly bathroom.
Check Temperatures
Seniors are often less sensitive to temperature changes in water compared to younger people. They also have slower reaction times, making a hot faucet dangerous. Families should ensure that their loved one’s water heater is set to a safe temperature to prevent accidental scalding. Professional plumbers, like Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc., recommend adjusting the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also consider installing anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads to keep things safe and cozy.
Adjust Lighting
Adjusting the lighting in the bathroom is another way families can create a senior-friendly bathroom. Proper lighting helps seniors see properly and can reduce the risk of falls. Replace dim bulbs with brighter LED bulbs. Add nightlights around pathways to the bathroom and in the bathroom to aid your loved one during nighttime bathroom trips. Motion-sensor lights are a great choice since they illuminate the room instantly, eliminating the need for your loved one to locate a light switch in the dark.
Inspect Bath Mats
Most families of aging loved ones know that rugs are a fall hazard for many seniors. However, they often neglect to inspect the bathmats in the bathrooms. A simple slip in the bathroom can lead to serious injuries for seniors. Examine your loved one’s bathmats and swap out any loose or fraying rugs for non-slip ones. Explore non-slip stickers or textured tiles for the shower floor to add better traction. Encourage your loved one to pick up the bathmat after using the shower so that it doesn’t become a fall hazard when it’s not in use.
Consider Adaptations
Lastly, small adaptations can go a long way toward creating a senior-friendly bathroom and even prolong your loved one’s independence. Grab bars are a great addition around the toilet and shower. A raised toilet seat can make it easier for your loved one to get up and down, and it can also help prevent lower back pain for family caregivers who are assisting. Shower chairs can help ensure your loved one remains steady while bathing, and tub transfer benches can make entering and exiting the tub a safer process. Many Midlothian hardware stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, offer senior safety products where families can purchase adaptive equipment and other bathroom essentials, such as nightlights and non-slip mats.
Other Local Resources
Families in need of help with senior-friendly home modifications can find further assistance through the following organizations:
Senior Connections – provides various resources and support for older adults and their caregivers, including connecting you with home modification services, safety providers, and financial assistance options.
Chesterfield County Aging and Disability Services – also provides resources for home modifications to help seniors age in place. They can also connect you with local occupational therapists who specialize in home safety for seniors.
Rebuilding Together Richmond – is a non-profit organization that offers free or low-cost home modifications for low-income seniors in the Richmond area. They can assist with installing grab bars, ramps, non-slip flooring, and more.
How Visiting Angels Midlothian Can Help
At Visiting Angels Midlothian, we believe that creating a safe environment at home is an ongoing process. We also recognize that sometimes families need extra support. We’re here to help with personalized, non-medical home care services that focus on keeping your loved one safe and comfortable right in their own home. Whether it’s assisting with bathing, mobility, or simply providing warm, friendly companionship, we’re here to ensure your aging loved one feels secure and supported every day. To learn more, please contact us by calling 804-423-6500.