Minimizing falls is a major priority for seniors, and investing in bathroom aids is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent falls in a very high-risk area of the home.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, falls account for more than half of all injuries among Canadians aged 65 years and over, and nearly half of all injuries among seniors take place at home, with the bathroom and stairs proving to be particularly dangerous areas.

Hence, it goes without saying that it is extremely important that both seniors aging in place AND their caregivers take the necessary safety measures to ensure that their bathroom is senior-friendly. Here we take a look at three of the most basic bathroom aids for seniors that should form part of every senior’s bathroom.

For more information on other bathroom aids, check out our post on grab bars, as well as our guide to creating the perfect senior safe bathroom for just $250.

Bathroom Aids for Seniors: Commodes

A commode can best be described as a movable toilet that does not use running water. The most basic commodes look much like a chair with a toilet seat and a bucket/container underneath, while more complex wheeled models tend to resemble manual wheelchairs. The container underneath a commode can be removed for cleaning after use.

Commodes are a necessary bathroom aid for seniors who are mainly confined to their bed, or who do not have enough strength to walk to their bathroom safely. They can be placed anywhere in the home as they are lightweight and very portable, and they also come with hand rails to help seniors get on and off the seat comfortably.

At Macdonald’s HHC, we stock a variety of standard and wheeled commodes. Our most basic All-in-One Aluminum model is available for $99.99, and features a durable plastic snap-on seat and lid, and plastic arms for extra support. We also offer bariatric commodes by Drive Medical, which feature a 16.5″ deep snap on seat, and fold flat for easy transportation and storage.

We also stock wheeled commodes, such as the H720T4 Glide About, which features four locking swivel casters for easy transportation, and swing-away, detachable and height adjustable footrests and calf straps.

Shower Chairs

Shower chairs are a basic, inexpensive bathroom aid that every senior-friendly bathroom should have. For patients who struggle to stand for prolonged periods of time, shower chairs offer comfort and support at an affordable price. They are slip-resistant, meaning they are completely safe to use on wet tiles and bathroom floors, and also offer seniors something extra to grab on to when standing in the shower. Shower chairs are made to fit in most standard showers and bathtubs.

We stock a full range of bath seats including the Drive Medical Adjustable Height Shower Chair. They are easy to assemble, and feature an aluminum lightweight frame and backrest, 7 height adjustments in 1 inch increments, and non-marring rubber tips for added safety. These chairs are available for $64.99

For patients that require extra care and assistance while showering or bathing, we suggest investing in something a little more complex such as the Linido combined tilting shower and toilet chair. It features independent swivel armrests and an ergonomic shape, four stainless steel double braked castors, a hinged soft toilet seat with an open front for patients requiring assistance when going to the bathroom, and the ability to tilt the chair upwards a full 30º (operated by a gas spring).

Raised Toilet Seats

Last on our list of must-have bathroom aids for seniors are raised toilet seats. Getting on and off the toilet can be a challenge for the elderly, and raised toilet seats provide that little extra support to make the experience of using the toilet a bit easier.

We stock a variety of raised toilets seats made by a variety of manufacturers. Drive Medical offer seats that come in three fixed elevated sizes (2”, 4”, or 6”), and easily attach to your existing toilet, as well as a 5” raised seat with lock and arms. The Aquatec A900 is a more complex model that is both height and angle adjustable, and also features arms for extra support when getting on and off the toilet.

With slippery floors and a lack of stable things to grab on to, bathrooms are a major hazard for anyone, let alone seniors. Getting in and out of the shower or tub can be extremely difficult for patients with decreased mobility and flexibility, and even basic tasks such as getting on and off the toilet or moving around the bathroom can become difficult with age. Investing in the right bathroom aids can make aging in place a much more comfrotable experience, and allows seniors to remain independent and self-sufficient for longer.
Minimizing falls is a major priority for seniors, and investing in bathroom aids is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent falls in a very high-risk area of the home.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, falls account for more than half of all injuries among Canadians aged 65 years and over, and nearly half of all injuries among seniors take place at home, with the bathroom and stairs proving to be particularly dangerous areas.

Hence, it goes without saying that it is extremely important that both seniors aging in place AND their caregivers take the necessary safety measures to ensure that their bathroom is senior-friendly. Here we take a look at three of the most basic bathroom aids for seniors that should form part of every senior’s bathroom.

For more information on other bathroom aids, check out our post on grab bars, as well as our guide to creating the perfect senior safe bathroom for just $250.