The bathroom can be a hazardous place for any person, but for older individuals, who just are not as steady on their feet as they once had been, they can be especially harmful. A carefully planned bathroom remodel can remove several of these dangers, enable older persons to retain their sense of independence and give loved ones a little additional piece of mind. Here are a few straightforward ways you can make the bathroom safer :
Walk in Bathtubs
Climbing out of the bathtub onto a wet floor can result in a slip and fall accident no matter what your age, but such falls can be life threatening for some seniors. A walk-in bath tub is the solution of option for many. Watertight doors permit effortless access and minimize tripping dangers. Walk-in bath tubs come in all shapes and sizes and the higher end models feature all the exact same bells and whistles as a “regular” luxury bath tub, including whirlpool and water jet features. Some walk-in bath tubs also come with an electronically powered bath seat that makes obtaining in and out of the tub even less complicated. Consult a bathroom remodeling specialist to locate out which options will not only fit your requirements but your budget as well.
Transfer Benches
A transfer bench is a removable option to a walk in bathtub. A transfer bench is affixed to one side of a tub and the user then sits on the seat and either slides or swivels into the tub. It is obviously essential that a transfer bench can manage the weight of anybody who will be making use of it, so shop carefully. Most standard transfer benches can only safely support a individual who weighs 250 pounds or under, so if the individual you are shopping for is a little heavier, ask to see what are recognized as bariatric models.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are useful for anyone, not just those who are elderly. For maximum safety grab bars ought to be installed in multiple locations around the bathroom, not just in the tub or shower. Installing grab bars does not have to detract from the look of a well designed bathroom, as these days they can be discovered in designer colors and finishes and can even be purchased to match a fancy new faucet.
Wider Doors
If you are undertaking a bathroom remodeling project in a house where an elderly or infirm individual lives, now may possibly be a excellent time to contemplate widening the door a little. Even if your loved ones are not presently making use of a wheelchair to assist them get around, that might extremely well occur somewhere down the line. Addressing the concern now will save having to pay for a second bathroom remodel in the future. For even easier bathroom access, think about replacing your conventional bathroom door with a sliding version.
Despite the fact that you can undertake such a remodeling project your self, a excellent bathroom remodeling contractor can aid you plan, design and create a bathroom that will permit an older person to retain their sense of independence and dignity in the bathroom without sacrificing style or comfort.