Image courtesy of www.101mobility.com

According to research carried out by the National Institute of Aging (NIA), 1 in 3 seniors over the age of 65 suffer a fall every year, with 80% of these accidents occurring in the bathroom. With their slippery surfaces, cluttered walking paths and lack of hand grips, bathrooms are hazardous environments for any individual, and especially so for those who suffer from reduced vision, strength, and coordination.

Luckily, equipping your bathroom with safety modifications can go a long way towards reducing hazards and ensuring senior bathroom safety. Here, we take a look at seven must-have bathroom accessories for the elderly, including grab bars, handrails and a range of other items. To protect yourself and those you care about, make sure you follow these seven tips for creating a senior-friendly bathroom.

Grab Bars

Grab bars are simple, cost-effective bathroom aids that are designed to help the elderly enter and exit bathtubs, showers, and other bathroom installations safely. There are a number of grab bars and tub rails on the market that can be custom fitted to suit your bathroom. Unlike unstable surfaces such as sink edges, towel racks, or toilet tank lids, grab bars are built to support the weight of a person and come with non-skid traction surfaces that provides added grip. In addition, grab bars can be installed on a range of different surfaces or at specific heights and angles to suit your individual needs.

If you’re in the market for a grab bar for your senior-friendly bathroom, Healthcraft’s Easy Mount™ Flange is a great choice. This sturdy, long-lasting grab bar aid is fitted with special grab fasteners and anchors that can be mounted on any type of surface, while its durable stainless steel body is rust-free and easy to clean. With a product weight capacity of 400 lbs, this grab bar is a more than adequate option for use in most senior-friendly homes.

If you’re looking for a handrail that provides ample wall clearance, be sure to check out the Rotating Flange. Available in lengths ranging from 12 to 32 inches, these bathroom aids come with a non-slip knurled chrome finish, and are the perfect bathroom accessories for the elderly.

Tub Grab Bars

For help stepping in and out of the bath, a Molded Bi-Level Tub Grab Bar is one of the best options available. This device acts as a large support for close control and safety, and can be adjusted to fit most bathtub edges. Made of durable reinforced plastic, this tub bar’s stainless steel locking mechanism and anti-skid surface represent a guarantee of safety and style.

For more information on installation rates, grab bars, or how to set up your senior-friendly bathroom today, feel free to click here.

Transfer Benches

Like grab bars, transfer benches are a key element of any senior safe bathroom. Those with reduced mobility use transfer benches to access bathtubs by moving sideways along the bench and into the tub. Transfer benches allow patients with reduced mobility to bathe independently, and can help caregivers move patients safely into position. Remember, bathtub surfaces are both extremely slippery and hard, which means that the slightest slip can cause serious injury to seniors.

Dana Douglas’ Modular Bath Transfer Bench is a great entry-level transfer option and is ideal for mobile patients. Completely modular, this bathroom aid can accommodate users of all sizes and weights. Designed with safety in mind, its drainage holes facilitate cleaning, boost traction, and prevent water from collecting on the surface. At just $187.99, this device represents the perfect addition to your senior-friendly bathroom.

Drive Medical’s Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench is an invaluable piece of bathroom mobility equipment for wheelchair-bound and caregiver-dependent patients. Unlike the above modular model, this bench slides sideways along its frame and comes with a seat belt to ensure safe transfers. In addition, this safety mobile device is foldable and easy to transport, and is fitted with a net to prevent slips which can occur while picking up shower accessories.

For more information about grab bars and bathroom safety, contact Evan. He’ll be happy to assist you with all your questions.

Bath Lifts

While transfer benches are suitable for those with intermediate mobility and strength, bath lifts cater to the needs of patients who require added bathing support. These motor-driven devices lift your body from underneath, helping you maneuver into and out of the bathtub.

Bellavita’s Bath Lift is the perfect bathroom accessory for the elderly, and is designed to function in both standard and deep bathtubs. With a comfortable padded backrest and seat and waterproof controls, seniors can ease themselves into position and truly enjoy their bathing experience. Lightweight and easy to assemble, Bellavita’s bath lift comes with washable hygienic covers and an anti-slip base, and is the perfect addition to your senior-friendly bathroom.

If you’re looking for added security and protection during your bathing experience, Aguatec’s Special Reclining Bath is a great option. Its special laterals are designed with user safety in mind and its 2 ½ in. seat sets the industry standard for performance and functionality.

Raised Toilet Seats

Raising the toilet seat height is an easy way to improve bathroom safety.  Luckily, there are a range of raised toilet seats available that are the perfect additions to the senior-friendly bathroom. These bathroom accessories help keep the knees straight and stable, and are designed to help prevent falls and assist those who have difficulty sitting down or standing up.

Installing an elevated toilet seat is easy and convenient, and can make any standard toilet accessible for seniors. Seat risers come in different sizes and models to accommodate all kinds of users, so make sure you chose the right fit for you.

The Hinged Toilet Seat Riser’s easy-to-remove design makes it a great option for patients who put a premium on portability. Lightweight and durable, hinged toilet seat risers are wonderful entry-level devices. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, Drive Medical’s Toilet Elevator represents a step up in performance and style, and includes removable arms with rubberized grips for added support and control. This bathroom aid is easy to remove and clean, and can support up to 300 lbs, making it a great option a wide range of users.

Shower Chairs

Shower Chairs are an important element of aging-in-place technology, and one of the most cost-effective bathroom accessories for the elderly. These devices can be placed in showers or bathtubs, and help facilitate bathing care by trained professionals.

For a simple yet sturdy all-around bathing aid, be sure to take a look at Drive Medical’s Adjustable Height Bath Stool. Its rubber-tipped four-legged base provides stability and balance, and can be used on both flat and curved surfaces. Available in white, yellow, teal and blue, the Height Bath Stool is aluminum built and designed to provide both strength and portability.

Invacare’s Padded Vinyl Shower Chair, a more upscale option, offers first-rate support and comfort during the bathing experience. This bathroom aid boasts a range of cutting-edge design features, including a padded open-cell backrest, non-marring rubber tips, and a sophisticated height-adjustment system, and is perfect for those who put a premium on comfort.

Click here if you’re seeking to create a senior safe bathroom, or are interested in other bathroom aids for bathing and general hygiene.

Bathroom Accessories for the Elderly

There are a number of bathroom accessories on the market that are designed to improve home safety and help create a senior-friendly bathroom.

Portable bath steps are the perfect solution for patients with strong mobility, who need added support getting in and out of a bathtub. With their modular design and height adjustment systems, bath steps can be stacked together to create a stepped non-slip platform.

Needless to say, it’s also a good idea to install non-slip bath mats in front of your shower, sink and toilet. These slip-proof bathroom aids provide safety and security in wet conditions, and can be affixed to all kinds of surfaces. Mold-resistant and easy to clean, bathroom mats are an essential part of the senior-friendly bathroom.

For more information about grab bars and bathroom safety, contact Evan. He’ll be happy to assist you with all your questions.

Tags: bath lifts bath transfer bench bathroom accessories for the elderly bathroom safety grab bars handrails senior-friendly bathroom tub grab bars tub rails