According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “each year, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.” Ensuring you have a safe bathroom space for the senior in your life can help prevent and slip and fall accident, and serious injury. Tundraland has helped many Wisconsin families and homeowners create functional, beautiful spaces with safety in mind that allow seniors to stay in their own homes for longer. Take these tips from the Tundraland team for improving bathroom accessibility for seniors:

Affix safety bars:

Safety bars in key areas of the room are an important element of a safe bathroom space. The U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that towel racks should not be used as substitutes for grab bars, as they are not intended to support much weight. Instead, find safety bars specifically made to withstand large amounts of pressure from different angles. Safety bars allow seniors to maintain some independence in the bathroom, without needing help to get into and out of the tub or shower.

Install a walk-in shower:

Like walk-in showers are an easily accessible bathroom option with a host of added benefits for seniors. Aside from ADA compliancy, walk-in showers from Tundraland feature:

Multiple seating options
Safety grab bars
Non-slip, textured surfaces with a lifetime warranty
Optional doors

Use anti-slip mats:

Make sure slippery surfaces or areas exposed to moisture have anti-slip mats, including along the shower or bath floor. Bathroom tiles can be particularly slippery, especially when wet. While this is a great tip for all bathrooms, it can be especially important for seniors looking to improve their balance and steadiness getting into and out of baths and showers.

Set up a hand-held showerhead:

Hand-held showerheads are convenient for any user, especially for those with limited mobility or reach. They provide added control and flexibility and often include secure grips and adjustable settings. This is a great bathroom update for seniors who may need a more tailored shower experience.

Store items in easy reach:

While storing towels on the top shelf or cleaning supplies below the sink seems like an out-of-the-way organization strategy, it can be difficult for the senior in your life to access these hard to reach items. Instead, find storage alternatives at eye or torso level, to make them easily accessible.

Consider automatic sinks:

While sink handles aren’t exactly the picture of danger, they are often difficult to use for those with weak joints and muscles. Automatic, motion-censored faucets are an easy-to-use small fix that adds to the comfort and usability of the room.

Creating functional, beautiful spaces for Wisconsin homeowners, and letting our neighbors age in place and stay at their own homes for as long as possible is commitment top priority at Tundraland. If you have questions about making your bathroom a safer place for the senior in your life, don’t hesitate to contact a Tundraland representative. Browse through the bathroom remodeling services on our website to learn more about how we can help you.