Grandmas and Grandpas provide great memories of time spent with the family. Their love and affection go unmatched when it comes to grandchildren and no one can come close to the amount of spoiling they can do. Caring for seniors, especially our loved ones is at the top of our priority list to ensure their well being and safety. As our elderly relatives grow older, they can begin to experience difficult obstacles. More than one in three seniors over the age of sixty five fall each year, and eighty percent of those falls occur in the bathroom. Bathrooms are a more risky area of the home with their slippery and unforgiving surfaces.
Lever Style Hardware: Door Knobs and Faucets
There are some simple changes that can be made in the bathroom to make it easier on seniors and eliminate the possibility of a slip or a fall that could possible end up as a significant injury. Turning a door knob does not seem like a difficult task, however for those who suffer from arthritis, it can be a painful chore. Replacing round door knobs with lever style hardware will make opening and closing the door much easier for someone who is struggling with arthritis. Lever style hardware is also helpful when it comes to faucets as well. Turning the water off and on will require less effort with lever style hardware.
Slip Resistant Floors
Slippery floor surfaces are an obvious hazard that can be easily transformed by putting down a non slip mat. All of the floors should be made slip resistant for a senior citizen who is prone to slips and falls. However, trips are just as dangerous as slips, so be sure to eliminate any chance of a trip by getting rid of any unnecessary obstacles. Reducing the threshold height in the floor in doorway transitions will help reduce the chance of a trip. It is also important to make sure every area of the bathroom is well lit, making it easy to see anything that might be in the way and cause a fall.
Shower Grab Bars
When it comes to bathing, a popular addition to a shower is a grab bar, and although these are a great safety feature to put into a shower, they will not solve the problem completely. Consider adding grab bars not only in the shower, but also near the toilet and sink areas. Having something to hold onto in all areas of the bathroom will help in avoiding the possibility of falling down. In the shower, it is also a great idea to install a hand-held shower head. It is much easier for someone with limited mobility to use rather than a fixed shower head. Take the initiative when keeping your seniors safe and remodel their bathroom so a fall or trip is less likely to occur. Call Orsack Plumbing Company to take care of all your bathroom remodeling needs.
