Personal independence and safety are big issues and the bathroom
is probably the most challenging area of your house. We’ve all heard
horror stories about slipping in the bathtub and know that this is one
of the most treacherous areas. No matter how you fall you are bound to
hit something very hard and very solid.
Bathrooms are traditionally on the small side, which makes it hard to
come up with an actual change in design without some pretty major
modifications. However, with careful planning and through the use of
some interesting new products and you can make some small changes that
can promote safety and independence in this frequently used room of
your house.
Flooring: Make sure that the bathroom flooring is level and non-slip.
You can brush a slip resistant glaze on existing ceramic tiles or
consider replacing them with a matt surface mosaic tile or vinyl and
cork materials that are non-slip and glare free. You probably already
have non-slip decals in your tub and shower area. If you are using an
area room rug in your bathroom be sure that it has a good rubber
backing to prevent slips and falls for people with vision and mobility
issues.
Toilet: A standard toilet is too low for people with limited joint or
leg strength or for a person transferring from a wheelchair. This can
be remedied by something as simple as a height adapter that snaps onto
a toilet to raise the seat. Some models have a grab bar feature. Toilet
models such as a wall-hung toilet provides more space for approach and
transfers if you are using a walker or wheelchair. Adjustable lift
seats and adjustable height toilets are available, a bidet is a feature
that can help promote personal hygiene and last but not least one of
the most practical and appreciated modifications is the installation of
grab bars around the toilet.
Sinks and Vanities: Protect people with slower reflexes by installing
scald-guards and volume control devices on all bathroom faucets.
Replace double handled faucets with a single lever style, as they are
easier to use if you have limited arm or hand strength. A pullout spray
nozzle makes it easier to shampoo hair without getting into the tub or
shower. Cabinets and counters, as in your kitchen remodel, are
available with easy to manipulate cabinet knobs or magnetic touch
latches. Investigate the idea of pull down or wall mounted cabinets to
bring items within reach or at least position cabinets to minimize
reaching. For wheelchair access you can install a sink that is
shallower toward the front and deeper at the drain end, making sure
that the drain plug is accessible and easy to use. Install roll out
base cabinets to increase the space underneath or fold away doors.
Position the sink close to the front of the vanity so that it doesn’t
require a lot of reaching to access everything. It is also possible to
mount the faucet controls at the side of the sink instead of at the
back.
Electrical: Install glare-free and bright lights above the vanity and
shower area to ensure good lighting for those with vision problems. A
telephone can be installed near the shower for emergency calls to a
family member in the event of a fall. Motion sensor or light sensor
nightlights can make for safer bathroom visits. A fan with a heating
unit can be used to reduce moisture, eliminate slippery bathroom
flooring and provide warmth for bathing. Standard outlets can be
replaced with ground-fault circuit-interrupters to protect people from
electrical shocks.
Showers and Tubs: Install grab bars around and in shower stalls and
tubs to give something to hang on to when maneuvering in a slippery
area. You can purchase read-to-us tub and shower seats to eliminate
standing on slippery surface. An adjustable showerhead mounted on a
slide bar is a feature that allows seated bathers access to the spray
from a comfortable height. A hand-held variety provides additional
options. When remodeling your bathroom consider a side-access door
bathtub for easy entry into the tub. Even better, in my opinion, is a
stand-alone shower with a pull-down seat and a handheld showerhead.
Shower stalls can also be designed to use without a door or curtain to
offer easier access.
Doors: Reverse the door hinges so that that doors open out instead of
into a room. People often fall in front of a door and if the door opens
into the room it is very difficult for a rescuer to have access to the
room without breaking down the door. For wheel chair and walker access
doors need to be widened to 32 to 36 inches, or replace a standard door
with a pocket door to allow easier access.
Source: The Accessible Home by Nancy Baldrica of Creative Publishing International
I’ve been reading your blog recently and your posts have been very useful and informative.Your bathroom renovation should be a long term investment therefore you need to take the decision wisely. It's also very important to note that using non-slip floors is highly recommended to avoid any accidents. Thanks for sharing this post. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Carl Cantrell | December 28, 2014 at 08:38 PM