The National Institute on Aging estimates that one in three Americans over the age of 65 suffer fall injuries each year. Nearly 80% of these falls occur in the bathroom. Fortunately, it’s possible to reduce the number of accidents by improving bathroom accessibility and removing potential hazards. Here’s what you need to know.
Things To Take Into Account for Setting up a Safe Bathroom for an Elderly Person
When designing a bathroom for an elderly person, there are many elements to keep in mind, the most important ones being wet floors and accessibility.
Wet floors
Wet floors are a major bathroom hazard for the elderly. Older adults who have mobility and balance issues can easily slip and suffer serious injuries.
Accessibility
An essential element to consider when remodeling a bathroom for seniors is whether it is easily accessible for a wheelchair or another mobility device. A well-designed and spacious bathroom also allows better movement and prevents falls and injuries from bumping into furniture.
Read on to learn how introducing some simple changes can make the bathroom a safer place for the elderly.
Bathroom Access
It is crucial that the bathroom used by seniors is easy to access. Additionally, the space and in particular the floor should be free from clutter, loose rugs, and other hazards that may cause tripping and injuries.
Lighting
Good lighting is vital for the elderly. Bright lights in the bathroom and nightlights installed on the path to the bathroom will enable your loved one to see any obstacles and avoid accidents.
Bathroom Doors
Wheelchair accessibility is among the most important elements to keep in mind when designing a bathroom for elderly users. You need to make sure that the senior can easily open and close the bathroom door. Outward-swinging doors are a better option than inward-swinging ones. They allow for easier access of emergency personnel or a caregiver in the case your loved one falls against them.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), wheelchair-accessible doorways must be at least 32 inches wide.
Sliding doors
Whenever possible, you should choose sliding doors for the bathroom. Sliding doors allow easier access, but also a better use of space and more freedom when it comes to the bathroom design.
Doorknobs
Lever knobs are simpler to use than twist knobs, especially for older adults who suffer from arm and wrist-related issues such as arthritis.
Locks
Removing locks from bathroom doors can make access easier for a caregiver in case of an emergency.
Bathroom Floors
When choosing bathroom flooring, prioritize materials that minimize the risk of slipping. For the elderly with coordination and balance issues, even a dry bathroom floor can be dangerous.
Materials
The bathroom floor should ideally be made of a non-slip material, such as ceramic, cementitious boards, epoxy, or rubberized flooring.
Rugs are not a good choice for bathrooms for seniors. If you must use a rug, make sure that it has a rubber backing. Alternatively, you can use rug tape to hold the rug in place.
Color
It is highly recommended to choose contrasting colors for the walls and flooring in bathrooms used by the elderly. The contrast will make the space easier to navigate, avoid confusion, and minimize visibility-related accidents.
Non-slip mats
Falls in the elderly often occur while they are stepping out of the shower or tub. Always place a non-slip mat on the bathroom floor to keep it dry. Avoid putting towels on the floor as they can slide or become tangled, increasing the risk of a fall.
For shower floors, you should opt for clear, non-slip treatment instead of stick-on products which can come off or become slippery.
Toilets for the Elderly
One of the most common bathroom hazards for seniors with joint and mobility issues is toilet seats which are typically lower than standard seating. Choosing toilets that are close to regular chair height will make sitting down and standing up much easier. The ideal height of a toilet for the elderly is between 17 and 19 inches from the floor.
Toilet risers
Toilet risers are an affordable alternative to buying a new toilet, as they can be attached to an existing toilet. They raise the seat height by up to four inches, making it easier for seniors to sit down and get up.
Toilet grab bars
To facilitate access to the toilet and reduce the risk of falls, consider installing grab bars. You can attach them either to the wall or to the toilet and a free-standing frame.
Safety
Make sure that the toilet is securely installed on the floor and the wall. Otherwise, it could wobble or even break, creating a hazard for a senior user.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are an essential element in any bathroom with elderly users. They improve accessibility and stability, especially in areas where there’s lots of movement. Grab bars can be mounted next to the toilet, sink, shower, bathtub, or any other place where the senior might need some extra support.
Grab bars are best suited for individuals with good upper-body strength who can grip them while standing or moving.
Materials
Grab bars should be slip-resistant and have a textured grip, which makes them easier to hold securely even with wet hands. You can also add thin, flexible high-grip tape to the bar to provide a more secure hold.
Color
Most grab bars are white or have a chrome finish to blend in with the bathroom. But for the elderly with poor eyesight, it may be safer to have bars that are easy to see. Ideally, they should be in a color that’s different from the wall.
Safety
Make sure that grab bars are tightly secured to the wall and avoid the ones attached with suction cups. They can easily come loose and slide down the shower wall, increasing the risk of injury.
Faucets
Some faucet handles can be difficult to grip and turn for the elderly with arthritis. The best faucet option is a motion-sensing one that limits the amount of movement and effort needed. It can help prevent losing balance when turning the water on and off.
Water temperature
Consider reducing your water heater’s thermostat to minimize the risk of scalding.
Shower Box
Showers pose a serious fall risk for the elderly. Here are some elements to consider for maximizing shower safety.
Shower size
The shower box in a bathroom used by an elderly person should be large enough for two people and measure at least 60” x 36”. Having enough space in the shower box will enable a caregiver to assist the elderly with bathing and help avoid falls and injuries.
Shower curb
Most showers require stepping over a small curb, which is another mobility barrier for older people. That’s why you should opt for curbless showers. If that is not possible, the curb should have a maximum height of ½ inch.
Showerheads
Installing an additional showerhead may be helpful if the elderly require the assistance of a caregiver for taking a shower.
Shower chair
Shower chairs are a good way to increase the safety and comfort of your loved one who may not be able to stand for extended periods of time. They allow seniors to sit down during a shower and provide more stability. It is important to choose a shower chair that has rubber tips on the legs to prevent it from sliding.
Shower caddy
Essential toiletry items should be easily accessible in the shower. The senior must be able to reach them without having to stretch or bend. You can hang a simple shower caddy over the showerhead or install soap and shampoo dispensers along the shower wall. This will also prevent product bottles from cluttering the shower floor and creating tripping hazards.
Bathtubs
Bathtubs should be avoided in bathrooms for elderly users. They require more movement than shower boxes, in addition to having smooth and concave surfaces that represent a major fall risk. A simple shower box is a much safer option for older adults.
Bathtub grab bars
If you have no other alternative, you can install special grab bars that lock onto the side of the bathtub. This will give the older adult extra support when stepping in and out of the tub.
Sliding transfer benches
Sliding transfer benches are another device that makes it easier for seniors to get into a standard tub.
Walk-in tubs
Walk-in tubs are a pricier option but they are much safer for seniors than regular bathtubs. These tubs have doors, making them easy to enter without having to get one leg over the side of the bath. Some models also feature adjustable bubble jets, special seating, and handrails.
Emergency Buttons
When designing a bathroom for an elderly person, another important safety feature to consider is emergency buttons. They should be placed in a strategic location by the toilet, shower, or sink. If the button is located near the floor, the senior can easily reach it in the case of a fall.